Effectiveness of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment versus Tai Chi on Mobility, Balance, and Pain Alleviation in Elderly Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis
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Abstract
Background: Knee osteoarthritis is a common degenerative joint disorder in older adults, frequently associated with chronic pain, stiffness, impaired mobility, poor balance, reduced gait performance, and functional limitation. Non-pharmacological rehabilitation strategies such as Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment and Tai Chi may offer clinically useful benefits by targeting different mechanisms of impairment. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment and Tai Chi on pain, physical function, mobility, balance, and gait speed in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: A single-blind randomized controlled trial included 60 elderly participants aged 60–80 years with clinically and radiographically confirmed knee osteoarthritis. Participants were allocated equally into Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment, Tai Chi, and standard-care control groups. The intervention groups received 45-minute sessions twice weekly for 12 weeks. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and post-intervention using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Timed Up and Go test, Berg Balance Scale, Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and 10-meter walk test. Results: Both Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment and Tai Chi produced greater improvements than standard care. Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment showed larger descriptive reductions in WOMAC pain, WOMAC function, and Numeric Pain Rating Scale scores, while Tai Chi showed greater descriptive improvements in Timed Up and Go performance, Berg Balance Scale score, and gait speed. Conclusion: Both interventions were effective non-pharmacological approaches for elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis. Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment may be more beneficial for pain and stiffness reduction, whereas Tai Chi may be preferable for improving balance, gait, and functional mobility.
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