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Effects of Tai Chi on beta endorphin and inflammatory markers in older adults with chronic pain: an exploratory study
You T, Ogawa EF, Thapa S, Cai Y, Yeh GY, Wayne PM, Shi L, Leveille SG
Aging Clinical and Experimental Research 2020 Jul;32(7):1389-1392
clinical trial
5/10 [Eligibility criteria: Yes; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: No; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: No; Adequate follow-up: No; Intention-to-treat analysis: Yes; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the effects of Tai Chi on blood levels of beta endorphin (beta-endorphin) and inflammatory markers in older adults with chronic pain. Forty community-dwelling older adults with chronic pain were randomized to Tai Chi or light physical exercise, and each offered twice weekly for 12 weeks. Following the 12-week intervention, neither Tai Chi nor light physical exercise changed levels of beta-endorphin and inflammatory markers. However, in older adults who completed 70% or more classes, Tai Chi significantly lowered levels of beta-endorphin (p < 0.05), whereas light physical exercise did not change levels of beta-endorphin. The results suggest that Tai Chi may reduce levels of beta-endorphin in older adults with chronic pain. Future studies are needed to better understand the role of the opioid analgesic system and immune system in regulating pain with aging and the long-term effects of Tai Chi on pain-related biomarkers.

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