Tai Chi Chuan for breast cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND/AIMS:

Treatment for breast cancer produces side effects that diminish functional capacity and quality of life (QOL) among survivors. Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) is a moderate form of exercise that may improve functional capacity and QOL in these individuals. Women who completed treatment for breast cancer were randomized to receive TCC or psychosocial support therapy for 12 weeks (60 min; three times weekly).

RESULTS:

The TCC group demonstrated significant improvements in functional capacity, including aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and flexibility, as well as QOL; the psychosocial support therapy group showed significant improvements only in flexibility, with declines in aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and QOL.

CONCLUSIONS:

The TCC group exhibited significant improvements in functional capacity and QOL. These data suggest that TCC may enhance functional capacity and QOL among breast cancer survivors.