Abstract:

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) refers to a chronic articular disorder characterized by degeneration of the articular cartilage and subsequent osteophytes, resulting in pain, deformity, and functional loss of the knee joint.1 Since the development of KOA cannot be reversed and cured, pain relief and improved function are the main objectives of treatment.2 Previous guidelines provided a core set of non-pharmacological interventions for patients with KOA, including education, weight loss, and exercise.3 Traditional Chinese exercise (TCE) originated from traditional Chinese medicine approximately 3000 years ago including Tai Chi, Baduanjin, Yijinjing, and Wuqinxi, which facilitate musculoskeletal stretching. Recent clinical trials reported that TCE significantly benefited symptoms of KOA, however, the conclusions from current studies have remained controversial. Therefore, the author conducted a meta-analysis of the published literature to examine the efficacy of TCE for Symptoms of KOA.