Table 2.
Summary of the included systematic reviews on Tai Chi interventions.
| Studies Country Search Date |
Conditions | Number of Studies | Intervention Types | Control Group | Study Outcomes | Risk of Bias | Effect Estimate for Key Results | Original Conclusion | Overall Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Wang Xinzheng (2022), China Up to August 26, 2022 |
Type 2 diabetes | 19 RCTs, involving 1220 participants | Various Tai Chi forms | Exercise protocols |
FBG HbA1c TG HDL-C |
Moderate |
FBG: MD = −0.79, 95% CI (−1.73, −0.68), p < 0.0001. HbA1c: MD = −1.10, 95% CI (−1.78, −0.43), p = 0.001. TG: MD = −0.23, 95% CI (−0.32, −0.15), p < 0.0001. HDL-C: MD = 0.15, 95% CI (0.11, 0.20), p < 0.0001. |
Tai Chi improves FBG, HbA1c, TG, and HDL-C in T2DM, effective for prevention and treatment. | Unclear |
|
Gowri Raman (2013), USA Up to July 31, 2013 |
Several chronic conditions | 11 studies (9 RCTs and 2 non-randomized studies), involving 994 participants | Various Tai Chi forms | Education and resistance training | Sleep Quality | Moderate to High | PSQI: ES = 0.89, 95% CI (0.28, 1.50), p < 0.05 | Tai Chi enhances sleep quality and serves as a therapy for insomnia. | Potentially Effective |
|
Yuanyuan Guan (2020), China Up to December 2019 |
Hypertension | 13 RCTs, involving 1,461 participants | Various Tai Chi forms | No intervention or standard activities |
SBP DBP TC TG HDL-C LDL-C BMI WC |
Moderate |
SBP: WMD = − 6.58, 95% CI (− 8.14, − 5.02), p = 0.005 DBP: SMD = − 0.57, 95% CI (− 0.77, − 0.37), p < 0.0001 TG: WMD = − 0.19, 95% CI (− 0.22, − 0.16), p < 0.00001 LDL: WMD = − 12.55, 95% CI (− 15.96, − 9.14), p < 0.00001 WC: WMD = − 0.37, 95% CI (− 0.63, − 0.10), p = 0.006 TC: SMD = − 0.29, 95% CI (− 0.73, 0.15), p = 0.20 HDL: SMD = 0.59, 95% CI (− 0.12, 1.29), p = 0.10 BMI: SMD = − 0.11, 95% CI (− 0.75, 0.52), p = 0.73 |
Tai Chi effectively treats hypertension, with effects varying by training style. | Unclear |
|
Romy Lauche (2017), Australia Up to December 2019 |
Stroke risk factors | 21 RCTs, involving 1,604 participants | Tai Chi forms and Qigong | Routine therapy | SBP, DBP, BMI, FBG | High |
SBP: MD = − 15.55, 95% CI (− 21.16, − 9.95), p < 0.001 DBP: MD = − 10.66, 95% CI (− 14.90, − 6.43), p < 0.001 FBG: MD = − 8.88, 95% CI (− 16.73, − 1.03), p = 0.03 BMI: MD = − 1.65, 95% CI (− 3.11, − 0.20), p = 0.03 |
Tai Chi and Qigong reduce stroke risk factors but lack conclusive evidence. | Unclear |
|
Jiawei Qin (2019), China Up to December 2019 |
Low back pain | 10 RCTs, involving 959 participants | Various Tai Chi forms | Waitlist or active interventions |
Pain Physical Functioning |
Moderate |
Pain: WMD = −1.27, 95% CI (−1.50, −1.04), p < 0.00001. Physical Functioning (SF-36): WMD = 3.30, 95% CI (1.92, 4.68), p < 0.00001. |
Tai Chi reduces pain and improves function in LBP patients. | Potentially Effective |
|
Rhayun Song (2017), South Korea Up to August 30, 2016 |
Parkinson’s disease | 21 studies (15 RCTs, 6 non-RCTs), involving 823 participants | Tai Chi and Qigong | Respiratory and physical exercises | Depression | Moderate | Depression: ES = −0.457, 95% CI (−0.795, −0.118), p = 0.008. | Tai Chi and Qigong improve motor, non-motor functions, and QoL in Parkinson’s patients. | Unclear |
|
Chengyao Guo (2020), China Up to August 28, 2018 |
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | 16 RCTs, involving 1,096 participants | Various Tai Chi forms | Active exercise and non-exercise care | 6MWD, Anxiety, Depression | High |
6MWD: MD = 30.78, 95% CI (15.15–46.42), p < 0.001 HAD : MD = −1.04, 95% CI (−1.58 to −0.51), p < 0.001. |
Tai Chi complements pulmonary rehab, enhancing physical and mental health in COPD. | Potentially Effective |
|
Chia-Yu Huang (2022), Taiwan Up to August 28, 2018 |
Sarcopenia and frailty | 11 RCTs, involving 1,676 participants | Various Tai Chi forms | Breathing exercises and therapies |
DBP Depression |
Moderate |
DBP: WMD = −7.00, 95% CI (−7.35 to −6.65), p < 0.00001. Depression: SMD = −1.37, 95% CI (−1.91 to −0.83), p < 0.00001. |
Tai Chi reduces falls, fear of falling, and blood pressure in frail elderly. | Potentially Effective |
|
Xin Liu (2021), China Up to September 2019 |
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | 23 RCTs, involving 1,663 participants | Various Tai Chi forms | Low, moderate, and high-intensity exercises | 6MWD | Moderate | 6MWD: MD = 40.83, 95% CI (32.47–49.19), p < 0.00001. | Tai Chi reduces dyspnea and enhances QoL in COPD patients. | Potentially Effective |
|
Ying-li Yang (2018), China Up to April 2017 |
Coronary disease | 5 studies (2 RCTs and 3 N-RCTs), involving 291 participants | Various Tai Chi forms | No intervention or standard activities | VO2max | High | VO2max: MD = 4.71, 95% CI (3.58–5.84), p < 0.00001. | Tai Chi improves cardiorespiratory fitness in coronary disease rehabilitation. | Unclear |
|
Xiaomeng Ren (2017), China Up to September 16, 2017 |
Heart failure | 11 RCTs, involving 656 participants | Various Tai Chi forms | Usual care or aerobic exercise |
6MWD RHR |
High |
6MWD: WMD = 65.29 m, 95% CI (32.55–98.04), p < 0.00001 RHR: WMD = −2.52 bpm, 95% CI (−3.49 to −1.55), p < 0.00001 |
Tai Chi improves heart function and QoL in heart failure; long-term effects unclear. | Potentially Effective |
|
Yi-Wen Chen (2016), Canada Up to December 30, 2014 |
Several chronic conditions | 33 RCTs, involving 1,584 participants | Various Tai Chi forms | Waitlist and education programs |
6MWD Pain Depression |
Moderate |
6MWD: SMD = 1.58, 95% CI (0.70–2.45), p = 0.0004 Pain: SMD = 0.53, 95% CI (0.32–0.75), p < 0.0001. Depression: SMD = 0.56, 95% CI (0.07–1.05), p = 0.03 |
Tai Chi improves physical performance and reduces symptoms in cancer, OA, HF, and COPD. | Potentially Effective |
|
Chenjie Shu (2021), China Up to April 1, 2020 |
Chronic inflammation | 9 RCTs, involving 571 participants | Various Tai Chi forms | Health education and drug therapy | IL-6 | Moderate | IL-6 (Interleukin-6): SMD = −2.17, 95% CI (−3.69 to −0.64), p = 0.005 | Tai Chi reduces TNF-alpha, IL-6, and CRP, benefiting inflammatory diseases. | Potentially Effective |
|
Xiao-Chao Luo (2020), China Up to December 31, 2018 |
Breast cancer | 15 RCTs, involving 885 participants. | Various Tai Chi forms | Standard therapy and rehabilitation |
Pain Anxiety Fatigue |
Moderate |
Pain: SMD = 0.30, 95% CI (0.08–0.51), p = 0.007. Anxiety: MD = −4.25, 95% CI (−5.87 to −2.63), p < 0.00001. Fatigue: SMD = −1.11, 95% CI (−1.53 to −0.69), p < 0.00001. |
Tai Chi alleviates pain, anxiety, and fatigue in breast cancer patients. | Unclear |
|
Amanda Hall (2017), UK and Australia Up to November 2015 |
Musculoskeletal pain | 15 RCTs, involving 946 participants | Various Tai Chi forms | Waitlist control | Pain | Moderate | Pain: SMD = −0.66, 95% CI (−0.85 to −0.48), p < 0.0001. | Tai Chi outperforms no treatment for pain and disability in musculoskeletal conditions. | Potentially Effective |
|
Jun-Hong Yan (2013), China Up to September 2012 |
Osteoarthritis | 7 RCTs, involving 348 participants | Various Tai Chi forms | Light exercise or routine care | Pain | Moderate | Pain: SMD = −0.45, 95% CI (−0.70 to −0.20), p = 0.0005 | Tai Chi reduces pain, stiffness, and improves function in OA patients. | Unclear |
|
Yingchun Zeng (2014), China Up to June 30, 2013 |
Cancer | 13 RCTs, involving 592 participants | Various Tai Chi forms | Psychosocial support or no intervention |
Fatigue Depression Anxiety |
High |
Depression: SMD = −0.69, 95% CI (−1.51 to 0.14), p = 0.10. Anxiety: SMD = −0.93, 95% CI (−1.80 to −0.06), p = 0.04. Fatigue: SMD = −0.93, 95% CI (−1.80 to −0.06), p = 0.04. |
Tai Chi and Qigong improve cancer-specific QoL, reduce fatigue, and lower cortisol. | Unclear |
|
Jun-Hong Yan (2014), China Up to September 2013 |
Breast cancer | 5 RCTs, involving 407 participants | Various Tai Chi forms | Rehabilitation and spiritual activities |
Emotional well-being Physical well-being Functional Well-being Social Well-being BMI |
Moderate |
Physical Well-being: SMD = 0.10, 95% CI (−0.35 to 0.54), p = 0.67. Emotional Well-being: SMD = 0.24, 95% CI (0.02 to 0.45), p = 0.03. Functional Well-being: SMD = 0.23, 95% CI (−0.03 to 0.49), p = 0.09. Social Well-being: SMD = 0.03, 95% CI (−0.18 to 0.25), p = 0.77. BMI (Body Mass Index): WMD = 0.67, 95% CI (−0.13 to 1.47), p = 0.10. |
Tai Chi improves emotional well-being in breast cancer survivors, evidence limited. | Unclear |
|
Guohua Zheng (2015), China Up to September 2013 |
Healthy adults | 20 studies (2 RCTs, 8 NRCTs, 7 Cohort studies, 3 SCTs), involving 1,868 participants | Various Tai Chi forms | Non-intervention |
SBP DBP RHR VO2max |
High |
SBP: SMD = −0.93, 95% CI (−1.30 to −0.56), p < 0.00001. DBP: SMD = −0.54, 95% CI (−0.90 to −0.18), p < 0.00001. RHR: SMD = −0.72, 95% CI (−1.27 to −0.18), p = 0.01. VO2peak: SMD = 1.33, 95% CI (0.97 to 1.70), p < 0.00001. |
Tai Chi enhances cardiorespiratory fitness in healthy adults, but evidence quality is low. | Potentially Effective |
|
Lizhou Liu (2020), New Zealand and China Up to June 2019 |
Breast cancer | 16 RCTs, involving 1,268 participants. | Various Tai Chi forms | Supportive care or rehabilitation |
Fatigue Sleeping quality Depression BMI |
Moderate to high |
Fatigue: SMD = −0.91, 95% CI (−1.30 to −0.53), p < 0.00001. Depression: SMD = 0.22, 95% CI (−0.05 to 0.49), p > 0.05. BMI: MD = −0.58, 95% CI (−2.18 to 1.01), p > 0.05. Sleep Quality: MD = 0.26, 95% CI (−1.28 to 1.80), p > 0.05. |
Tai Chi improves QoL and fatigue when combined with conventional therapy. | Potentially Effective |
|
Xiaosha Ni (2019), China Up to June 2019 |
Cancer survivors | 22 RCTs, involving 1,410 participants | Various Tai Chi forms | Usual care and psychological therapy | Sleep quality | Moderate | Sleep Quality: SMD = −0.37, 95% CI (−0.72 to −0.02), p = 0.04. | Tai Chi enhances QoL, limb function, and reduces fatigue in cancer survivors. | Unclear |