NCT03705598 · University of Massachusetts, Boston
Tai Chi Intervention for Geriatric Pain Syndrome
What this study is about
Accumulating evidence supports that more pain, whether measured by number of pain sites or pain severity, is associated with poorer cognitive function and mobility, and fall risk in older persons.
View original scientific description
Accumulating evidence supports that more pain, whether measured by number of pain sites or pain severity, is associated with poorer cognitive function and mobility, and fall risk in older persons. Tai Chi which holistically integrates physical and cognitive functions offers the possibility not only of alleviating pain but also improving attention and mobility in the many older adults who have chronic multisite pain. This proposed full-size randomized controlled Tai Chi trial is a direct extension of the investigators' previous work examining chronic pain, attention demands, mobility and falls in the older population, and is built on the investigators' National Institute on Aging-supported Tai Chi feasibility and acceptability pilot studies among older adults with multisite pain and risk for falls. The goal of this single-blinded randomized controlled trial is to examine the effects of a 24-week Tai Chi intervention on chronic pain, cognition, mobility, fear of falling, and fall rate in older adults with multisite pain and at risk for falls. The results of this study will provide a foundation to establish the clinical significance of Tai Chi in the management of chronic multisite pain and to explore the mechanisms through which Tai Chi improves chronic pain symptoms and lowers fall rate in at-risk older adults.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Light physical exercise
One hour each session, two sessions each week, for 6 months. Each session will be structured into three 15-minute segments (including warm-up activities/balance exercise/walking, upper and lower body strength exercise/walking, and stretching exercise/balance exercise/walking, respectively), each ending with a short break to record the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE), followed by a 5-minute break time or cool-down/wrap-up session. The session will be taught by a certified exercise physiologist and a research assistant.
BEHAVIORAL
Tai Chi
One hour each session, two sessions each week, for 6 months. Each session will be structured into three 15-minute segments (including warm-up activities/balance exercise/breathing exercise, Tai Chi walking drills, and Tai Chi 8-form, respectively), each ending with a short break to record the RPE, and followed by a 5-minute break or cool-down/wrap-up session. The session will be taught by an experienced Tai Chi instructor and a research assistant.
Primary outcome measures
Pain severity
Time frame: 6 months
Pain severity will be assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory.
Pain interference
Time frame: 6 months
Pain interference will be assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory.
Fear of falling
Time frame: 6 months
Fear of falling will be assessed using the Tinetti Falls Efficacy Scale.
Rate of falls
Time frame: 12 months
Rate of falls will be assessed using monthly falls calendar postcards.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- be 65 years or older
- report chronic multisite (≥2 sites) musculoskeletal pain
- have had 1 or more falls in the past year or current use of an assistive device (a cane or walker)
- be able to walk 20 feet without help
- be able to communicate in English
Exclusion criteria
- actively engage in moderate to vigorous exercise for more than 40 min/week
- practiced Tai Chi or other mind-body exercise within the past year, or practiced Tai Chi or other mind-body exercise regularly for at least 3 months within the past 5 years
- have cognitive impairment consistent with dementia (Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) score \< 18 after corrections),
- have a diagnosis of a disease/condition that would interfere with their study participation (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, Parkinson's disease, degenerative neuromuscular disease, unstable cardiac disease, Alzheimer's disease or other dementia, terminal disease)
Where
- Boston, Massachusetts
Collaborators
Brigham and Women's Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Oct 7, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations