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Supportive Care in Cancer
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer 10/2019

01-10-2019 | Breast Cancer | Review Article

The effects of Tai Chi on quality of life of cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Xiaosha Ni, Raymond Javan Chan, Patsy Yates, Wenyi Hu, Xianhong Huang, Yan Lou

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 10/2019

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Abstract

Purposes

To assess the effects of Tai Chi on quality of life (QOL) of cancer survivors.

Methods

The following databases were searched: PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, EBSCO (including MEDLINE, CINAHL, and other databases), ScienceDirect, CNKI, Wangfang Data, and CQVIP until April 25, 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English or Chinese examining the effects of Tai Chi intervention for cancer survivors were included. The primary outcome was QOL; the secondary outcomes were limb function/muscular strength, immune function indicators, cancer-related fatigue (CRF), and sleep disturbance. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Results of RCTs were pooled with mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Quality of evidence for each outcome was assessed with the GRADE system.

Results

Twenty-two RCTs were included in this review. Tai Chi improved the physical (SMD 0.34, 95%CI 0.09, 0.59) and mental health (SMD 0.60, 95%CI 0.12, 1.08) domains of quality of life. The intervention improved the limb/muscular function of breast cancer survivors (SMD 1.19, 95%CI 0.63, 1.75) and in mixed samples of cancer survivors reduced the levels of cortisol (MD − 0.09, 95%CI − 0.16, − 0.02), alleviated CRF (SMD − 0.37, 95%CI − 0.70, − 0.04), and promoted sleep (SMD − 0.37, 95%CI − 0.72, − 0.02).

Conclusion

There is low-level evidence suggesting that Tai Chi improves physical and mental dimensions of QOL and sleep. There is moderate-level evidence suggesting Tai Chi reduces levels of cortisol and CRF and improves limb function. Additional studies with larger sample sizes and with higher-quality RCT designs comparing different regimens of Tai Chi are warranted.
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Metadata
Title
The effects of Tai Chi on quality of life of cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors
Xiaosha Ni
Raymond Javan Chan
Patsy Yates
Wenyi Hu
Xianhong Huang
Yan Lou
Publication date
01-10-2019
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 10/2019
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-019-04911-0

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