OBJECTIVES:
To evaluate the sustaining effects of Tai chi Qigong in improving the physiological health for COPD patients at sixth month.
DESIGN:
A randomized controlled trial. Subjects were in three randomly assigned groups: Tai chi Qigong group, exercise group, and control group.
SETTING:
The 206 subjects were recruited from five general outpatient clinics.
INTERVENTIONS:
Tai chi Qigong group completed a 3-month Tai chi Qigong program. Exercise group practiced breathing and walking as an exercise. Control group received usual care.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
Primary outcomes included six-minute walking distance and lung functions. Secondary outcomes were dyspnea and fatigue levels, number of exacerbations and hospital admissions.
RESULTS:
Tai chi Qigong group showed a steady improvement in exercise capacity (P<.001) from baseline to the sixth month. The mean walking distance increased from 298 to 349 meters (+17%). No significant changes were noted in the other two groups. Tai chi Qigong group also showed improvement in lung functions (P<.001). Mean forced expiratory volume in 1s increased from .89 to .99l (+11%). No significant change was noted in the exercise group. Deterioration was found in the control group, with mean volume decreased from .89 to .84l (-5.67%). Significant decreased in the number of exacerbations was observed in the Tai chi Qigong group. No changes in dyspnea and fatigue levels were noted among the three groups.
CONCLUSIONS:
Tai chi Qigong has sustaining effects in improving the physiological health and is a useful and appropriate exercise for COPD patients.
Study conducted by:
Aileen W. K. Chan, Albert Lee, Diana T. F. Lee, Lorna K. P. Suen, Wilson W. S. Tam, S. Y. Chair, Peter Griffiths
Complement Ther Med. 2013 Dec; 21(6): 585–594. Published online 2013 Oct 8. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2013.09.008
Full article can be found here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Chan+AW%2C+et+al.+Complement+Ther+Med.+2013%3B6%3A585-94