Tai Chi for older adults with multisite chronic pain and fall risk
Official title: Tai Chi Intervention for Geriatric Pain Syndrome
Run by University of Massachusetts, Boston · NCT03705598 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether a 24-week Tai Chi program helps reduce pain and fall risk in older adults who have multisite pain and have fallen before or use an assistive device.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 266 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Massachusetts, Boston Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 30, 2030 |
| Study ends | July 31, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | October 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03705598 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Older adults aged 65+ with multisite chronic pain, at least one fall or use of an assistive device, able to walk 20 feet and communicate in English.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with significant cognitive impairment, certain neurological or cardiovascular conditions, or recent engagement in Tai Chi or mind-body exercise may not experience benefit or may be excluded from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a single-blinded randomized trial enrolling 266 adults aged 65 and older with multisite musculoskeletal pain and fall risk. Participants are randomized to Tai Chi or light physical exercise for 24 weeks, with outcomes including pain severity and interference, fear of falling, and actual falls during the intervention and follow-up. The study also measures biomarkers related to pain, cognition, gait, physical activity, and sleep at specified timepoints. Primary hypotheses are that Tai Chi will reduce pain and falls, with secondary aims exploring biomarker changes and the relationships between pain symptoms and functional outcomes. The trial builds on prior feasibility work and involves collaboration between the University of Massachusetts Boston and two Brigham and Women’s/Beth Israel facilities in Boston.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, Tai Chi could offer a nonpharmacologic option to lessen pain and reduce fall risk in older adults with multisite pain.
How similar studies have gone: Prior feasibility work suggests Tai Chi is acceptable and feasible in this population, with some evidence pointing to benefits in pain and mobility, though large-scale efficacy data were lacking at the time of this trial.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. be 65 years or older 2. report chronic multisite (≥2 sites) musculoskeletal pain 3. have had 1 or more falls in the past year or current use of an assistive device (a cane or walker) 4. be able to walk 20 feet without help 5. be able to communicate in English Exclusion Criteria: 1. actively engage in moderate to vigorous exercise for more than 40 min/week 2. 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 3. have cognitive impairment consistent with dementia (Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) score \< 18 after corrections), 4. 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 it's running
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HELP Study Office and Lab
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tongjian You, PhD — University of Massachusetts, Boston
- Study coordinator: Tongjian You, PhD
- Email: Tongjian.you@umb.edu
- Phone: 6172875934
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.