Body Composition Outcomes of Tai Chi and Qigong Practice: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

The impact of a meditative movement practice intervention on short- and long-term changes in physical activity among breast cancer survivors

PURPOSE

Tai Chi Easy (TCE) is a low-impact, meditative movement practice that is feasible for breast cancer survivors, even in the face of post-treatment symptoms, and may even serve as a gateway into developing an active lifestyle and improving overall physical activity (PA). In the context of a randomized controlled trial testing effects of an 8-week TCE intervention on breast cancer survivors' symptoms, we examined the short- (8-week) and long-term (9-month) impact on total PA compared to an educational control group.

METHODS

Participants were recruited from two hospital systems, local community organizations, and different media platforms. Eligible participants were predominant non-Hispanic White (82%), college educated (92%), and middle- to high-income (65%), and most commonly reported stage 1 (40%) or 2 breast cancer (38%). After baseline assessments, participants were randomized to the 8-week TCE intervention (N=51) or education control (N=53). Weekly intervention TCE classes were led by a trained instructor. Weekly educational control classes focused on a series of readings and group discussions. Total PA and steps were objectively measured via accelerometry, and the international physical activity questionnaire was used to measure self-reported total PA.

RESULTS

Multilevel mixed-effects linear regression models revealed no significant short- or long-term changes in objectively measured total PA or steps in either group; however, participants in the intervention reported short- and long-term changes in self-reported total PA.

CONCLUSIONS

TCE is an appropriate PA strategy for survivors that may lead to modest improvements in PA; however, more research is needed to examine the long-term impact on PA as well as other physical and psychological outcomes (i.e., flexibility, mobility, stress).

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Low-impact, low-intensity activities like meditative movement practices are needed to assist survivors in overcoming post-treatment physical and psychological limitations to initiate a more active lifestyle.

Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong on Heart Rate Variability: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background:

Intervention studies examining meditative movement (MM) often demonstrate benefits on physiological and psychological health. A potential mechanism associated with these outcomes is heart rate variability (HRV), an important neurophysiological biomarker of optimal and resilient health and functioning.

Objective:

We aimed to synthesize existing literature on the effects of two related forms of MM, Tai Chi (TC) and Qigong (QG) on HRV parameters in adult populations.

Methods:

Following PRISMA guidelines and Cochrane Collaboration recommendations, four databases (MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Academic Search Premier, and PubMed) were searched for articles (through December 15, 2023) that included TC and/or movement-based QG intervention versus any control condition (active or inactive) and reported at least one HRV outcome. Two reviewers independently completed study selection, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment.

Results:

We identified 148 for potential inclusion. After removing 61 duplicates, 87 full-text reviews yielded 23 articles, and 16 qualified for meta-analysis based on common HRV outcomes. Meta-analyses indicated a significant overall effect of TC/QG interventions on high-frequency power and standard deviation of the beat-to-beat intervals (SDNN), two critical HRV parameters, compared with control conditions: for HF power, standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.29, P = 0.003, 95% Confidence interval (CI) [0.10, 0.48]; heterogeneity: I 2 = 46%, χ2 (8) = 14.89, P = 0.06; and for SDNN: SMD = 0.83, P = 0.02, 95% CI [0.16, 1.51]; heterogeneity: I 2 = 90%, χ2 (7) = 71.62, P < 0.001. Other HRV parameters did not demonstrate significant changes upon meta-analyses, but overall effect sizes showed a trend toward the expected direction.

Conclusion:

Based on the strength of the evidence, we conclude TC/QG interventions may shift HRV parameters toward improved health status and resilience. In addition, we offer suggestions to improve the design and measurement of future TC/QG research interventions exploring HRV.

Effects of Liuzijue Qigong Posture on Aerodynamics of Phonation in Healthy Volunteers

OBJECTIVES

To verify the possible function of Liuzijue Qigong (LQG), a kind of traditional Chinese health exercise, in improving phonation.

METHODS

A total of 30 healthy volunteers (10 males, 20 females) without voice disorders were included. The subjects were asked to have phonation tasks at the sitting and LQG postures. Aerodynamic, electroglottographic, and acoustic parameters were measured. Expiratory Volume (FVC); Subglottic Pressure at comfortable phonation (SGP), Glottal Resistance (GR), Glottal Efficiency (GE); Contact Quotient (CQ), Mean Flow (MF), Fundamental frequency (F0), Mean Sound Pressure Level (SPL); Phonation Threshold Pressure (PTP); and Maximum Phonation Time (MPT) were measured and analyzed.

RESULTS

In total subjects, the analysis showed a significant increase in FVC (P = 0.020), SGP (P = 0.043), F0 (P = 0.021), and PTP (P = 0.000) at the LQG posture when compared with the sitting posture, and there is no difference in CQ, MF, SPL, GR, GE, and MPT.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed LQG posture increased the respiratory support and glottal closure, while induced the respiratory system and vocal system in coordination to improve phonation. It is logical to postulate that LQG has potential in the management of voice disorders with glottal closure insufficiency.

Health benefits of short Taichi Qigong exercise (STQE) to University Students' core strength, lower limb explosive force, cardiopulmonary endurance, and anxiety: A Quasi experiment research

BACKGROUND

College students' physical fitness has declined over the past decades. Taichi Qigong exercise offers numerous health benefits and could serve as a suitable option for them. Traditional programs, however, are time-consuming and necessitate long-term commitments. Therefore, a more cost-effective intervention is needed.

METHODS

The study enrolled a total of 31 students who actively participated in a 5-week STQE program, consisting of three 60-minute sessions per week. Physical and mental health assessments included the Plank test, vital capacity measurement, 1000/800 m run test, standing jump, and the Zung Self-Rating Scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS.

RESULTS

Following the STQE intervention, participants showed improvement in core strength (28.1 seconds in the Plank test, P = .025) and lower limb explosive force (6.52 cm in the standing jump test, P = .011), accompanied by a decrease in anxiety levels (a reduction of 3.41 in the Zung Self-Rating Scale, P = .039). However, no significant improvements were observed in cardiopulmonary endurance, as evidenced by a non-significant increase of 237.84 mL in vital capacity (P = .134) and a non-significant reduction of 1.6 seconds in the 1000/800 m run test (P = .764).

CONCLUSION

The study suggests that the STQE program effectively improves core strength, lower limb explosive force, and reduces anxiety levels among university students.

Resilience improvement through a multicomponent physical and cognitive intervention for older people: the DanzArTe emotional well-being technology project

BACKGROUND

Resilience is a crucial component of successful aging. However, which interventions might increase resilience in older adults is yet unclear.

AIMS

This study aims to assess the feasibility and the physical and psychological effects of a technology-based multicomponent dance movement intervention that includes physical, cognitive, and sensory activation in older people living in community-dwelling and nursing home.

METHODS

DanzArTe program consists of four sessions on a weekly basis, using a technological platform that integrates visual and auditory contents in real time. 122 participants (mean age = 76.3 ± 8.8 years, 91 females = 74.6%) from seven nursing homes and community-dwelling subjects were assessed, before and after the intervention, with the Resilience Scale-14 items (RES-14), the Multidimensional Prognostic Index (MPI), the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI-S), and the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 (CSQ-8). Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests were used for statistical analyses.

RESULTS

At baseline significant differences in MPI and RES-14 between community-dwelling and nursing home residents were observed (p < 0.001 for both analyses). After the intervention, resilience significantly increased in total sample (RES-14 mean T1 = 74.6 Vs. T2 = 75.7) and in the nursing home residents (RES-14 mean T1 = 68.1 Vs. T2 = 71.8). All participants showed high overall satisfaction for DanzArTe program (CSQ-8 mean = 23.9 ± 4.4). No differences in MPI and PGWBI-S were observed.

DISCUSSION

DanzArTe was a feasible intervention and high appreciated by all older adults. Nursing home residents revealed improvements in resilience after DanzArTe program.

CONCLUSION

The DanzArTe technology-based multi-component intervention may improve resilience in older people living in nursing homes.

Mechanisms of improved body composition among perimenopausal women practicing Meditative Movement: a proposed biobehavioral model

OBJECTIVES

Weight gain and unfavorable body composition are prevalent among midlife/older women throughout menopause. These shifts may negatively impact health, well-being, and longevity. Efforts to attenuate weight and body composition changes are traditionally driven by manipulation of diet and/or exercise; however, sustained results are limited, possibly because the full spectrum of biobehavioral systems is not addressed by diet and exercise alone. We propose a biobehavioral model detailing mechanisms of body composition decline among perimenopausal women and the associated components of Meditative Movement (ie, tai chi, qigong, yoga) that address each of these factors.

METHODS

Based on our previous work and extensive review of the literature, we developed a multifactorial and multidimensional biobehavioral model including factors that most directly relate to body composition among perimenopausal women: 1) psychological (ie, stress and mood, mindfulness and self-compassion, body awareness), 2) behavioral (ie, sleep, physical activity, eating behaviors), and 3) physiological (ie, cortisol, estrogen). Relationships between each factor, Meditative Movement practice components, and predicted effects on body composition were explored in detail.

RESULTS

Our model describes select psychological, behavioral, and physiological factors, and potential mechanistic pathways of Meditative Movement practice driving improved changes in body composition and weight outcomes for perimenopausal women.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed model details a novel, evidence-supported means to reduce the risk of deleterious shifts in body composition throughout perimenopause and menopause thereafter. We suggest that these changes may occur directly and/or indirectly through psychological, behavioral, and physiological mechanisms that facilitate the desired changes in body composition.

Effect of Taichi Chuan on health-related physical fitness in adults: A systematic review with meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Taichi Chuan was previously shown to benefit physical health, but the results were inconsistent. The main reason is that the mechanism is not clear and may be interpreted differently. In this systematic review, we analyzed the data obtained from various randomized controlled trials to identify the effectiveness of Taichi Chuan and the mechanism by which it improves the physical health of adults.

METHODS

We systematically searched various databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, EBSCO Host, Science Direct, CNKI, Wan-Fang, and VPCS, and obtained 1448 articles for review. The articles were selected following the PICO eligibility criteria. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to interpret the results of the different studies.

RESULTS

We included 16 studies in the systematic review. Six of them were of very high quality, ten were of acceptable quality. Overall, the results showed that Taichi Chuan is beneficial to physical fitness, but not all indices supported this statement. Specifically, the effects were significant on Balance (ES = - 0.33; P = 0.02), BMI (ES = - 0.83; P < 0.00001), body fat (ES = - 0.45; P < 0.00001), and vital capacity (ES = 23.39; P = 0.01). However, there were no significant effects on systolic blood pressure (ES = 0.07; P = 0.94) and diastolic blood pressure (ES = 0.03; P = 0.97).

CONCLUSION

We found sufficient high-quality evidence to suggest that Taichi Chuan affects balance, BMI, body fat, vital capacity, and flexibility (sit-reach) in adults. The mechanism can be explained by low posture (balance) and moderate intensity of Taichi Chuan. However, no study has explained how to maintain concentration while keeping a dynamic low posture, which made it difficult to validate the finding that Taichi Chuan can reduce sympathetic tension under stress. In this study, we assumed that relaxation methods, which work on the central nervous system that links the body and the mind, might be the key explanation. However, further studies based on scientific, replicable methods need to be performed to confirm our findings.

Well-being predictors of body composition and associated behavioral risk factors in midlife/older women participating in a meditative movement intervention: an exploratory analysis

Introduction

Greater than 40% of women are obese, a key risk factor for cardiometabolic, neurocognitive disease, mood disorders, and certain cancers. Obesity and unfavorable body composition can compromise physical and psychological health and well-being. Preliminary evidence demonstrates Meditative Movement (i.e., Tai Chi Easy) improves health outcomes and body composition among midlife/older women. This single-group pilot study explored relationships between well-being predictors related to body composition and associated behavioral risk factors in midlife/older women pre-to-post Tai Chi Easy intervention.

Methods

Eligible women 45-75 years old, participated in once-weekly 30-minute Tai Chi Easy classes over 8-weeks. Pre/post-intervention data included self-report surveys and on-site body composition. Multivariate linear regression models were fitted with putative predictor variables having correlations p-values of 0.20 or less with sleep quality and eating behaviors.

Results

Participants (N = 36) (M age = 53.7) were White (80.4%) and attended ≥ 4 years of college (70.6%). Analyses resulted in one independent variable per model as a predictor of the dependent variables of sleep quality and emotional eating. Results indicated: (1) stress explained 13.4% sleep quality variance (F (2, 20) = 2.71, p = 0.09) and (2) self-compassion explained 42.1% emotional eating variance (F (2, 31) = 12.54, p < .01).

Conclusion

Findings suggest stress and self-compassion partially explain variance in the dependent variables of sleep quality and emotional eating, both associated behavioral risk factors of body composition. Additional research may guide interventions to test efficacy and examine mediators to improve well-being predictors, body composition, and associated behavioral risk factors among midlife/older women.

Efficacy of traditional Chinese exercises in improving anthropometric and biochemical indicators in overweight and obese subjects: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of traditional Chinese exercise (TCE)-based intervention in the improvement of anthropometric and biochemical indicators in overweight and obese patients is controversial. In this regard, the aim of this review was to summarize the evidence of TCE interventions to evaluate their effectiveness on the anthropometric and biochemical indicators of overweight and obese patients.

METHOD

Five databases were systematically searched for relevant articles published from inception to October 2022. Randomized controlled trials examining TCE intervention in overweight and obese patients The treatment effects were estimated using a random-effect meta-analysis model with standardized mean differences (Hedges' g). The categorical and continuous variables were used to conduct moderator analyses. This review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (identifier CRD42022377632).

RESULT

Nine studies involving a total of 1297 participants were included in the final analysis. In the anthropometric indicators outcomes, the meta-analytic findings revealed large and significant improvements in body mass index (g = 1.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27-1.61, P = .000, I2 = 99%), weight (g = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.25-1.68, P = .000, I2 = 95%), fat percentage (g = 1.22, 95% CI = 0.52-1.93, P = .000, I2 = 93%), and small and significant improvements in waist circumference (g = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.21-0.54, P = .000, I2 = 99%). In the biochemical indicators outcomes, the findings revealed large and significant improvements in low density lipoprotein (g = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.80-2.37, P = .000, I2 = 98%), moderate and significant improvements in triglyceride (g = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.56-0.81, P = .000, I2 = 96%), small and significant improvements in total cholesterol (g = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.19-0.54, P = .000, I2 = 77%), and high-density lipoprotein (g = -0.71, 95% CI = -0.86 to 0.57, P = .000, I2 = 99%). The moderator shows that the effects of TCE on anthropometric and biochemical indicators were moderated by frequency of exercise, exercise duration, and type of control group.

CONCLUSION

TCE intervention is a beneficial non-pharmacological approach to improving anthropometric and biochemical indicators in overweight and obese subjects, especially in body mass index, weight, fat percentage, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein. The clinical relevance of our findings is pending more extensive trials and more rigorous study designs to strengthen the evidence.

Role of Mind-Body Fitness in Obesity

Various mind-body fitness modalities such as Pilates, yoga, Tai Chi, and Qigong have become an accepted part of the physical activity, exercise, and leisure sector, serving several populations eligible for meditative movement activities. However, no robust evidence is present in the current literature supporting the efficacy of these meditative movement activities on health, fitness, and well-being markers among obese adults. Interestingly, the feasibility and safety of mind-body fitness programs in this cohort are still questionable. However, the limited available data show the beneficial role of such alternative exercise options in improving numerous physical fitness and cardiometabolic health-related indicators. The major role of mind-body fitness in obese individuals is to promote muscle control, body functionality, flexibility, and balance while reducing physical limitations, chronic pain, and stress through sessions integrating body postures, efficient breathing patterns, meditation, and relaxation. Such a bodily movement-based approach may be associated with increased physical performance and improved cardiometabolic as well as mental health. However, data on anthropometric characteristics, body composition and cardiovascular disease risk factors modification are somewhat equivocal. Future studies are needed to investigate a wider spectrum of physical fitness and cardiometabolic health parameters, since obese people are likely to demonstrate poor functional capacity, impaired glucose control, lipid disorder, and abnormal blood pressure levels.

Effectiveness of Tai Chi for Health Promotion of Older Adults: A Scoping Review of Meta-Analyses

Background. Tai Chi is a form of exercise that is accessible to people from different socioeconomic backgrounds, making it a potentially valuable activity for health promotion of older adults. Purpose. The objective of this scoping review was to summarize the current knowledge about the effectiveness of Tai Chi for older adults across a range of general health outcomes from published, peer reviewed, unique meta-analyses. Methods. Meta-analyses were retrieved from Medline, Embase, AMED, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, PsychINFO, Web of Science, PubMed Health, and the Cochrane Library from database inception to late August 2019. Multistage deduplication and screening processes identified eligible full-length meta-analyses. Two people independently appraised 27 meta-analyses based on the GRADE system and organized results into 3 appendices subsequently collated into heterogeneous, statistically significant, and statistically insignificant tables. Results. "High" and "moderate" quality evidence extracted from these meta-analyses demonstrated that practicing Tai Chi can significantly improve balance, cardiorespiratory fitness, cognition, mobility, proprioception, sleep, and strength; reduce the incidence of falls and nonfatal stroke; and decrease stroke risk factors. Conclusions. Health care providers can now recommend Tai Chi with high level of certainty for health promotion of older adults across a range of general health outcomes for improvement of overall well-being.

Qigong for mental health and sleep quality in postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Menopause is one of the stages in a woman's life that affects her psychological health, the most frequent being anxiety and depression. In addition, another problem related to this stage is the lack of sleep that causes a decrease in the quality of sleep. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to analyze the effectiveness of a Qigong exercise program on sleep quality, anxiety, and depression in Spanish postmenopausal women.

METHODS

A total of 125 women were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG) (n = 63) that carried out a Qigong exercise program for 12 weeks, or a control group (CG) (n = 62), which did not perform any type of intervention. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and anxiety and depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

RESULTS

Women who underwent an intervention program experienced significant improvements for all measured variables, except for the use of sleeping medication and daytime dysfunctions that did not show any significant effect with respect to the group and group × time interaction.

CONCLUSIONS

After an intervention based on a BaDuanJin Qigong exercise program for 12 weeks, improvements were observed in sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, the total score of the PSQI, anxiety and depression in postmenopausal Spanish women.

Study design exploring Qigong and Tai Chi Easy (QTC) on cardiometabolic risk factors

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States paralleled with several cardiometabolic risk factors that are on the rise such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. Many of these cardiometabolic risk factors are preventable by lifestyle changes in physical activity and dietary patterns. Qigong and Tai Chi Easy (QTC) exercises are considered meditative movement practices that have been shown to reduce cardiometabolic risk factors such as psychosocial stress, poor sleep quality and weight gain and is particularly suitable for older adults. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a common factor known to be related to reduction of these risks and may be enhanced using HRV biofeedback to specifically optimize effects of QTC.

METHODS

The protocol presented describes a two-group parallel randomized controlled trial testing effects of QTC vs QTC plus HRV biofeedback "priming" on HRV parameters (primary), and cardiometabolic risk factors and sequelae (secondary) (e.g., waist circumference/percent body fat, sleep quality, stress, anxiety/depression, emotional regulation, eating behaviors, and cognitive performance). We will enroll 50 adults aged 55-85 years old to participate in an 8-week intervention. Self-reported body measurements, psychosocial and behavioral questionnaires, and cognitive performance assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this study are expected to assess effects of QTC and elucidate the potential role of HRV in QTC relative to cardiometabolic risk factors and sequelae. Implications for how HRV may play a central role and be optimized in a meditative movement practice are discussed.

Comprehensive traditional East Asian medicine treatment strategy for obesity considering the therapeutic effects and adverse events: A protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Obesity has become a serious global health problem due to its increasing prevalence. Because of several limitations or adverse events associated with conventional western medicine therapies, there has been an increase in demand for alternative therapies such as traditional East Asian medicine (TEAM). This study aims to provide comprehensive evidence-based information assessing the clinical efficacy and safety of TEAM treatment for obesity as the basis for reliable clinical strategies for patients with obesity.

METHODS

Electronic searches of the PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, OASIS, and Korea Citation Index will be performed. Methodological quality will be assessed using the "risk of bias" tool. The primary outcome for efficacy will be weight loss. The secondary outcomes will be response rate, body mass index, waist circumference, and blood pressure. We will also evaluate the rates of adverse events and mortality for safety assessment. First, we will conduct a conventional pairwise meta-analysis. Next, we will conduct network meta-analysis using the frequentist approach. We shall verify the assumption of network meta-analysis and provide network geometry, P-score, net league table, and intervention-based forest plot. A subgroup analysis will be conducted to ascertain the factors that affect treatment, such as dosage, treatment duration, and severity of obesity.

RESULTS

The results of this study will provide high-quality systematic reviews that can assist decision making in obesity management. Our network meta-analysis results can provide direct and indirect comparison evidence on comparative efficacy and safety.

CONCLUSION

This study will provide fundamental data for prospective research on the application of TEAM in patients with obesity.

PROTOCOL REGISTRY NUMBER OF ONLINE REGISTRY

This study protocol was registered in open Science framework (OSF) (Registration DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/ETWDS).

URL OF THE ONLINE REGISTRY

https://osf.io/etwds.

Effect of different conditioning methods of traditional Chinese health exercise on lung function in healthy middle-aged and elderly people: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Lung function is highly age-dependent as it decreases in varying degrees with age, even in healthy people. Decreased lung function results in less elastic lung tissue, reduced chest wall compliance, reduced area for gas exchange, and even a variety of chronic diseases. Traditional Chinese health exercise (TCHE) has three components: “breath regulation,” “body regulation,” and “heart regulation,” which play an important role in the improvement of lung function. However, which component has the most significant effect on lung functioning remains unclear. Therefore, depending on the modality of conditioning, TCHEs will be divided into three exercise intervention groups: breath regulation group, body regulation group, and heart regulation group, in order to explore the magnitude of the effect of the different modalities of conditioning on the improvement of lung function.

Methods

The prospective, parallel, single-blind, randomized controlled trial will evaluate the effects of different conditioning methods of TCHE on lung function in middle-aged and elderly people. The study subjects are healthy middle-aged and elderly adults, who will be randomly divided into the “breath regulation group,” “body regulation group,” “heart regulation group,” and “control group.” The control group will receive health education. Health education and exercise intervention in the three intervention groups will be provided for 6 months, 5 times a week, with each session lasting 60 min. The outcomes of interest include changes in the pulmonary function tests measured at baseline and 3 and 6 months after the beginning of the intervention. The primary outcome is the forced vital capacity (FVC), while the secondary outcomes include forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FVC/FEV1 ratio, vital capacity (VC), and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV).

Discussion

This study will assess the effects of different conditioning methods of TCHE on lung function in middle-aged and elderly people. The final findings of this study will validate the effectiveness and safety of TCHE on lung function interventions in middle-aged and elderly people.

Trial registration

China Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100052687. Registered on November 3, 2021

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-021-05980-5.

Qigong and Tai Chi on Human Health: An Overview of Systematic Reviews

Qigong and Tai chi are traditional methods of physical and mental training and exercises in East Asia. Their health-promoting effects against various diseases have been studied for a long time, and they have been the subject of many clinical trials and systematic reviews (SRs). The present study aimed to comprehensively evaluate all published SRs on Qigong and Tai chi and to summarize the supporting evidence. The following databases were searched: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Research Information Sharing Service, and Korean Studies Information Service System. The selection and extraction processes were performed by two independent reviewers, and a qualitative synthesis was conducted. There were 58 SRs of randomized controlled trials on Qigong and Tai chi. There have been many studies on patients with cardiovascular diseases and different cancers, and a number of other studies in which mobility, quality of life, blood lipids, and blood pressure were outcome measurements. Thus, Qigong and Tai chi for various diseases and medical conditions have been accumulated. Based on current evidence, the number of publications of Qigong and Tai chi-related articles showed an increasing trend, and most of them were performed in China. Qigong and Tai chi have shown beneficial effects in different age groups and health conditions, including decreasing blood lipid level, reducing blood pressure, facilitating mobility, preventing falls, and improving overall quality of life.

Pilot study of tai chi and qigong on body composition, sleep, and emotional eating in midlife/older women

Weight gain and related adverse changes in body composition are prevalent among midlife and older women and contribute to chronic disease (e.g., type 2 diabetes, hypertension, depression). Tai Chi (TC) and Qigong (QG), forms of Meditative Movement, demonstrate improved physical/psychological symptoms and body composition. Using a standardized TC/QG protocol, we explored pre/post intervention differences in percent body fat and factors related to body composition in midlife/older women. In the context of a single-group pilot study, females ages 45-75 (N = 51) enrolled in an 8-week TC/QG intervention. Primary outcome measures of body composition, sleep quality, emotional eating and select secondary outcome psycho-emotional factors (perceived stress, mood state, mindfulness, self-compassion, body awareness) were collected. Change in percent body fat did not reach statistical significance (p = .30, M =  0.35, 95% CI [- 0.32, 1.0]). Sleep quality improved significantly, p = .04, M = - 0.88, 95% CI [-1.71, - 0.04]. Emotional eating changed in the expected direction, but not significantly, p = .08, M =  -0.16, 95% CI [-0.34, 0.02]. Significant differences were found in body awareness, p = .01, M =  0.36, 95% CI [0.08, 0.63] and perceived stress, p = .05, M =  -2.36, 95% CI [-4.76, 0.04]. Preliminary results are promising as results showed improvements in factors related to healthy body composition. Refined research is needed to understand if/how TC/QG may improve body composition among midlife and older women.

Effects of mind-body practice on arterial stiffness, central hemodynamic parameters and cardiac autonomic function of college students

A substantial number of studies have shown the beneficial effects of mind-body practice on physical fitness among both the healthy middle-aged and elderly adults and patients with chronic diseases. However, its positive effects on college students remain poorly understood. This study aimed to systematically investigate the potential efficiency of the Baduanjin exercise on the maintenance of the homeostasis of body composition and the improvement of the cardiovascular function of the college students. The study revealed a promising efficacy of the Baduanjin exercise in the prevention of the loss of water, inorganic salts, protein, and muscle contents and the accumulation of body fat. Furthermore, the present study also demonstrated the positive efficacy of Baduanjin exercise in decreasing of peripheral and central arterial blood pressure and carotid and femoral artery pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) of the college students. Moreover, the heart rate variability (HRV) analysis was also performed using the assessment of time and frequency domain indices. The data showed that all of the time-domain indices and the high-frequency (HF) band of the HRV relatively increased, whereas the low-frequency (LF) band of the HRV relatively decreased after the long-term Baduanjin exercise. Collectively, the present study suggested that a 12-week Baduanjin exercise could maintain the body composition in a relatively healthy and stable range and improve blood pressure, central hemodynamics, and the arterial stiffness of the college students. The underlying mechanism might be due to the improvement of parasympathetic activity and the suppression of sympathetic activity of college students via Baduanjin exercise.

Mind-Body Health Benefits of Traditional Chinese Qigong on Women: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Most women live with an inactive lifestyle, which suggests a need for preference-based choices to promote their participation in physical activity. This systematic review synthesized key findings on the health benefits of Qigong among women. We conducted a systematic search of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Qigong among women according to the PRISMA guidelines using the following databases from their inception through March 2021: PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and US National Library of Medicine. The risk of bias was examined using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing the risk of bias in randomized trials. Altogether, 18 RCTs were included for final review. Results showed that Qigong was a feasible exercise in improving health outcomes, particularly depressive symptoms (63% of trials), quality of life (43%), and fatigue (29%), among general women, intimate partner violence survivors, and women with chronic conditions (e.g., breast cancer patients or survivors). Almost 90% (7/8) of trials reported high adherence rates ranging from 73 to 95% for supervised group training and 63 to 80% for home self-practice. Thus far, there was no evidence of serious adverse effects from performing Qigong. For the risk of bias across trials, a lack of allocation concealment (72% of trials), no blinding of participants and personnel (67%), and incomplete outcome data (67%) were the major sources. In summary, Qigong is a safe, feasible, and beneficial exercise for general women, abused sufferers, and health-compromised women. However, given the potential risk of bias found in many studies, improved rigor of study design in future trials will be imperatively required.