Tai Chi for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common chronic respiratory disease with increasing morbidity and mortality that cause huge social and economic loss. Although recommended by guidelines, pulmonary rehabilitation has not been widely applied in clinics because of its inherent limitations. Free from restrictions of specific training venues and equipment, Tai Chi, as a kind of pulmonary rehabilitation, has been used to cure the COPD, yet the efficacy and safety of Tai Chi remains to be assessed. In this study, we aim to draw up a protocol for systematic review to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tai Chi for COPD. Methods: We will search the following electronic databases from inception to December 31, 2018: PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Springer, EMBASE, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Wan Fang Database, the Chinese Scientific Journal Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database. Clinical trial registrations, potential gray literatures, relevant conference abstracts and reference list of identified studies will also be searched. The literature selection, data extraction, and quality assessment will be completed by 2 independent authors. Either the fixed-effects or random-effects model will be used for data synthesis based on the heterogeneity test. Changes in lung function will be evaluated as the primary outcome. Symptom assessment, quality of life (SGRQ), medication usage, exacerbations, and adverse events will be assessed as the secondary outcomes. The RevMan V.5.3.5 will be used for Meta-analysis. Results: This study will provide a synthesis of current evidence of Tai Chi for COPD from several aspects, such as lung function, SGRQ, medication usage, exacerbations, and adverse events. Conclusion: The conclusion of our study will provide updated evidence to judge whether Tai Chi is an effective solution to COPD patients. PROSPERO registration number: PROSPERO CRD42019122791.

The impact of traditional mind–body exercises on pulmonary function, exercise capacity, and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…However, among different forms of traditional mind-body exercises, TC does not show improvement in FEV1% for COPD patients. This is consistent with the conclusion reached by Ng et al in a randomized controlled trial, where TC improved physiological functions and exercise capacity in COPD patients, but the improvement in pulmonary function was not statistically significant (26), aligning with previous extensive research results (27,28).…”

comparative study on arterial blood gas analysis among COPD patients and non-COPD patients

“…It is used to determine the effectiveness of oxygen therapy. [9][10][11] The acid-base component of the test also gives information on how well the kidneys are functioning. So, we can predict early changes of respiratory failure with the help of ABG analysis.…”

“…So that we can effectively use most appropriate therapy for the management of COPD. [10][11] Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis is useful in evaluation of clinical condition of critically ill patients however arterial puncture may cause many complications in these patients. 12 Hypoxemia and hypercarbia being present more commonly in those with more severe grades of obstruction.…”