Tai Chi and neck exercises to relieve chronic neck pain
This study aimed to test the efficacy of Tai Chi for treating chronic neck pain. Subjects with chronic nonspecific neck pain were randomly assigned to 12 weeks of group Tai Chi or conventional neck exercises with weekly sessions of 75 to 90 minutes, or a wait-list control. Altogether, 114 participants were included (91 females). The primary outcome measure was pain intensity. The findings showed that Tai Chi exercises and conventional neck exercises are equally effective in improving pain and quality of life. Since Tai Chi is probably as effective as neck exercises, it may be considered a suitable alternative to conventional exercises for those with a preference toward Tai Chi.
The Journal of Pain (9/2016)
