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Background: Satisfaction with current treatment options for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS‐C) is low, with many patients turning to complementary treatments. Tai Chi is a mind–body medicine practice with proven efficacy in other functional disorders. As a proof‐of‐concept, we tested the feasibility and preliminary clinical outcomes associated with a Tai Chi program designed for IBS‐C. Methods: A total of 27 IBS‐C patients participated in a single‐arm trial of 8 sessions of Tai Chi delivered weekly over 7 weeks via live videoconferencing in group format. Clinical improvement was assessed via change in IBS Symptom Severity Score (IBS‐SSS) from baseline to 4 weeks posttreatment (week 11) with secondary outcomes exploring symptom ratings, IBS‐related quality of life (IBS‐QOL), GI‐specific anxiety, abdominal distention, and psychological factors. Key Results: Despite substantial dropout (n = 7; 26%), the treatment protocol had moderate to excellent feasibility for other criteria. Treatment satisfaction was excellent. Exit interviews confirmed high satisfaction with the program among completers, but a high burden of data collection was noted. One participant experienced an adverse event (mild, exacerbation of sciatica). There was a significant improvement in intra‐individual IBS‐SSS between baseline and posttreatment (average change −66.5, 95% CI −118.6 to −14.3, p = 0.01). Secondary outcomes were notable for improvements in other IBS symptom scoring measures, IBS‐QOL, measured abdominal diameter, and leg strength. Conclusions and Inferences: Our data provide preliminary evidence of the feasibility of a Tai Chi intervention for IBS‐C, show promise for improving outcomes, and identify more streamlined data collection as an area for further program improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the study which evaluates the effectiveness of tai chi in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms. The study reveals that tai chi appears to decrease pain and improve the physical function, self-efficacy, and health status for knee OA. It is noted that further evaluation on the biologic mechanisms and approaches of tai chi is needed in order to extend its benefits to a broader population.