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

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,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Heart, lung & circulation lung & circulation, 2019-08, Vol.28 (8), p.1206-1212
Main Authors: Wang, LianHong, Wu, KaiLi, Chen, XiDong, Liu, Qilan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Exercise capacity
Exercise Tolerance
Female
Health related quality of life
Humans
Lung function
Male
Middle Aged
Pilot Projects
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive - physiopathology
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive - therapy
Quality of Life
Respiratory Function Tests
Tai Chi
Tai Ji
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Summary: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. 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. 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. 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.
ISSN:1443-9506
1444-2892
DOI:10.1016/j.hlc.2018.05.204