Yang-style tai chi delivered through unsupervised online videos produced clinically meaningful improvements in knee osteoarthritis symptoms over 12 weeks. The RETREAT trial randomized participants to either educational materials alone or the My Joint Tai Chi program, which combined osteoarthritis information with structured video instruction and adherence-tracking app support. Walking pain decreased by 1.7 points on the 0-10 scale compared to controls, while physical function improved meaningfully on the WOMAC disability index.
This finding addresses a critical gap in osteoarthritis management, where traditional supervised tai chi programs often prove inaccessible due to geographic, scheduling, or mobility constraints. Previous research established tai chi's anti-inflammatory and balance-enhancing properties for joint conditions, but delivery barriers limited real-world implementation. The unsupervised format democratizes access while maintaining therapeutic efficacy, particularly valuable given osteoarthritis affects over 350 million people globally. However, the 12-week timeframe leaves durability questions unanswered, and participant self-selection may limit generalizability to less motivated individuals. The intervention's multimodal approach—combining education, structured movement, and digital support—represents a scalable model for chronic pain management that healthcare systems could readily adopt.
