Tai Chi Chuan for Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients with Coronary Arterial Disease

Abstract

BackgroundSeveral studies have shown that Tai Chi Chuan can improve cardiac function in patients with heart disease.ObjectiveTo conduct a systematic review of the literature to assess the effects of Tai Chi Chuan on cardiac rehabilitation for patients with coronary artery disease.MethodsWe performed a search for studies published in English, Portuguese and Spanish in the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS and Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials. Data were extracted in a standardized manner by three independent investigators, who were responsible for assessing the methodological quality of the manuscripts.ResultsThe initial search found 201 studies that, after review of titles and abstracts, resulted in a selection of 12 manuscripts. They were fully analyzed and of these, nine were excluded. As a final result, three randomized controlled trials remained. The studies analyzed in this systematic review included patients with a confirmed diagnosis of coronary artery disease, all were clinically stable and able to exercise. The three experiments had a control group that practiced structured exercise training or received counseling for exercise. Follow-up ranged from 2 to 12 months.ConclusionPreliminary evidence suggests that Tai Chi Chuan can be an unconventional form of cardiac rehabilitation, being an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of patients with stable coronary artery disease. However, the methodological quality of the included articles and the small sample sizes clearly indicate that new randomized controlled trials are needed in this regard.

Tai Chi for improving cardiopulmonary function and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…4 The exercise does not require training equipment or a specific venue and thus is readily available to all communities. In recent years, many studies have been performed to investigate the effects of Tai Chi to treat chronic conditions, 5 particularly for patients with cardio-cerebrovascular, [6][7][8] musculoskeletal, 9,10 and psychological 11,12 disorders.…”

Safety and effectiveness of a Tai Chi-based cardiac rehabilitation programme for chronic coronary syndrom patients: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

“…Compared with conventional exercise styles (eg, aerobic, resistance and extensibility exercise), Tai Chi typically involves a mind-body integration practice that combines the coordination of slow movements with mental focus, deep breathing and relaxation for promoting both physical and mental well-being. [29][30][31] Previous studies have shown that regular Tai Chi exercise is beneficial in improving psychological and physiological outcomes among the elderly and various clinical populations (eg, Parkinson's disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and psychological illness). [32][33][34][35] As a typical mind-body exercise which incorporates the characteristics of TCM, Tai Chi may be considered to be an effective exercise to promote health in a diverse range of populations (eg, healthy population, patients with chronic diseases, youths, middle-aged or elderly adults) .…”

Cardiovascular Effects of 16 Weeks of Martial Arts Training in Adolescents

“…In addition, only Tai Chi Chuan has been investigated. 23 thus, the effects of other Martial Arts, such as Judo and Muay Thai, which are confrontation Martial Arts and the most intense, are unknown.…”