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Tai Chi and Qigong practices for chronic heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Systematic review of 33 RCTs (n=2,465) found Tai Chi/Qigong added to routine heart-failure management improved peak VO2 (+1.24 mL/kg/min), 6-minute walk distance (+59.6 m), and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire scores (−8.6 points) versus routine care alone; versus general exercise, quality-of-life scales favoured Tai Chi/Qigong more than walk/VO2 endpoints.
Design
- 33 RCTs, 2,465 CHF patients
- Comparators: TQPs + routine management vs routine management alone, and TQPs vs general exercise (both with routine care)
- Primary endpoints: VO2peak, 6MWD, MLHFQ
Versus routine management alone (abstract MDs)
- VO2peak: +1.24 mL/kg/min (95% CI 0.91–1.57; I² = 0%)
- 6MWD: +59.63 m (95% CI 43.35–75.90; I² = 88%)
- MLHFQ: −8.63 points (95% CI −10.60 to −6.67; I² = 94%)
Versus general exercise
- MLHFQ: additional benefit −9.18 (95% CI −17.95 to −0.41; I² = 86%)
- VO2peak / 6MWD: no clear superiority of TQPs vs other exercise formats in abstract summary
Publication
Chen X, et al. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2020 Dec 30;2020:3267971. PMID 33381195.
Outcomes
- VO₂max (Maximal Oxygen Uptake)% (Percent Change)
- Walking Speed% (Percent Change)
- MLHFQ improved with TQPs + routine care versus routine alone (MD −8.63 points) and showed larger advantage versus general exercise (MD −9.18) in abstract-reported models.