Effectiveness of a 12-week combining tai chi and yoga program on pulmonary function and functional fitness in COPD patients

Author: Duangjun Phantayuth1, Benjamas Chuaychoo2, Salee Supaporn3, Arth Nana4, Papatsorn Ramyarangsi5, Amornpan Ajjimaporn6
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> College of Sports Science and Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhonpathom, 73170, Thailand. Electronic address: duangjun.pha@mahidol.ac.th. <sup>2</sup> Division of Respiratory Disease and Tuberculosis, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand. Electronic address: benjamas.chu@mahidol.ac.th. <sup>3</sup> Department of Sports Science, Faculty of Physical Education, Srinakharinwirot University, Ongkharak, Nakhon Nayok, 26120, Thailand. Electronic address: salee_supaporn@yahoo.com. <sup>4</sup> College of Sports Science and Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhonpathom, 73170, Thailand; Division of Respiratory Disease and Tuberculosis, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand. Electronic address: arth.nan@mahidol.ac.th. <sup>5</sup> College of Sports Science and Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhonpathom, 73170, Thailand. Electronic address: ramyarangsi.p@gmail.com. <sup>6</sup> College of Sports Science and Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhonpathom, 73170, Thailand. Electronic address: g4036011@gmail.com.
Conference/Journal: Respir Med
Date published: 2024 Nov-Dec
Other: Volume ID: 234 , Pages: 107842 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2024.107842. , Word Count: 280


Background:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) poses significant challenges to both patients and healthcare providers due to its progressive nature and adverse impact on respiratory function and quality of life (QoL). While pulmonary rehabilitation remains a cornerstone of non-pharmacological COPD management, additional interventions are needed to address patients' diverse needs and preferences.

Aim:
This study investigated the feasibility and potential benefits of a 12-week combining Tai Chi and Yoga (TY combining) program on cardiorespiratory and lung functions, functional fitness, and QoL in older males diagnosed with COPD.

Methods:
Twenty-four male COPD patients (age: 70 ± 6 years) with moderate to severe disease were recruited and randomized into the TY combining group (n = 12) or control group (n = 12). Assessments were conducted at baseline and at week 12, including pulmonary function tests, quality of life measures, dyspnea, and fatigue. Functional fitness tests were assessed at baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 12.

Results:
The TY combining program significantly improved pulmonary functions, functional fitness, quality of life, and fatigue over the 12-week intervention period. Notably, improvements in functional fitness parameters were observed after just four weeks of training, emphasizing the rapid benefits of the intervention. Moreover, the program exhibited high safety and feasibility, with no reported complications.

Conclusion:
The 12-week TY combining program represents a safe, feasible, and effective adjunctive therapy for COPD management in older male patients. By addressing multiple dimensions of health and functioning, including pulmonary and cardiovascular health, functional fitness, and quality of life, this holistic approach holds promise for optimizing outcomes in COPD patients. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore optimal implementation strategies in clinical practice.

Keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Functional fitness; Pulmonary function; Quality of life.

PMID: 39433109 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2024.107842