Systematic review of Traditional Chinese Exercise shows improved function and well-being in 2434 COPD patients.
Photo by Trường Trung Cấp Kinh Tế Du Lịch Thành Phố Hồ Chí Minh CET / Unsplash
Key Takeaway
Consider TCE as a potentially safe, low-cost adjunct for improving function and well-being in COPD, pending standardized trials.
A systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of Traditional Chinese Exercise (TCE) on patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The analysis pooled data from 32 randomized controlled trials encompassing a total of 2,434 participants. While the specific setting and follow-up duration were not reported, the study aimed to assess the impact of TCE on various clinical and patient-reported outcomes.
The meta-analysis revealed statistically significant improvements in several key areas. Functional capacity, measured by the 6-minute walk distance, showed positive effects. Similarly, health-related quality of life, assessed via the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire and COPD Assessment Test, improved significantly. Participants also demonstrated better mental health and well-being, with reductions in anxiety and depression scores. Additionally, dyspnea levels decreased, and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) improved among the study population.
In contrast to these positive findings, the FEV1/FVC ratio did not show a statistically significant improvement. Regarding safety, adverse events, serious adverse events, discontinuations, and general tolerability were not reported in the source data. The authors note that considerable heterogeneity was observed for most physical and quality of life outcomes, and variations in exercise type and study quality were present.
The practice relevance suggests TCE appears to be a safe, low-cost, and culturally adaptable intervention that may improve physical function and psychological well-being in COPD patients. However, because specific effect sizes, absolute numbers, and confidence intervals were not reported, and heterogeneity was considerable, the certainty of these findings remains limited. The authors emphasize the need for more standardized, high-quality trials to confirm these results before widespread clinical adoption.
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View Original Abstract ↓
BACKGROUND: The application of Traditional Chinese Exercise (TCE) in pulmonary rehabilitation is increasing. However, the effects of TCE on the mental health and physical function of patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) remain unclear.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential effects of TCE on the psychological condition and physical function of patients with COPD and to explore possible moderating factors such as age and exercise duration.
METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, EMBASE, CBM, VIP, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, CINAHL, and Medline. Both manual and computer search methods were used for publications from the journal's inception to December 2024. Literature screening and quality assessment were conducted in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews using the Risk of Bias 2.0 (RoB 2.0) tool.
RESULTS: A total of 32 randomized controlled trials (n = 2434) were included. TCE suggested statistically significant effects of functional capacity (6-minute walk distance), health-related quality of life (St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire and COPD Assessment Test), and mental health and well-being (anxiety and depression). Statistically significant effects were observed for dyspnea and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), while no significant improvement was found in the Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV)/FVC ratio. Considerable heterogeneity was observed for most physical and quality of life, whereas heterogeneity for anxiety was low and for depression was moderate-high. Overall adherence to TCE interventions was high.
CONCLUSION: TCE, characterized by gentle and coordinated movements, appears to be a safe, low-cost, and culturally adaptable intervention that may improve physical function and psychological well-being in patients with COPD. However, variations in exercise type and study quality highlight the need for more standardized, high-quality trials to confirm these findings.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration: CRD420251007286.
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