• LianHong Wang, KaiLi Wu, XiDong Chen, and Qilan Liu.
• Nursing Department of Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, ZunYi, China.
• Heart Lung Circ. 2019 Aug 1; 28 (8): 1206-1212.

BackgroundAlthough several studies have assessed the effect of Tai Chi in management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), these studies have a wide sample variation and convey inconclusive results. This study aims to determine if a 3-month Tai Chi program improves lung function, exercise capacity, and health related quality of life (HRQoL) in people with COPD.MethodsA randomised controlled, single blind trial was undertaken. Patients were randomly allocated to either Tai Chi group (n=26) or control group (n=24). Participants in the Tai Chi group received a Tai Chi exercise program three times weekly for 3-months while participants in the control group were advised to maintain their routine activities. Outcome measures included lung function, 6-minute walk distance (6WMD) and COPD Assessment Test (CAT). The measurements took place at baseline and immediately after the 3-month intervention period.ResultsOf 50 participants, 46 completed the intervention. Compared to control, Tai Chi significantly increased 6WMD (mean difference 60.5m, 95% CI 30.27-78.69), and reduced score of CAT (mean difference 14 points, 95% CI 11-24). An 86% compliance to the Tai Chi training was noted and no adverse events were observed in Tai Chi group.ConclusionsThe Tai Chi program is a safe, effective and feasible method to improve exercise capacity and health-related quality of life in people with COPD.Copyright © 2018 Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons (ANZSCTS) and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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