Qigong or Tai Chi in Cancer Care: an Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Author: Zeng Y1, Xie X2, Cheng ASK3
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>Research Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China. chloezengyc@hotmail.co.uk. <sup>2</sup>Department of Nursing, The Second People's Hospital of Shenzhen, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China. <sup>3</sup>Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
Conference/Journal: Curr Oncol Rep.
Date published: 2019 Apr 6
Other: Volume ID: 21 , Issue ID: 6 , Pages: 48 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1007/s11912-019-0786-2. , Word Count: 177


PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Qigong and Tai Chi are two increasingly popular mind-body interventions with the potential to address the multifaceted needs of cancer survivors. The aim of this updated review and meta-analysis was to quantitatively evaluate the treatment effects of Qigong/Tai Chi on cancer survivors since 2014.

RECENT FINDINGS: There were statistically significant and clinically meaningful effects in favor of Qigong/Tai Chi interventions for symptoms of fatigue and sleep quality. There were positive trends, but not statistically significant effects, observed for anxiety, stress, depressive symptoms, and overall quality of life (QOL). Cancer-related cognitive impairment is a common complaint among cancer survivors that has received increasing attention in this area in recent years. Qigong/Tai Chi in cancer care shows great promise with short-term effects in treating many cancer-related symptoms. Further methodologically sound trials with longer follow-up periods and more active control conditions are required, before definitive conclusions can be recommended for cancer patients.

KEYWORDS: Anxiety; Cognitive function; Depression; Fatigue; Integrative oncology; Qigong; Quality of life (QOL); Sleep; Stress; Tai Chi

PMID: 30955106 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-019-0786-2