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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
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
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