A recent systematic review and meta-analysis found traditional mind-body exercises, such as tai Chi, and qigong, can significantly improve lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The study, published in Frontiers in Physiology, included 23 randomized controlled trials with a total of 1,862 participants. Researchers analyzed the effects of the exercises on various indicators of COPD severity, including forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1%), 6-minute walk test distance, St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score, and COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score.
The meta-analysis revealed that traditional mind-body exercises significantly improved FEV1% (WMD = 4.61, 95%CI [2.99, 6.23]), 6-minute walk distance (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.83, 95%CI [0.55, 1.11]), and reduced SGRQ score (SMD = −0.79, 95%CI [−1.20, −0.38]) and CAT score (SMD = −0.79, 95%CI [−1.20, −0.38]) in COPD patients. Subgroup analysis showed that qigong had the most significant improvement in FEV1% and 6-minute walk test, while tai chi primarily improved the 6-minute walk test. The effect of yoga on these indicators was not significant.
"This study emphasizes the significant value of traditional mind–body exercises in the comprehensive rehabilitation strategy for COPD, revealing their remarkable benefits in promoting lung function recovery, enhancing exercise capacity, and improving quality of life," noted researchers.
Further high-quality studies with larger sample sizes should be conducted to confirm the findings and to explore the optimal form, duration, and frequency of traditional mind-body exercises for COPD patients.
The researchers declared having no relevant conflicts of interest.