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Systematic review

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Tai Chi for cancer survivors: A systematic review toward consensus-based guidelines.

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Journal Cancer medicine
Year 2021
Links Pubmed DOI PubMed Central

This article includes 26 Primary studies 22 Primary studies (26 references)

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To manage acute, long-term, and late effects of cancer, current guidelines recommend moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic and resistance exercise. Unfortunately, not all cancer survivors are able or willing to perform higher intensity exercise during difficult cancer treatments or because of other existing health conditions. Tai Chi is an equipment-free, multicomponent mind-body exercise performed at light-to-moderate intensity that may provide a more feasible alternative to traditional exercise programs for some cancer survivors. This systematic review evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of Tai Chi across the cancer care continuum. We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, SCOPUS, and CINAHL databases for interventional studies from inception to 18 September 2020. Controlled trials of the effects of Tai Chi training on patient-reported and objectively measured outcomes in cancer survivors were included. Study quality was determined by the RoB 2 tool, and effect estimates were evaluated using the Best Evidence Synthesis approach. Twenty-six reports from 14 trials (one non-randomized controlled trial) conducted during (n = 5) and after treatment (after surgery: n = 2; after other treatments: n = 7) were included. Low-level evidence emerged to support the benefits of 40-60 min of thrice-weekly supervised Tai Chi for 8-12 weeks to improve fatigue and sleep quality in cancer survivors. These findings need to be confirmed in larger trials and tested for scaling-up potential. Insufficient evidence was available to evaluate the effects of Tai Chi on other cancer-related outcomes. Future research should examine whether Tai Chi training can improve a broader range of cancer outcomes including during the pre-treatment and end of life phases.

Systematic review

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Effectiveness of aerobic exercise on upper limb function following breast cancer treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

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Authors Yang Y , Gu D , Qian Y , Wang H , Chai X
Journal Annals of palliative medicine
Year 2021
Links Pubmed DOI

This article includes 9 Primary studies 9 Primary studies (9 references)

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BACKGROUND: Aerobic exercise is currently considered to be an effective method of rehabilitation in breast cancer patients. Studies have shown that aerobic exercise after breast cancer surgery can improve upper limb function, cardiopulmonary function, and quality of life. Breast cancer rehabilitation guidelines encourage patients to actively participate in aerobic exercise to promote rehabilitation, the current study is to evaluate the effectiveness of aerobic exercise on upper limb muscle strength and range of motion (ROM) following breast cancer treatment. METHODS: Electronic databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO and Embase) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published before September 1, 2019, using the search terms "aerobic exercise", "exercise", "breast cancer", "muscle strength", "strength", "flexibility" and "function". Grip strength and shoulder joint ROM were used to evaluate upper limb strength and upper limb flexibility respectively. All statistical tests were performed using RevMan5.3 software. RESULTS: Nine RCTs (421 patients) were included for analysis, with JBI scores ranging from 19 to 23, and bias grade B for all studies among which, there were six studies reported change in grip strength, and five studies reported change in shoulder joint ROM. Meta-analysis showed a statistically significant difference in shoulder flexion ROM (MD =4.97, 95% CI: 0.47-9.46, P=0.03), shoulder abduction ROM (MD =8.95, 95% CI: 0.99-16.91, P=0.03), shoulder internal rotation ROM (MD =3.45, 95% CI: 1.80-5.09, P<0.0001), shoulder external rotation ROM (MD =7.69, 95% CI: 0.06-15.32, P=0.05) between the intervention and control groups following completion of the aerobic exercise intervention, while there were no significant improvement with respect to grip strength and shoulder extension ROM (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic exercise could improve shoulder joint ROM in breast cancer survivors, but shows no obvious effect on the improvement of upper limb strength.

Systematic review

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The effect of Tai Chi on four chronic conditions-cancer, osteoarthritis, heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analyses.

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Journal British journal of sports medicine
Year 2016
Links Pubmed DOI

This article includes 33 Primary studies 24 Primary studies (33 references)

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BACKGROUND: Many middle-aged and older persons have more than one chronic condition. Thus, it is important to synthesise the effectiveness of interventions across several comorbidities. The aim of this systematic review was to summarise current evidence regarding the effectiveness of Tai Chi in individuals with four common chronic conditions-cancer, osteoarthritis (OA), heart failure (HF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: 4 databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus) were searched for original articles. Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts and then conducted full-text reviews, quality assessment and finally data abstraction. 33 studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses were performed on disease-specific symptoms, physiological outcomes and physical performance of each chronic condition. Subgroup analyses on disease-specific symptoms were conducted by categorising studies into subsets based on the type of comparison groups. RESULTS: Meta-analyses showed that Tai Chi improved or showed a tendency to improve physical performance outcomes, including 6-min walking distance (6MWD) and knee extensor strength, in most or all four chronic conditions. Tai Chi also improved disease-specific symptoms of pain and stiffness in OA. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated a favourable effect or tendency of Tai Chi to improve physical performance and showed that this type of exercise could be performed by individuals with different chronic conditions, including COPD, HF and OA.

Systematic review

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Tai Chi Chuan exercise for patients with breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

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Authors Pan Y , Yang K , Shi X , Liang H , Zhang F , Lv Q
Journal Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM
Year 2015
Links Pubmed DOI PubMed Central

This article is included in 1 Broad synthesis 6 Broad syntheses (1 reference)

This article includes 9 Primary studies 6 Primary studies (9 references)

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Objective. Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) is a form of aerobic exercise that may be an effective therapy for improving psychosomatic capacity among breast cancer survivors. This meta-analysis analyzed the available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of TCC in relieving treatment-related side effects and quality of life in women with breast cancer. Methods. RCTs were searched in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library through April 2014. Data were analyzed on pathology (pain, interleukin-6, and insulin-like growth factor 1), physical capacity (handgrip, limb physical fitness, and BMI), and well-being (physical, social, emotional, and general quality of life). Results. Nine RCTs, including a total of 322 breast cancer patients, were examined. Compared with control therapies, the pooled results suggested that TCC showed significant effects in improving handgrip dynamometer strength, limb elbow flexion (elbow extension, abduction, and horizontal adduction). No significant differences were observed in pain, interleukin-6, insulin-like growth factor, BMI, physical well-being, social or emotional well-being, or general health-related quality of life. Conclusion. The short-term effects of TCC may have potential benefits in upper limb functional mobility in patients with breast cancer. Additional randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up are needed to provide more reliable evidence.

Systematic review

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Lack of efficacy of Tai Chi in improving quality of life in breast cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Authors Yan JH , Pan L , Zhang XM , Sun CX , Cui GH
Journal Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention : APJCP
Year 2014
Links Pubmed DOI

This article includes 9 Primary studies 6 Primary studies (9 references)

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BACKGROUND: It is controversial whether Tai Chi (TC) benefits breast cancer survivors (BCS) on quality of life (QoL). We therefore undertook a meta-analysis to assess this question. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A computerized search through electronic databases was performed to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The primary outcome was QoL, while secondary outcomes included body mass index (BMI), bone mineral density (BMD), and muscle strength. RESULTS: Five RCTs involving 407 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled standardized mean differences were 0.10 (95% confidence interval (CI): -0.35-0.54) for physical well- being, 0.03 (95%CI: -0.18-0.25) for social/family well-being, 0.24 (95%CI: 0.02-0.45) for emotional well-being, 0.23 (95%CI: -0.03-0.49) for functional well-being, and 0.09 (95%CI: -0.19-0.36) for additional concerns. TC failed to improve BMI, BMD, and muscle strength. CONCLUSIONS: There is currently lack of sufficient evidence to support TC improving QoL and other important clinical endpoints.

Systematic review

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Health benefits of qigong or tai chi for cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analyses.

Authors Zeng Y , Luo T , Xie H , Huang M , Cheng AS
Journal Complementary therapies in medicine
Year 2014
Links Pubmed DOI

This article is included in 3 Broad syntheses 8 Broad syntheses (3 references)

This article includes 10 Primary studies 8 Primary studies (10 references)

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BACKGROUND: Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Mind-body interventions are widely used by cancer patients to reduce symptoms and cope better with disease- and treatment-related symptoms. In the last decade, many clinical controlled trials of qigong/tai chi as a cancer treatment have emerged. This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the effects of qigong/tai chi on the health-related outcomes of cancer patients. METHODS: Five databases (Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and the CAJ Full-text Database) were searched until June 30, 2013. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of qigong/tai chi as a treatment intervention for cancer patients were considered for inclusion. The primary outcome for this review was changes in quality of life (QOL) and other physical and psychological effects in cancer patients. The secondary outcome for this review was adverse events of the qigong/tai chi intervention. RESULTS: A total of 13 RCTs with 592 subjects were included in this review. Nine RCTs involving 499 subjects provided enough data to generate pooled estimates of effect size for health-related outcomes. For cancer-specific QOL, the pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) was 7.99 [95% confidence interval (CI): 4.07, 11.91; Z score=4.00, p<0.0001]. The standardized mean differences (SMDs) for changes in depression and anxiety score were -0.69 (95% CI: -1.51, 0.14; Z score=1.64, p=0.10), and -0.93 (95% CI: -1.80, -0.06; Z score=2.09, p=0.04), respectively. The WMDs for changes in body mass index and body composition from baseline to 12 weeks follow-up were -1.66 (95% CI: -3.51, 0.19; Z score=1.76, p=0.08), and -0.67 (95% CI: -2.43, 1.09; Z score=0.75, p=0.45) respectively. The SMD for changes in the cortisol level was -0.37 (95% CI: -0.74, -0.00; Z score=1.97, p=0.05). CONCLUSION: This study found that qigong/tai chi had positive effects on the cancer-specific QOL, fatigue, immune function and cortisol level of cancer patients. However, these findings need to be interpreted cautiously due to the limited number of studies identified and high risk of bias in included trials. Further rigorous trials are needed to explore possible therapeutic effects of qigong/tai chi on cancer patients.

Systematic review

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An update of controlled physical activity trials in cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Journal Journal of cancer survivorship : research and practice
Year 2010
Links Pubmed DOI

This article is included in 1 Broad synthesis 94 Broad syntheses (1 reference)

This article includes 98 Primary studies 94 Primary studies (98 references)

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INTRODUCTION: Approximately 11.1 million cancer survivors are alive in the United States. Activity prescriptions for cancer survivors rely on evidence as to whether exercise during or after treatment results in improved health outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the extent to which physical activity during and post treatment is appropriate and effective across the cancer control continuum. METHODS: A systematic quantitative review of the English language scientific literature searched controlled trials of physical activity interventions in cancer survivors during and post treatment. Data from 82 studies were abstracted, weighted mean effect sizes (WMES) were calculated from 66 high quality studies, and a systematic level of evidence criteria was applied to evaluate 60 outcomes. Reports of adverse events were abstracted from all studies. RESULTS: Quantitative evidence shows a large effect of physical activity interventions post treatment on upper and lower body strength (WMES = 0.99 & 0.90, p < 0.0001 & 0.024, respectively) and moderate effects on fatigue and breast cancer-specific concerns (WMES = -0.54 & 0.62, p = 0.003 & 0.003, respectively). A small to moderate positive effect of physical activity during treatment was seen for physical activity level, aerobic fitness, muscular strength, functional quality of life, anxiety, and self-esteem. With few exceptions, exercise was well tolerated during and post treatment without adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence suggests many health benefits from physical activity during and post cancer treatments. Additional studies are needed in cancer diagnoses other than breast and with a focus on survivors in greatest need of improvements for the health outcomes of interest.

Systematic review

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Exercise interventions for upper-limb dysfunction due to breast cancer treatment.

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Journal Cochrane database of systematic reviews (Online)
Year 2010
Links Pubmed DOI

This article is included in 1 Broad synthesis 24 Broad syntheses (1 reference)

This article includes 25 Primary studies 24 Primary studies (25 references)

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BACKGROUND: Upper-limb dysfunction is a commonly reported side effect of treatment for breast cancer and may include decreased shoulder range of motion (the range through which a joint can be moved) (ROM) and strength, pain and lymphedema. OBJECTIVES: To review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness of exercise interventions in preventing, minimi sing, or improving upper-limb dysfunction due to breast cancer treatment. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Specialised Register of the Cochrane Breast Cancer Group, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and LILACS (to August 2008); contacted experts, handsearched reference lists, conference proceedings, clinical practice guidelines and other unpublished literature sources. SELECTION CRITERIA: RCTs evaluating the effectiveness and safety of exercise for upper-limb dysfunction. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently performed the data abstraction. Investigators were contacted for missing data. MAIN RESULTS: We included 24 studies involving 2132 participants. Ten of the 24 were considered of adequate methodological quality.Ten studies examined the effect of early versus delayed implementation of post-operative exercise. Implementing early exercise was more effective than delayed exercise in the short term recovery of shoulder flexion ROM (Weighted Mean Difference (WMD): 10.6 degrees; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 4.51 to 16.6); however, early exercise also resulted in a statistically significant increase in wound drainage volume (Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) 0.31; 95% CI: 0.13 to 0.49) and duration (WMD: 1.15 days; 95% CI: 0.65 to 1.65).Fourteen studies examined the effect of structured exercise compared to usual care/comparison. Of these, six were post-operative, three during adjuvant treatment and five following cancer treatment. Structured exercise programs in the post-operative period significantly improved shoulder flexion ROM in the short-term (WMD: 12.92 degrees; 95% CI: 0.69 to 25.16). Physical therapy treatment yielded additional benefit for shoulder function post-intervention (SMD: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.33 to 1.21) and at six-month follow-up (SMD: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.32 to 1.19). There was no evidence of increased risk of lymphedema from exercise at any time point. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Exercise can result in a significant and clinically meaningful improvement in shoulder ROM in women with breast cancer. In the post-operative period, consideration should be given to early implementation of exercises, although this approach may need to be carefully weighed against the potential for increases in wound drainage volume and duration. High quality research studies that closely monitor exercise prescription factors (e.g. intensity), and address persistent upper-limb dysfunction are needed.

Systematic review

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Is Tai Chi an effective adjunct in cancer care? A systematic review of controlled clinical trials.

Authors Lee MS , Pittler MH , Ernst E
Journal Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
Year 2007
Links Pubmed DOI

This article is included in 1 Structured summary of systematic reviews 3 Structured summaries of systematic reviews (1 reference) 3 Broad syntheses 3 Broad syntheses (3 references)

This article includes 4 Primary studies 3 Primary studies (4 references)

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BACKGROUND: Tai chi is a form of complementary and alternative medicine with similarities to aerobic exercises, which has been recommended for relieving cancer-related symptoms. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize and critically evaluate the evidence available from controlled clinical trials of tai chi as a supportive therapy for cancer patients. METHODS: We have searched the literature using 19 databases from their respective inceptions through October 2006, without language restrictions. Methodological quality was assessed using Jadad score. RESULTS: The searches identified 27 potentially relevant studies. Three randomised clinical trials (RCTs) and one non-randomised controlled trial (CCT) met our inclusion criteria. All of these trials assessed patients with breast cancer. Two RCTs reported significant differences in psychological and physiological symptoms compared to psychosocial support control. Most trials suffered from methodological flaws such as small sample size, inadequate study design and poor reporting. CONCLUSION: The evidence is not convincing enough to suggest that tai chi is an effective supportive treatment for cancer. Further research should attempt to answer the many open questions related to the usefulness of tai chi for supportive cancer care.