Effect of Traditional Chinese Exercises on Patients with Chronic Heart Failure (TCE-HF): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is safe and effective for chronic heart failure (CHF) patients. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of traditional Chinese exercise (TCE) on patients with CHF and the impact of exercise types and duration. Evaluation of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TCE in patients with CHF published since 1997 from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Chongqing VIP, Wanfang Databases, and the China National Knowledge was performed. A total of 41 RCTs, including 3209 patients with CHF, were included. It showed that TCE significantly increased 6-min walk distance (6MWD) [mean difference (MD) = 72.82 m, p < 0.001] and left ventricular ejection fraction (MD = 5.09%, p < 0.001), whereas reduced B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) (MD = −56.80 pg/mL, p < 0.001), N-terminal pro-BNP (MD = −174.94 pg/mL, p < 0.05), and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire scores (MD = −11.31, p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was found in the effects of TCE on peak oxygen consumption. The increase in TCE weekly duration and program duration significantly improved 6MWD (MD = 71.91 m, p < 0.001; MD = 74.11 m, p < 0.001). The combination of TCE and conventional aerobic exercise significantly improved 6MWD (MD = 19.86 m, p < 0.005). TCE improves exercise capacity, cardiac function, and quality of life in patients with CHF, which might be an optimal and available pattern of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation.

Effects of an explain-simulate-practice-communicate-support intervention on quality of life for patients with chronic heart failure: A randomized control trial

“…Patients with chronic NYHA grade III HF in the intervention group had significantly improved cardiac function (6MWT distance, LVEF, and NT-proBNP levels) and ADL capacity and decreased NYHA grade compared with the control group, which reflected the efficacy of the ESPCS intervention. Several studies have shown that regular rehabilitation exercises are beneficial for improving exercise ability and cardiac function [ 27 ], daily activity, LVEF [ 28 ], and serum NT-proBNP levels [ 29 ] in patients with CHF, which is consistent with the results of the current study. The participants in our study stated that they benefited from systematic health education and exercise training and that their heart function and ADL ability were improved through exercise and self-management.…”

A potential research target for cardiac rehabilitation: brain-derived neurotrophic factor

“…Traditional Chinese exercises emphasize the unity of body and mind, breathing and exhaling, which can play a role in unblocking meridians and regulating qi and blood. By regulating sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve activity, traditional Chinese exercises such as tai chi can promote the establishment of coronary collateral circulation and improve cardiac function (61).…”