Comparing Tai Chi Chih and Relaxation Therapy in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Phase 2

Completed

• Conditions: Arthritis, Rheumatoid

• Registration Number: NCT00096759
• Lead Sponsor: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of relaxation therapy and tai chi in treating the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Detailed Description

RA is a debilitating disease characterized by inflammation of the joints, leading to chronic pain, loss of function, and disability. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments are being used with increased frequency by patients with chronic pain and rheumatic diseases to relieve their symptoms. While patients find these treatments helpful, there is limited scientific evidence of the effectiveness of these interventions. This study will compare relaxation therapy (a commonly used treatment for RA) to tai chi chih (a combination of slow, deliberate movements and meditation) in treating the symptoms of RA.

Participants will be randomly assigned to receive 12 weeks of either relaxation therapy or tai chi chih. At study entry and Weeks 6 and 12, participants will complete questionnaires about their RA symptoms, health functioning, overall quality of life, and complete a brief medical exam.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2004-11
• Study First Submitted: 2004-11-15
• Study First Submitted QC: 2004-11-15
• Study First Posted: 2004-11-16
• Primary Completion: 2007-08
• Study Completion: 2007-08
• Status Verified: 2013-03
• Last Update Submitted: 2013-03-21
• Last Update Posted: 2013-03-22

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 100

Inclusion Criteria

• Active adult onset rheumatoid arthritis
• Stable on disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or biologic medications
• Able to walk without use of an assistive device
• Resides in greater Los Angeles area
• Willing and able to comply with study requirements

Exclusion Criteria

• Uncontrolled or untreated medical conditions
• Frequent or uncontrolled disease flares
• Use of certain medications any medical condition deemed by the investigators to interfere with either the patient's safe participation or interpretation of the study data

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
RA-related disability
Health functioning

Trial Locations

Locations (2)

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center; 🇺🇸 Los Angeles, California, United States

University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center; 🇺🇸 Los Angeles, California, United States