The impact of Tai Chi and Qigong mind-body exercises on motor and non-motor function and quality of life in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose To systematically evaluate and quantify the effects of Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) on motor (UPDRS III, balance, falls, Timed-Up-and-Go, and 6-Minute Walk) and non-motor (depression and cognition) function, and quality of life (QOL) in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods A systematic search on 7 electronic databases targeted clinical studies evaluating TCQ for individuals with PD published through August 2016. Meta-analysis was used to estimate effect sizes (Hedge’s g) and publication bias for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methodological bias in RCTs was assessed by two raters. Results Our search identified 21 studies, 15 of which were RCTs with a total of 755 subjects. For RCTs, comparison groups included no treatment (n=7, 47%) and active interventions (n=8, 53%). Duration of TCQ ranged from 2 to 6 months. Methodological bias was low in 6 studies, moderate in 7, and high in 2. Fixed-effect models showed that TCQ was associated with significant improvement on most motor outcomes (UPDRS III [ES=-0.444, p<.001], balance [ES=0.544, p<.001], Timed-Up-and-Go [ES=−0.341, p=.005], 6MW [ES=−0.293, p=.06]), falls [ES=−.403, p=.004], as well as depression [ES=−0.457, p=.008] and QOL [ES=−0.393, p<.001], but not cognition [ES= −0.225, p=.477]). I2 indicated limited heterogeneity. Funnel plots suggested some degree of publication bias. Conclusion Evidence to date supports a potential benefit of TCQ for improving motor function, depression and QOL for individuals with PD, and validates the need for additional large-scale trials.

Does Qigong Practice Have Benefits on the Management of Parkinson’s Disease?

“…Using the Unified Parkinson's disease rating scale-motor section (UPDRS-III) as an evaluation tool, one study reported that Qigong plus medication had better effects than medication alone, nevertheless without statistically significant differences; another study reported that Qigong plus medication was not much different than medication alone in gait velocity or step length; and a third study assessing the quality of life in patients using the PDQ-39 instrument, reported that Qigong plus medication showed better effects than aerobic exercise plus medication [39]. Song et al (2017) showed that Taijiquan and Qigong may improve the motor function, balance, timed up and go, 6 min walk, falls, as well as depression and quality of life in individuals with PD, however these authors highlight the fact that additional large-scale trials are needed [10].…”

“…Evidence-based treatment strategies used in the management of some aspects of the disease include different forms of exercise, such as cycling [7,8], walking, strength, balance and flexibility routines [9], as well as physiotherapy [2]. Indeed, a growing body of evidence supports the role of exercise, among which are dancing, Qigong and Taijiquan, to improve both motor and non-motor symptoms in PD patients [10][11][12]. Indeed, physical exercise has been shown to improve not only balance, gait, mobility and reduction of falls, but also apathy, fatigue, depression, sleep disturbance and cognitive impairment.…”

Qigong Mind-Body Program for Caregivers of Cancer Patients: Design of a Pilot Three-Arm Randomized Clinical Trial

“…54,55 Reduction of overall distress and improved long-term prognosis is also supported by improvements in broader constructs including overall QOL 44,46 and selfe cacy. 26,47,56 While Qigong is increasingly being used to help manage health and distress in caregivers, including at leading academic medical centers like MD Anderson Cancer Center and Harvard's Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we are not aware of any studies to date evaluating Qigong for caregivers.…”

Die Hamburger Parkinson-Tagesklinik: Ein neues Behandlungskonzept an der Grenze zwischen stationärer und ambulanter Versorgung

“…Darüber hinaus werden in der PTK Einführungskurse in Techniken zur Stressbewältigung angeboten, z. B. nach Kaluza, Autogenes Training, Yoga, Tai Chi sowie LSVT ® BIG oder Musiktherapie, die nachweislich die motorischen und nichtmotorischen Funktionen verbessern [13][14][15][16]. Ziel ist es, Patienten zu motivieren, ausgewählte Verfahren im Alltag regelmäßig therapeutisch zu nutzen.…”