Effect of Tai Chi alone or as additional therapy on low back pain

Abstract

Background:This is the first systematic review evaluating and statistically synthesis the current studies regarding the effects of Tai Chi on pain and disability in patients with low back pain (LBP).Methods:Seven electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang and VIP information from inception to early March 2019 were searched. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) Scale was used to assess quality of all included randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The pooled effect size (weight mean difference, WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to determine the effect of Tai Chi on pain and disability among LBP patients based on random effects model.Results:The aggregated results of the meta-analysis suggested that Tai Chi significantly decreased pain (WMD = −1.27, 95%CI −1.50 to −1.04, P < .00001, I2 = 74%) and improve function disability, Oswestry disability index (ODI) subitems: pain intensity (WMD = −1.70, 95% CI −2.63 to −0.76, P = .0004, I2 = 89%); personal care (WMD = −1.93, 95% CI −2.86 to −1.00, P < .0001, I2 = 90%); lifting (WMD = −1.69, 95% CI −2.22 to −1.15, P < .0001, I2 = 66%); walking (WMD = −2.05, 95% CI −3.05 to −1.06, P < .0001, I2 = 88%); standing (WMD = −1.70, 95% CI −2.51 to −0.89, P < .0001, I2 = 84%); sleeping (WMD = −2.98, 95% CI −3.73 to −2.22, P < .00001, I2 = 80%); social life (WMD = −2.06, 95% CI −2.77 to −1.35, P < 0.00001, I2 = 80%) and traveling (WMD = −2.20, 95% CI −3.21 to −1.19, P < .0001, I2 = 90%), Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score (WMD = 7.22, 95% CI 5.59–8.86, P < .00001, I2 = 0%), Medical Outcomes Study Questionnaire Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) physical functioning (WMD = 3.30, 95% CI 1.92–4.68, P < .00001), and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) (WMD = −2.19, 95% CI −2.56 to −1.82, P < .00001).Conclusion:We drew a cautious conclusion that Tai Chi alone or as additional therapy with routine physical therapy may decrease pain and improve function disability for patients with LBP. Further trials are needed to be conducted with our suggestions mentioned in the systematic review.

Yoga compared to non-exercise or physical therapy exercise on pain, disability, and quality of life for patients with chronic low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…When combining this outcome measured on different scales, the standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used. Meanwhile, subgroup analysis based on scales with the mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were conducted [18]. Statistical heterogeneity among the studies was assessed by the chi-square test and I 2 value.…”

“…18 RCTs were included for qualitative and quantitative analysis. The detailed information of the flowchart about searching and including studies was shown inFig 1.…”

Quality of life in tai chi chuan practitioners in regions of Brazil

“…There is nothing to prevent the association of this practice with other therapeutic resources. As suggested by Qin et al (2019) [23] in recent meta-analysis, both the practice of TCC alone or as an additional therapy associated with physical therapy can decrease pain and improve disability in patients with low back pain. Meta-analysis studies [6,17,24,25,26,27] reinforce scientific evidence of TCC.…”

Lifestyle Medicine for Chronic Lower Back Pain: An Evidence-Based Approach

“…Tai chi is a traditional Chinese martial art that uses a series of slow, controlled movements to improve balance, strength, flexibility, relaxation, and mental concentration. 7 A randomized controlled trial 74 in Medicine concluded that tai chi alone or along with physical therapy may be beneficial for individuals with lower back pain. Another randomized study by Liu et al 75 found that tai chi reduced lower back pain in adults aged 50 years and older.…”