People with arthritis of the knees who practised the ancient Chinese exercise Tai chi have reported less pain and impairment, a study has shown.

Dr. Chenchen Wang of Trufts Medical Center in Boston studied a group of over-60s who did tai chi and those who did stretching exercises, according to Reuters.

The group that practised tai chi reported less pain and depression and improvements in function and overall health.

He reported the findings to a meeting of the American College of Rheumatology in San Francisco, the news portal said.

Tai chi is a series of slow movements which have low impact on the muscles and joints and follows the principals of yin and yang.

In a statement, he said: “Tai chi mind-body exercise appears to provide an important approach for self-care and self-management for knee [osteoarthritis].”

The Arthritis Foundation recommends Tai chi for improving the quality of life of people with arthritis.