Tai Chi and Qigong for Anxiety and Depression in COPD Patients
Mind-body exercise, such as Tai Chi, Qigong and Yoga, has been generally recognized as a beneficial strategy to improve mental health in those with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). However, to date, no attempt has been made to collate this literature. The aim of the present study, published by International journal of environmental research and public health in December 2019, was to systematically analyze the effects of mind-body exercise for COPD patients with anxiety and depression and provide scientific evidence-based exercise prescription.
Both Chinese and English databases were used as sources of data to search randomized controlled trials (RCT) relating to mind-body exercise in COPD patients with anxiety and depression that were published between January 1982 to June 2019. Thirteen eligible RCT studies were finally used for meta-analysis.
Results show that mind-body exercise including Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga had significant benefits on COPD patients with anxiety and depression. Sub-group analysis indicated that, for anxiety, 30-60 min exercise session for 24 weeks of health Qigong or Yoga had a significant effect on patients with COPD who are more than 70 years and have more than a 10-year disease course. For depression, 2-3 times a week, 30-60 min each time of health Qigong had a significant effect on patients with COPD patients who are more than 70 years old and have less than a 10-year disease course.
In conclusion, mind-body exercise could reduce levels of anxiety and depression in those with COPD. More robust RCT are required on this topic.