To the Editor

The effect of Ai Chi aquatic therapy on individuals with knee osteoarthritis: a pilot study

“…In addition to the water properties, Ai Chi can progressively increase the complexity and diversity of movement on a reducing base of support. Ai Chi involves both closed and open chain movement patterns, the knee OA participant experience weight shifting, partial weight bearing and pivoting on stance leg during the training9 ) . Ai Chi provides metacentric principles demand muscular control with direction changes which facilitate the improvement in knee proprioception and pain9 ) .…”

“…Ai Chi involves both closed and open chain movement patterns, the knee OA participant experience weight shifting, partial weight bearing and pivoting on stance leg during the training9 ) . Ai Chi provides metacentric principles demand muscular control with direction changes which facilitate the improvement in knee proprioception and pain9 ) . Also, Ai Chi focuses on the combination of movement patterns and breathing patterns which helps to relieve muscle activation and spasm.…”

“…Significant improvements in subjective perceptions of knee stiffness were observed, but not in the objective measurements. The characteristics of Ai Chi and the water’s effects may explain the differences Ai Chi involves slow, gentle movements that stretch and move every part of the body9 ) . Buoyancy reduces loading on the knee joints which allows better joint mobility21,22,23 ) .…”

“…Ai Chi is a novel aquatic therapy which combines the tai chi concepts with conventional aquatic therapy techniques9, 12 ) . It involves a total of 19 standardized movement patterns emphasizing the coordination of body movements with breathing patterns.…”