Efficacy of Tai Chi on lower limb function of Parkinson’s disease patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

BackgroundAt present, the effect of Tai Chi (TC) on lower limb function in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) is controversial. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis on the influence of TC on lower limb function in PD patients.MethodsAccording to the PRISMA guidelines, seven databases were searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTS) were selected and screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. We assessed the quality of the studies using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and then extracted the characteristics of the included studies. The random effect model was adopted, and heterogeneity was measured by I2 statistic.ResultsA total of 441 articles were screened, and 10 high-quality RCTs were with a total of 532 patients with PD met Our inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis showed that compared To control groups TC improved several outcomes. TC significantly improved motor function (SMD = −0.70; 95% CI = −0.95, −0.45; p < 0.001; I2 = 35%), although The results were not statistically significant for The subgroup analysis of TC duration (SMD = −0.70; 95% CI = −0.95, −0.45; p = 0.88; I2 = 0%;). TC significantly improved balance function (SMD = 0.89; 95% CI = 0.51, 1.27; p < 0.001; I2 = 54%), functional walking capacity (SMD = −1.24; 95% CI = −2.40, −0.09; p = 0.04; I2 = 95%), and gait velocity (SMD = 0.48; 95% CI = −0.02, 0.94; p = 0.04; I2 = 78%), But Did Not improve endurance (SMD = 0.31; 95% CI = −0.12, 0.75; p = 0.16; I2 = 0%), step length (SMD = 0.01; 95% CI = −0.34, 0.37; p = 0.94; I2 = 29%), and cadence (SMD = 0.06; 95% CI = −0.25, 0.36; p = 0.70; I2 = 0%).ConclusionTC has beneficial effects on motor function, balance function, functional walking ability, and gait velocity, but does not improve walking endurance, stride length, and cadence.

Effects of Tai Chi on lower limb motor function in patients with Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…We found that Tai Chi, as an adjunctive therapy, had a positive impact on rehabilitating balance and mobility functions of the lower limbs in patients with Parkinson's disease. Our ndings align with previous studies, and the systematic reviews by Yu et al 2 and Zhu et al 21 have also a rmed the effectiveness of Tai Chi in improving balance and mobility functions in patients with Parkinson's disease. However, their research methods primarily compared Tai Chi with conventional medication.…”

“…Tai Chi training emphasizes the constant shifting of the body's center of gravity between the two feet, facilitating the body's equilibrium by adjusting the support surface 39,40 . When compared to traditional exercise regimens, Tai Chi might yield superior advantages for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease 41 . Tai Chi encompasses a variety of multidimensional exercises encompassing endurance, exibility, and neuromuscular coordination, along with numerous cognitive elements like body awareness, concentration, and meditation incorporated within its training 41,42 .…”

“…When compared to traditional exercise regimens, Tai Chi might yield superior advantages for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease 41 . Tai Chi encompasses a variety of multidimensional exercises encompassing endurance, exibility, and neuromuscular coordination, along with numerous cognitive elements like body awareness, concentration, and meditation incorporated within its training 41,42 . Tai Chi training can enhance muscle strength in the lower limbs of Parkinson's disease patients and improve concentration and stability during weight shifting 43,44 .…”

“…Due to these discrepancies, this study will conduct a meta-analysis to comprehensively evaluate the true effect of Tai Chi on functional rehabilitation of the lower limbs in patients with Parkinson's disease. To our knowledge, previous studies have primarily compared the effects of Tai Chi with conventional medication therapy 2,20,21 . However, no study to date has examined the relationship between Tai Chi and other exercise therapies.…”

Long-term efficacy of hydrotherapy on balance function in patients with Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…TUG was used to assess balance and mobility in PD patients ( Zampieri et al, 2010 ). It has been suggested that an improvement in balance also represents to some extent an improvement in mobility ( Zhu et al, 2023 ). Therefore, this is one of the reasons why the sensitivity analysis yielded a positive result in terms of mobility.…”