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

R. Song, W. Grabowska, M. Park, K. Osypiuk, G. P. Vergara-Diaz, P. Bonato, J. M. Hausdorff, M. Fox, L. R. Sudarsky, E. Macklin, P. M. Wayne*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

151 Scopus citations

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 in 7 electronic databases targeted clinical studies evaluating TCQ for individuals with PD published through August 2016. Meta-analysis was used to estimate effect sizes (Hedges'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 735 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 < 0.001], balance [ES = 0.544, p < 0.001], Timed-Up-and-Go [ES = −0.341, p = 0.005], 6 MW [ES = −0.293, p = 0.06], falls [ES = −0.403, p = 0.004], as well as depression [ES = −0.457, p = 0.008] and QOL [ES = −0.393, p < 0.001], but not cognition [ES = −0.225, p = 0.477]). 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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3-13
Number of pages11
JournalParkinsonism and Related Disorders
Volume41
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2017

Funding

FundersFunder number
National Institutes of Health
National Center for Complementary and Integrative HealthK24AT009282
Davis Phinney Foundation
Osher Center for Integrative Medicine
National Research Foundation of Korea2013R-1A-1A-2065536

    Keywords

    • Meta analysis
    • Motor activity
    • Parkinson disease
    • Quality of life
    • Tai Chi

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of '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'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this