Effects of traditional Chinese exercises on mental health in individuals with drug rehabilitee: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

PurposeThe intent of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the effects of Traditional Chinese Exercise (TCE) on mental health and drug cravings in drug rehabilitees.MethodsSix electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycArticles, and CNKI) were searched to identify the potential literature from inception to March 2022. The controlled studies with a pro-posttest design that investigated the effects of TCE on mental health (depression, anxiety, drug craving, and sleep quality) were included. The effect sizes were calculated using the random-effect models with a 95% confidence interval. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale was employed to evaluate study quality.ResultsA total of 10 studies (740 participants, mean age 35 years old) were included in this study. The pooled results showed that TCE produced significant improvements in depression (SMD = 0.65, 95% CI 0.29 to 1.02, p < 0.01), anxiety (SMD = 0.98, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.53, p < 0.01), and drug craving (SMD = 0.87, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.21, p < 0.01) compared to the control group. The subgroup analysis results showed that TCE resulted in significant improvements in depression compared to active intervention (SMD = 0.33, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.60) or passive intervention (SMD = 1.07, 95% CI 0.40 to 1.74). A significant improvement in depression was observed in both male and female drug rehabilitee (p < 0.05). Moreover, Tai Chi (SMD = 0.69, 95% CI 0.19 to 1.18) or Qigong (SMD = 0.49, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.74) exercise, 3–4 times per week (SMD = 1.06, 95% CI 0.39 to 1.74) or ≥5 times (SMD = 0.39, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.66), >45 min (SMD = 0.62, 95% CI 0.09 to 1.15) or ≤ 45 min (SMD = 0.68, 95% CI 0.10 to 1.27), and for a duration of 12 weeks (SMD = 0.84, 95% CI 0.15 to 1.54) produced significant improvement in depression.ConclusionThis current study suggests that TCE (Tai Chi, Qigong) may have benefits in alleviating depression, anxiety, and drug cravings in drug rehabilitees. Further studies are required to verify our results through the implementation of well-designed experimental protocols.

The Impact of Nonpharmacological Interventions on Opioid Use for Chronic Noncancer Pain: A Scoping Review

“…Only one study used tai chi/qigong, guided imagery, and hydrotherapy as a combination NPI (using two or more NPIs simultaneously)—none were tested as a stand-alone intervention [ 63 ]. Strong evidence supports the effectiveness of tai chi/qigong in reducing anxiety [ 71 , 72 , 73 ], pain [ 74 , 75 , 76 ], and improving mood [ 77 ], sleep, self-efficacy [ 78 ], and physical function [ 79 ] in individuals with CP. However, as revealed in other reviews, RCTs investigating the effectiveness of tai chi/qigong to manage pain and reduce opioid use are lacking [ 4 , 72 ].…”

Effects of exercise interventions on negative emotions, cognitive performance and drug craving in methamphetamine addiction

“…Additionally, many forms of exercise can be used as effective intervention methods in drug treatment, such as mindfulness meditation (95, 96), traditional Chinese health exercises (28,33,36,97)(e.g. Health Qigong, Tai Chi), and other forms of exercise that take into account both physical and psychological aspects.…”

Effects of an 8-week Baduanjin intervention combined with low-carbohydrates diet among overweight people who struggle with drug addiction

“…The side effects of pharmacological therapy on the physical and psychological health of users should be noted. Other nonpharmacological treatments have been developed, such as contingency management, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (7). In addition to these approaches, exercise has been indicated as a safe and non-invasive non-pharmacological treatment, either in isolated exercise-based interventions or in combination with other addiction treatment strategies (8).…”

“…As one of the traditional Chinese health-promoting exercises (TCE, e.g., Tai Chi, Baduanjin, Wuqinxi), Baduanjin has eight simple postures and movements, which makes it readily accessible to a variety of people (17). Previous studies on TCE in drug rehabilitation suggest that long-term TCE is beneficial to improving physical and mental health, but few studies have involved Baduanjin (7,18). Many studies have examined the effects of Baduanjin on different aspects of health among the general population, including mental health, cardiovascular parameters, quality of life, sleep quality, cardiorespiratory fitness, physical performance, balance, and flexibility (19).…”