Trial results for a feasibility study evaluating remote Tai Chi for PTSD and chronic pain were posted on ClinicalTrials.gov on 2025-11-28, showing a mean participant satisfaction score of 3.61 for the Tai Chi intervention group.
Background
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. It is often comorbid with chronic pain, which can significantly impact quality of life. Current treatments for PTSD and chronic pain often involve psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. There is ongoing interest in complementary and integrative health approaches, such as Tai Chi, for managing symptoms. The development of remote delivery methods for such interventions aims to improve accessibility for patients, particularly those who may face barriers to in-person care.
Trial design
This feasibility study, which did not specify a phase, enrolled 42 participants with PTSD and chronic pain. The trial aimed to refine and standardize two 12-week treatment protocols: Tai Chi and a Wellness control condition. The study was designed to gather critical information to inform a future large-scale randomized efficacy trial, focusing on aspects such as participant satisfaction, attendance, and assessment completion. Participants were randomized into either the Tai Chi Group or the Wellness Group.
Key results
The trial results focused on participant feedback and engagement with the interventions:
- Participant Satisfaction Post Treatment: The Tai Chi Group reported a mean satisfaction score of 3.61 (Standard Deviation 0.51) on a scale, while the Wellness Group reported a mean of 3.40 (Standard Deviation 0.56).
- Participants Satisfied at Follow-up: 16 participants in the Tai Chi Group and 16 participants in the Wellness Group reported satisfaction at follow-up.
- Treatment Session Attendance: 14 participants in the Tai Chi Group and 15 participants in the Wellness Group attended at least 70% of the treatment sessions.
- Assessment Completion: 16 participants in the Tai Chi Group and 18 participants in the Wellness Group completed all assessments.
- Credibility of Treatment: 11 participants in the Tai Chi Group and 10 participants in the Wellness Group rated the treatment as credible.
- Expectancy of Treatment: 4 participants in the Tai Chi Group and 4 participants in the Wellness Group reported expectancy of treatment.
What this means
The posted results from this feasibility study suggest that remote Tai Chi and a remote Wellness control condition are generally well-received by participants with PTSD and chronic pain. The mean participant satisfaction scores were similar between both groups, with the Tai Chi group showing a slightly higher mean of 3.61 compared to the Wellness group's 3.40. High rates of attendance (14 and 15 participants attending at least 70% of sessions in the Tai Chi and Wellness groups, respectively) and assessment completion (16 and 18 participants, respectively) indicate good engagement with remote delivery of these interventions. These findings support the feasibility of conducting remote interventions for this population and provide valuable preliminary data for the design of a larger efficacy trial to determine the clinical effectiveness of remote Tai Chi for PTSD and chronic pain.
Source
The information regarding these trial results was obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov, a public database of clinical studies. The results for the study NCT05693805, titled "Feasibility of Remote Tai Chi", were posted on 2025-11-28 on clinicaltrials.gov.