Key result
Tai Chi and Qigong Practices plus routine management improved peak oxygen consumption (MD 1.24 mL/kg/min; 95% CI 0.91-1.57) and 6-minute walking distance compared to routine management alone.
Why the study?
Existing randomized controlled trials evaluating Tai Chi and Qigong practices for chronic heart failure showed broad variations in comparators, sample sizes, and results.
Do Tai Chi and Qigong Practices improve peak oxygen consumption, 6-minute walking distance, and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure?
Meta-Analysis (n=2,465)
Do Tai Chi and Qigong Practices improve peak oxygen consumption, 6-minute walking distance, and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure?
Mean Difference: 1.24 (95% CI 0.91–1.57)
Tai Chi and Qigong practices are a promising, safe, and low-cost adjunct rehabilitation therapy that improves exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure.
Supports adding TQPs to routine CHF care for gains in exercise capacity and QoL; confirms RCT benefits and extends evidence for home-based settings.
Background . Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have assessed the role of Tai Chi and Qigong Practices (TQPs) in managing chronic heart failure (CHF). They have included broad variations in comparators, sample sizes, and results. This study evaluates existing RCTs for evidence of TQPs rehabilitation effects for CHF. Methods . Both English and Chinese databases were searched from their inception to October 23, 2019. RCTs were included if they compared the addition of TQPs into routine managements (RMs) to RMs alone or compared TQPs to general exercise, with RMs as a consistent cointervention in both groups. Data were screened and extracted independently using predesigned forms. RCT quality was assessed with the Cochrane tool. The primary outcomes were peak oxygen consumption (VO 2peak ), 6‐minute walking distance (6MWD), and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ). Mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and heterogeneity was assessed with an I 2 statistic. Results . A total of 33 RCTs with 2,465 patients were included in the systematic review. Compared to the RMs alone, TQPs plus RMs improved VO 2peak (MD: 1.24 mL/kg/min, 95% CI, 0.91 to 1.57; I 2 = 0%), 6MWD (MD: 59.63 meters, 95% CI, 43.35 to 75.90 I 2 = 88%), and MLHFQ (MD: −8.63 scores; 95% CI, −10.60 to ‐6.67; I 2 = 94%). Compared to general exercise, superior improvements were found in the TQP group; they were significant in MLHFQ (MD: −9.18 scores; 95% CI, −17.95 to −0.41; I 2 = 86%), but not in VO 2peak or 6MWD. Evidence was also found of TQPs’ safety and high adherence. Conclusions . Considering that there are low costs, multiple physical benefits, and no equipment required, TQPs are a promising rehabilitation therapy, as an adjunct to routine pharmacotherapies or as an alternative to conventional exercises, especially in home‐based settings.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Chen et al. (2020) conducted a meta-analysis in chronic heart failure (n=2,465). Tai Chi and Qigong Practices (TQPs) vs. Routine managements (RMs) alone or general exercise was evaluated on peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) (MD 1.24, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.57). Tai Chi and Qigong Practices plus routine management improved peak oxygen consumption (MD 1.24 mL/kg/min; 95% CI 0.91-1.57) and 6-minute walking distance compared to routine management alone.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: