Tai Chi for Arthritis A taster

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Tai Chi for Arthritis A taster
Rani Hughes Accredited Occupational Therapist,
Tai Chi for Health Coordinator Arthritis Victoria
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Over the 30 minutes

• Background to Tai Chi for Arthritis program.
• What does the evidence say?
• Experience some movements together
• Where to from here?

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Background to Tai Chi for Arthritis program.

• Many styles of tai chi available
• Program developed in 1997 by a team experts
• Rationale for selection of style/movements
• Delivery of program

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What does the evidence say?

• Published study
• 1. The Journal of Rheumatology (2003)
• Older women with OA, 12 week session
• Results 35 less pain, 29 less stiffness, 29
  more ability to perform daily tasks (eg. Climbing
  stairs), improved abdominal muscles, better
  balance

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What does the evidence say?

• Unpublished study
• The Central Sydney Tai Chi trial
• (Sydney South West Area Health Promotion Unit)
• 700 participants, 16 week community-based
  program, aged 60yrs, living independently
• Results 35 reduction in falls, 70 reduction in
  multiple falls
• Fostered social interaction

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What does the evidence say?

• MUARC study
• Randomised controlled trial
• 500 participants over 70yrs
• Study commenced in 2006

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What does the evidence say?

• The First International Conference of Tai Chi for
  Health, Korea 2006
• Highlights from conference
• Friday 29 June 6-9pm, Melbourne
• www.arthritisvic.org.au

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Lets try some tai chi !

• .

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Where to from here?

• Tai Chi for Arthritis leader training
• 2 day course
• Eligibility criteria
• Registered Training Organisation
• Kinect Aust (VicFit) PDPs
• Course scheduled
• Bendigo 10-11th November
• www.arthritisvic.org.au

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Contact

• Rani Hughes
• rani_at_arthritisvic.org.au
• Ph [phone]
• www.arthritisvic.org.au