Tai Chi as a form of exercise training in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Regina WM Leung*ab, Zoe J McKeoughb & Jennifer A Alisonbca Department of Physiotherapy, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Hospital Road, Concord NSW 2139, Sydney, Australiab Discipline of Physiotherapy, Clinical and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australiac Department of Physiotherapy, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia*Author for correspondence: +61 297 677 602 +61 297 677 121 regina.leung@sswahs.nsw.gov.auTai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art which incorporates elements of strengthening, balance, postural alignment and concentration. The benefits of Tai Chi in the healthy population have been widely examined. In comparison, only three studies have evaluated the effects of Tai Chi in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Existing evidence suggests that the exercise intensity of Tai Chi reaches a moderate level in people with COPD. Furthermore, a short-term program of Tai Chi improves exercise capacity, health-related quality of life, balance and quadriceps strength in people with mild to moderate COPD. More studies are warranted to examine the effects of different styles of Tai Chi and the long-term benefits of Tai Chi as an exercise regimen for people with COPD.