Background:
Regular exercise is beneficial for adults with chronic heart failure (CHF). Tai Chi is popular among older adults and may offer additional exercise options for those with CHF.
Objectives:
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to examine the benefits of Tai Chi exercise among adults with CHF.
Methods:
An electronic literature search of ten databases (AMED, CINAHL, Embase, OpenGrey, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) was conducted from January 1, 2004 to August 1, 2019. Clinical trials that examined Tai Chi exercise, were published in English or German languages, among participants with CHF were included. Study quality was assessed independently by two reviewers, using the modified Downs and Black Quality Index checklist (low quality = score ≤14, moderate quality = score 15-23, high quality = score ≥ 24). Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 2.0 software (Biostat, Inc.) was used to calculate the effect sizes (i.e., Hedges’ g) and the 95% confidence intervals using random effects models.
Results:
A total of six studies met the inclusion criteria (five RCTs and one quasi-experimental study with a comparison group), enrolling 229 participants (mean age=68 years old, 28% women, mean ejection fraction=37%). The Yang style of Tai Chi was most commonly practiced in these studies (n=5, 83%), with usual care the most common control condition. Study quality was moderate (mean score=23). At least three studies reported outcomes for exercise capacity, quality of life (QOL), depression, and b-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), allowing for meta-analysis. Compared to controls, Tai Chi participants had significantly better exercise capacity (Hedge’s g=0.353; p=0.026, I
2
=32.72%), improved QOL (Hedge’s g=0.617; p=0.000, I
2
=0%), with less depression (Hedge’s g=0.627; p=0.000, I
2
=0%), and decreased BNP expression (Hedge’s g=0.333; p=0.016, I
2
=0%).
Conclusion:
Among adults with CHF, Tai Chi was effective in improving exercise capacity and quality of life, with less depression and BNP levels observed, when compared to controls. Tai Chi is popular and safe form of exercise among older adults, yet few studies have been conducted during the past 15 years examining the benefits of Tai Chi among adults with CHF. Tai Chi can be easily integrated into existing cardiac rehabilitation programs. Further research is needed with more rigorous study designs and larger samples, before widespread recommendations can be made.
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