Tai chi exercise for patients with cardiovascular conditions and risk factors: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.

Full Abstract

PURPOSE: To conduct a systematic review of the literature evaluating tai chi exercise as an intervention for patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) or with CVD risk factors (CVDRF). METHODS: We searched (1) MEDLINE, CAB Alt HealthWatch, BIOSIS previews, Science Citation Index, EMBASE, and Social Science Citation Index from inception through October 2007; (2) Chinese Medical Database, China Hospital Knowledge, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and China Traditional Chinese Medicine Database from inception through June 2005; and (3) the medical libraries of Beijing and Nanjing Universities. Clinical studies published in English and Chinese including participants with established CVD or CVDRF were included. Data were extracted in a standardized manner; 2 independent investigators assessed methodological quality, including the Jadad score for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). RESULTS: Twenty-nine studies met inclusion criteria: 9 RCTs, 14 nonrandomized studies, and 6 observational trials. Three studies examined subjects with coronary heart disease, 5 in subjects with heart failure, and 10 in heterogeneous populations that included those with CVD. Eleven studies examined subjects with CVDRF (hypertension, dyslipidemia, impaired glucose metabolism). Study duration ranged from 8 weeks to 3 years. Most studies included fewer than 100 subjects (range, 5-207). Six of 9 RCTs were of adequate quality (Jadad >or= 3). Most studies reported improvements with tai chi, including blood pressure reductions and increases in exercise capacity. No adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSION: Preliminary evidence suggests that tai chi exercise may be a beneficial adjunctive therapy for some patients with CVD and CVDRF. Further research is needed.

Author information

Author/s: Yeh, Gloria Y (GY); Wang, Chenchen (C); Wayne, Peter M (PM); Phillips, Russell (R);

Affiliation: Division for Research and Education in Complementary and Integrative Medical Therapies, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA. gyeh(-atsign-)hms.harvard.edu

Grants: K23 AT002624 (Agency:NCCAM NIH HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural; Review

Journal: Journal of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and prevention (J Cardiopulm Rehabil Prev), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: -2009 May-Jun; vol 29 (issue 3) : pp 152-60

Dates: Created 2009/05/27; Completed 2009/07/09; Revised 2009/10/02;

PMID: 19471133, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/5/2009, IMS Date: )

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