Tai chi vs. wellness classes: which alters gut bugs in arthritis?

NCT ID NCT05186714

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This completed study compared 12 weeks of Tai Chi to wellness education in 72 adults aged 55+ with knee osteoarthritis. Researchers looked at changes in gut bacteria and joint symptoms. The goal was to gather early data for a future larger trial, not to prove any treatment works.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Tai Chi and wellness education

What this could lead to

If successful, this could help design larger studies to see if mind-body practices like Tai Chi improve osteoarthritis through changes in gut bacteria.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early exploratory study with only 72 participants. It is not designed to prove treatment effectiveness, only to gather preliminary data.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

osteoarthritis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Tufts Medical Center, Rheumatology

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02111, United States