About
This study is comparing the effects of a self-directed 12-week online Tai Chi program plus online education with online education alone on knee osteoarthritis symptoms. Participants will be randomly allocated to one of two groups. All participants will be access to online educational information about knee osteoarthritis and its management for 12 weeks. Approximately half of participants (randomly determined by the researchers) will also participate in a 12-week Tai Chi exercise program in their own home using videos on the internet, and engage with a Tai Chi exercise support app.
You might be eligible if you:
- are aged 45+ years;
- have had knee pain for 3 months or longer;
- have had pain in your knee on most days for the past month;
- have access to a computer / laptop / tablet with internet connection;
- can commit to study requirement for 12 weeks, which may include doing an online Tai Chi program in their own home, engaging with an app and/or reading online educational information about osteoarthritis if it forms part of your study treatment program.
MyJoint Tai Chi program was designed and developed by researchers Shiyi Zhu (Julia), Prof Kim Bennell, Prof Rana Hinman, Dr Rachel Nelligan, Alex Kimp at The University of Melbourne. It was also developed by Tai Chi instructors and people with lived experience of osteoarthritis. This project is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council.
Take part in our other research projects
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Mobile app for Knee Osteoarthritis (MappKO)
This study is comparing the effects of physiotherapy versus physiotherapy and a mobile app on knee osteoarthritis symptoms.
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Shoes for Chronic Hip Pain (SCHIPP)
This study is comparing the effects of two classes of readily available off-the-shelf shoes on hip pain and osteoarthritis symptoms.
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Exercise and Weight loss for Knee Pain (POWER)
This study is comparing the effects of exercise versus exercise and weight loss programs on knee osteoarthritis symptoms and weight loss.
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Physiotherapists' Survey: Managing Hip Pain (CHASE)
This study is examining how physiotherapists manage chronic hip pain.
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Athletic footwear for reducing knee loads in girls and women
This study is assessing athletic footwear for reducing knee loads in female netball players.
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Ankle sprains in netball
This study is investigating ankle sprains and chronic ankle instability in netball.
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Shoes for Adolescent Kneecap Pain (SHAPE)
This study is investigating the effects of shoes on kneecap pain in adolescents.
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Online Tai Chi for Knee Osteoarthritis (RETREAT)
This study is comparing the effects of a self-directed 12-week online Tai Chi program plus online education with online education alone on knee osteoarthritis symptoms.