The Effects of Tai Chi on Lung Function, Exercise Capacity and Health Related Quality of Life for Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Pilot Study.


Author: Wang L1, Wu K2, Chen X3, Liu Q4

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>Nursing Department of Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, ZunYi, China.

<sup>2</sup>Emergency Department of Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, ZunYi, China.

<sup>3</sup>Physiatry Department of Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, ZunYi, China. Electronic address: 2726912415@qq.com.

<sup>4</sup>Nursing Department of ZunYi Medical University, ZunYi, China.
Conference/Journal: Heart Lung Circ.
Date published: 2018 Aug 2
Other:
  Pages: S1443-9506(18)31833-X   ,  Special Notes: doi: 10.1016/j.hlc.2018.05.204. [Epub ahead of print]   ,  Word Count: 260  
    BACKGROUND: Although several studies have assessed the effect of Tai Chi in management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), these studies have a wide sample variation and convey inconclusive results. This study aims to determine if a 3-month Tai Chi program improves lung function, exercise capacity, and health related quality of life (HRQoL) in people with COPD.



METHODS: A randomised controlled, single blind trial was undertaken. Patients were randomly allocated to either Tai Chi group (n=26) or control group (n=24). Participants in the Tai Chi group received a Tai Chi exercise program three times weekly for 3-months while participants in the control group were advised to maintain their routine activities. Outcome measures included lung function, 6-minute walk distance (6WMD) and COPD Assessment Test (CAT). The measurements took place at baseline and immediately after the 3-month intervention period.



RESULTS: Of 50 participants, 46 completed the intervention. Compared to control, Tai Chi significantly increased 6WMD (mean difference 60.5m, 95% CI 30.27-78.69), and reduced score of CAT (mean difference 14 points, 95% CI 11-24). An 86% compliance to the Tai Chi training was noted and no adverse events were observed in Tai Chi group.



CONCLUSIONS: The Tai Chi program is a safe, effective and feasible method to improve exercise capacity and health-related quality of life in people with COPD.



Copyright © 2018 Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons (ANZSCTS) and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.



KEYWORDS: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Exercise capacity; Health related quality of life; Lung function; Tai Chi



PMID: 30166260  DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2018.05.204