Department of Sport Injuries and Corrective Exercise, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran.
10.22037/SJRM.14.6.3401
Abstract
Background and Aims Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint disorders in elderly women, leading to pain, reduced mobility, and a lower quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to compare the effects of combined yoga–massage exercises and Tai Chi on pain, function, range of motion, and QoL in women with knee osteoarthritis. Methods The study population consisted of women aged 55–65 years. Based on inclusion criteria and with the supervision and diagnosis of an orthopedic specialist, 45 participants were purposefully selected. They were then randomly assigned to three groups: the combined yoga–massage group (n=15), the Tai Chi group (n=15), and the control group (n=15). Those in the control group did not participate in any training and continued their daily activities. After completing informed consent, pre-tests were conducted to assess pain and function using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire, range of motion using a goniometer, and quality of life using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire. The yoga–massage and Tai Chi protocols were performed for eight weeks, with three sessions per week. Data were analyzed using a mixed analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with a significance level of α≤0.05. Results The findings indicated that the combined yoga–massage protocol significantly improved pain, function, range of motion, and quality of life (P≤0.05) in women with knee osteoarthritis compared to the Tai Chi and control groups in the post-test. Conclusion Both yoga–massage and Tai Chi exercises reduced pain, enhanced function, increased range of motion, and improved quality of life in elderly women with knee osteoarthritis compared to the control group; however, yoga–massage exercises were more effective than Tai Chi in achieving these outcomes.
Zarghami, S., Nasser Melli, M. H., & Ganji Namin, B. (2026). Effects of Massage Therapy Combined With Tai-Chi Yoga Exercises on Pain, Function, Range of Motion, and Quality of Life in Women With Knee Osteoarthritis. The Scientific Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 14(6), 940-955. doi: 10.22037/SJRM.14.6.3401
MLA
Sahar Zarghami; Mohammad Hosein Nasser Melli; Behnaz Ganji Namin. "Effects of Massage Therapy Combined With Tai-Chi Yoga Exercises on Pain, Function, Range of Motion, and Quality of Life in Women With Knee Osteoarthritis". The Scientific Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 14, 6, 2026, 940-955. doi: 10.22037/SJRM.14.6.3401
HARVARD
Zarghami, S., Nasser Melli, M. H., Ganji Namin, B. (2026). 'Effects of Massage Therapy Combined With Tai-Chi Yoga Exercises on Pain, Function, Range of Motion, and Quality of Life in Women With Knee Osteoarthritis', The Scientific Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 14(6), pp. 940-955. doi: 10.22037/SJRM.14.6.3401
VANCOUVER
Zarghami, S., Nasser Melli, M. H., Ganji Namin, B. Effects of Massage Therapy Combined With Tai-Chi Yoga Exercises on Pain, Function, Range of Motion, and Quality of Life in Women With Knee Osteoarthritis. The Scientific Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2026; 14(6): 940-955. doi: 10.22037/SJRM.14.6.3401
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