The Influences of Tai Chi on Balance Function and Exercise Capacity among Stroke Patients: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Objective. This study aims to explore the influences of Tai Chi on the balance function and exercise capacity among stroke patients. Methods. Databases including PubMed, Embase, WOS (Web of Science), the Cochrane Library, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), Wanfang Data, VIP (VIP database), and CBM (China Biology Medicine disc) were retrieved to gather the figures of randomized controlled trials on the balance function and exercise capacity among stroke patients. Then relevant data were input and analyzed in Review Manager 5.3. Results. Nineteen papers were included and analyzed in this study. According to the combined effect size, the balance function of stroke patients improved significantly: the Berg Balance Function Scale score [MD = 7.67, 95% CI (3.44, 11.90)]; standing and walking test scores [MD = 3.42, 95% CI (4.22, −2.63)]; gravity swing area [MD = 0.79, 95% CI (1.48, 0.10)]; and gravity swing speed [MD = −5.43, 95% CI (−7.79, 3.08)]. In addition, the exercise capacity improved significantly as well: the FMA (Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale) scale score [MD = 4.15, 95% CI (1.68, 6.63)]. There are no significant influences or changes of other related results. Conclusions. Stroke patients are able to improve their balance functions and exercise capacities prominently when they do Tai Chi exercise once or twice a week and ≥5 times/week and >30 ≤ 60 min/time.

Effects of Tai Chi Exercise on Balance Function in Stroke Patients: An Overview of Systematic Review

“…After removal of duplicates, 82 were excluded at the title and abstract stage. Fifteen articles were retrieved for examination on full text, with 9 reviews [ 21 – 29 ] finally included. Figure 1 outlines the process of identifying the qualified articles.…”

“…All studies were published between 2016 and 2021, with 5 [ 21 – 25 ] written in English and 4 in Chinese [ 26 – 29 ]. Authors of all included reviews were from China.…”

“…TC has been used in stroke rehabilitation worldwide for more than 10 years [ 33 ]. In recent years, researchers have increasingly focused on the role of TC in improving balance function in stroke survivors [ 21 – 29 ]. The improvement of balance function by TC is part of the comprehensive rehabilitation of stroke survivors and has an inherent relationship with functional rehabilitation.…”

A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Tai Chi Exercises for Improving Balance and Lower Limb Muscle Strength of the Elderly in the Community

“…TC is a type of low-affected exercise, which provides a minimal load on the joint muscles. Hence, this exercise is safe for the elderly [11], [12]. The gentle TC movements make the joints and muscles not burdened by excessive pressure [12].…”

“…Hence, this exercise is safe for the elderly [11], [12]. The gentle TC movements make the joints and muscles not burdened by excessive pressure [12]. The results of several recent studies have shown that TC was effective for fall prevention and balance control through strengthening lower extremity muscles [4], [5], [6], [7].…”