Tai Chi exercise for sleep problems in older adults: A protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis.

Author: Si Y1,2, Wang C3, Zheng J4, Guo Y1, Xu G5, Ma Y1,6,7
Affiliation:
1The First School of Clinical Medicine, Laboratory for New Techniques of Restoration & Reconstruction of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing.
2Rangos School of Health Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh.
3The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning.
4Department of Cardiology, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning.
5School of Nursing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine.
6Department of Traumatology & Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine.
7College of Basic Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
Conference/Journal: Medicine (Baltimore).
Date published: 2019 Nov
Other: Volume ID: 98 , Issue ID: 45 , Pages: e17556 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000017556. , Word Count: 241


BACKGROUND: Sleep plays a crucial role in the general health of the human body. However, sleep problems become increasingly severe with age, and its incidence is on the rise. Notably, Tai Chi exercise may be an efficacious means to ameliorate sleep problems among older adults. This is especially since Tai Chi has been widely used to manage sleep problems in China for many years, but there is limited evidence regarding its effectiveness. We will conduct this study aiming to investigate the efficacy of Tai Chi as a complementary and alternative therapy for sleep problems in older adults.

METHODS: We will systematically search Scopus, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang database from their inceptions to August 2019. Only randomized controlled trials of Tai Chi for sleep problems among older adults will be considered for inclusion and the Pittsburgh sleep quality index will be the primary outcome measurement. Moreover, study selection, data extraction, and the evaluation of the methodological quality of trials will each be independently completed by at least 2 researchers. We will employ the software Stata version 12.0 to implement the statistical analysis.

RESULTS: The current systematic review and meta-analysis will provide synthesized results of the effectiveness and safety of Tai Chi exercise for sleep problems among older adults.

CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis will provide high-quality evidence on the effectiveness and safety of Tai Chi exercise for sleep problems in older adults.

REGISTRATION: PEROSPERO CRD42019129782.

PMID: 31702613 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000017556

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