The Effect of Tai Chi on Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review

Objective:
Tai Chi is a common, reliable, and non-pharmacological treatment method used in COPD disease management. This review investigated the effect of Tai Chi on disease and symptom management in COPD patients.

Methodology:
This study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P).

Results:
The results showed that the Qigong, Sun, and Yang styles of Tai Chi are used for COPD patients. Trials compared Tai Chi with routine care, pulmonary rehabilitation added to routine care, and mind-body breathing. Tai Chi interventions were usually administered for a duration of 12 to 24 weeks. The results indicate that Tai Chi positively affects lung functions, exercise capacity, multidimensional perceived social support, diaphragm strength, quadriceps strength in the legs, self-care, self-efficacy, dyspnea, fatigue, anxiety, and depression.

Conclusion:
Tai Chi is a safe and effective exercise for COPD patients with comorbidities. It is superior to mind-body breathing and routine care and as good as pulmonary rehabilitation but is easier to practice. However, longer-term studies with larger samples are needed to validate the findings of the study.


PMID: 38843416