Mindfulness-based interventions in multiple sclerosis: beneficial effects of Tai Chi on balance, coordination, fatigue and depression Effects of Tai Chi Exercise on Cancer-Related Fatigue in Patients With Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Undergoing Chemoradiotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Explaining the ineffectiveness of a Tai Chi fall prevention training for community-living older people: a process evaluation alongside a randomized clinical trial (RCT). Qigong/tai chi for sleep and fatigue in prostate cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy: a randomized controlled trial The effect of Tai Chi Chuan in reducing falls among elderly people: design of a randomized clinical trial in the Netherlands [ISRCTN98840266] Randomized Controlled Trial of Qigong/Tai Chi Easy on Cancer-Related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Survivors Patient, caregiver, and oncologist perceptions of cancer-related fatigue: results of a tripart assessment survey. The Fatigue Coalition. Tai Chi Exercise for Cancer-Related Fatigue in Patients With Lung Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Quality of Reporting of Randomized Clinical Trials in Tai Chi Interventions—A Systematic Review Evaluation of Tai Chi Program Effectiveness for People with Arthritis in the Community: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Effects of tai chi exercise on posturography, gait, physical function and quality of life in postmenopausal women with osteopaenia: a randomized clinical study Changes in heart rate, noradrenaline, cortisol and mood during Tai Chi. The sustaining effects of Tai chi Qigong on physiological health for COPD patients: a randomized controlled trial.
Background Patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis ( MS ) experience a wide array of symptoms , including balance problems , mobility impairment , fatigue and depression . Physical exercise has recently been acknowledged as a treatment option complementary to medication . However , information regarding putative effects of structured exercise programs on neurological symptoms is sparse . Tai Chi , a Chinese martial art incorporating physical exercise and mindfulness training , has been shown to yield health benefits in various neurological groups . It seems particularly suitable for patients with motoric deficits as it challenges coordination and balance . The purpose of the current study was to explore the therapeutic value of structured Tai Chi training for coordination , balance , fatigue and depression in mildly disabled MS patients . Methods A sample of 32 MS patients ( Exp and ed Disability Status Scale , EDSS < 5 ) was examined . A structured Tai Chi course was devised and a Tai Chi group participated in two weekly sessions of 90 minutes duration for six months , while a comparison group received treatment as usual ( TAU ) . Both groups were examined prior to and following the six-months interval with regards to balance and coordination performance as well as measures of fatigue , depression and life satisfaction . Results Following the intervention , the Tai Chi group showed significant , consistent improvements in balance , coordination , and depression , relative to the TAU group ( range of effect-sizes : partial η2 = 0.16 – 0.20 ) . Additionally , life satisfaction improved ( partial η2 = 0.31 ) . Fatigue deteriorated in the comparison group , whereas it remained relatively stable in the Tai Chi group ( partial η2 = 0.24 ) . Conclusions The consistent pattern of results confirms that Tai Chi holds therapeutic potential for MS patients . Further research is needed to determine underlying working mechanisms , and to verify the results in a larger sample and different MS subgroups CONTEXT Tai Chi exercise has been shown to improve cancer-related fatigue ( CRF ) and autonomic nervous system ( ANS ) balance in some cancer patients or survivors ; however , such effects are yet to be verified in nasopharyngeal carcinoma ( NPC ) patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy . OBJECTIVES To explore the effects of Tai Chi exercise on CRF in NPC patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy and then to evaluate ANS information indicated by heart rate variability parameters and their association with CRF . METHODS A r and omized controlled trial of Tai Chi exercise was conducted from January 2014 to August 2015 . Participants in the Tai Chi group practice d Tai Chi a one-hour session , five sessions/week during chemoradiotherapy . Participants in the control group received usual care . The primary end points were scores of the multidimensional fatigue symptom inventory-short form ( MFSI-SF ) . Secondary end points were heart rate variability parameters , including normalized low-frequency ( nLF ) power , normalized high-frequency ( nHF ) power , and the nLF/nHF ratio , and their association with CRF . RESULTS One hundred fourteen patients were recruited in this study , and 83 patients completed the trial . The Tai Chi group and the control group had comparable baseline characteristics . After chemoradiotherapy , the Tai Chi group exhibited lower MFSI-SF total score and three negative subscale ( general , physical , and emotional fatigue ) scores and higher vigor score compared with the control group ( P < 0.01 for all ) . The nLF/nHF ratio was significantly lower in the Tai Chi group compared to the control group after chemoradiotherapy . The MFSI-SF total score was markedly correlated with the nLF/nHF ratio . CONCLUSION Tai Chi exercise is conducive to alleviate  CRF  in NPC patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy . The improvement in ANS balance might fit into the process of Tai Chi for CRF management in this population The results of a r and omized clinical trial ( RCT ) on the effects of a Tai Chi fall prevention in community-living older people with a high risk of falling in the Netherl and s showed no beneficial effects on falls and secondary outcomes ( e.g. , balance , fear of falling ) . The aim of this study is to provide insight in process-related factors that may have influenced the effectiveness of the intervention . The intervention consisted of Tai Chi Chuan ( TCC ) training for 1 h twice a week for 13 weeks . We used self-administered question naires and registration forms to collect data from participants and instructors . We analyzed quantitative data by means of descriptive statistics and categorized qualitative data based on the content of the answers given . Of the participants , that started the program 89 ( 79 % ) completed the intervention , but a minority of 47 % attended 80 % of more of the lessons . All participants and instructors were positive about the program and most participants reported benefits from the intervention . Suggestions for improvements mainly relate to adjustments of training aspects . The main process-related factors that may be have influenced the lack of beneficial effects on falls and secondary outcomes are the relatively high withdrawal and the low adherence rates OBJECTIVES Sleep disturbances and fatigue are common in prostate cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy . Prior research suggests mind-body techniques may improve these outcomes . We conducted a r and omized controlled trial of qigong/tai chi ( QGTC ) in men with prostate cancer undergoing radiotherapy .  METHODS Men with prostate cancer starting definitive radiation were r and omized to 1 of 3 groups : ( 1 ) QGTC ; ( 2 ) light exercise ( LE ) ; or ( 3 ) waiting list control .  Sleep disturbances ( Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index ) and fatigue ( Brief Fatigue Inventory ) were assessed at baseline , midway through radiotherapy ( T2 ) , during the last week of radiotherapy ( T3 ) , and at 1 ( T4 ) and 3 months ( T5 ) after the end of radiotherapy . Patients in the QGTC and LE groups attended three 40-minute classes per week throughout radiotherapy . RESULTS Ninety patients were r and omized to the 3 groups ( QGTC = 26 ; LE = 26 ; waiting list control = 24 ) . The QGTC group reported longer sleep duration midway through radiotherapy ( QGTC = 7.01 h ; LE = 6.42 ; WL = 6.50 ; P = .05 ) , but this difference did not persist over time . There were no group differences in other domains of sleep or fatigue . Exploratory analyses conducted to examine the effect of health-related quality of life ( Exp and ed Prostate Cancer Index Composite and American Urological Association Symptom score ) on sleep and fatigue showed significant correlations across multiple domains . CONCLUSIONS Qigong/tai chi during radiation for prostate cancer result ed in superior sleep duration midway through radiation , but this effect was not durable , and there were no differences in other domains of sleep or fatigue . Exploratory analysis demonstrated that both sleep and fatigue were highly correlated with prostate cancer-related physical symptoms . Future mind-body intervention studies should incorporate multimodal therapy focused on improving physical symptoms in this population Background Falls are a significant public health problem . Thirty to fifty percent of the elderly of 65 years and older fall each year . Falls are the most common type of accident in this age group and can result in fractures and subsequent disabilities , increased fear of falling , social isolation , decreased mobility , and even an increased mortality . Several forms of exercise have been associated with a reduced risk of falling and with a wide range of physiological as well as psychosocial health benefits . Tai Chi Chuan seems to be the most promising form of exercise in the elderly , but the evidence is still controversial . In this article the design of a r and omized clinical trial is presented . The trial evaluates the effect of Tai Chi Chuan on fall prevention and physical and psychological function in older adults . Methods / Design 270 people of seventy years and older living at home will be identified in the files of the participating general practitioners . People will be asked to participate when meeting the following inclusion criteria : have experienced a fall in the preceding year or suffer from two of the following risk factors : disturbed balance , mobility problems , dizziness , or the use of benzodiazepines or diuretics . People will be r and omly allocated to either the Tai Chi Chuan group ( 13 weeks , twice a week ) or the no treatment control group . The primary outcome measure is the number of new falls , measured with a diary . The secondary outcome measures are balance , fear of falling , blood pressure , heart rate , lung function parameters , physical activity , functional status , quality of life , mental health , use of walking devices , medication , use of health care services , adjustments to the house , severity of fall incidents and subsequent injuries . Process parameters will be measured to evaluate the Tai Chi Chuan intervention . A cost-effectiveness analysis will be carried out alongside the evaluation of the clinical results . Follow-up measurements will be collected at 3 , 6 and 12 months after r and omization . Discussion As far as we know this is the first trial in Europe considering Tai Chi Chuan and fall prevention . This project will answer a pragmatic research question regarding the efficacy of Tai Chi Chuan regarding fall reduction Background Many breast cancer survivors experience fatigue , mood , and sleep disturbances .  Purpose This study aims to compare a meditative movement practice , Qigong/Tai Chi Easy ( QG/TCE ) with sham Qigong ( SQG ) , testing effects of meditation/breath aspects of QG/TCE on breast cancer survivors ’ persistent fatigue and other symptoms . Methods This double-blind , r and omized controlled trial tested 12 weeks of QG/TCE versus SQG on fatigue , depression , and sleep among 87 postmenopausal , fatigued breast cancer survivors , stages 0–III , age 40–75 .  Results Fatigue decreased significantly in the QG/TCE group compared to control at post-intervention ( p = 0.005 ) and 3 months follow-up ( p = 0.024 ) , but not depression and sleep quality . Improvement occurred over time for both interventions in depression and sleep quality ( all p < 0.05 ) . Conclusions QG/TCE showed significant improvement over time compared to SQG  for fatigue , but not depression or sleep . Both QG/TCE and SQG showed improvement for two prevalent symptoms among breast cancer survivors , depression and sleep dysfunction Although fatigue is the most common symptom reported by cancer patients and has serious adverse effects on quality of life , it remains poorly understood . A survey was design ed to characterize the epidemiology of cancer-related fatigue from the perspectives of the patient , primary caregiver , and oncologist . A telephone survey included 419 cancer patients recruited from 100,000 r and omly selected households nationwide . Patients provided access to 200 primary caregivers ( usually family members ) who were also interviewed by telephone . In a separate mail survey , 197 of 600 r and omly sample d oncologists ( unrelated to the patients ) responded to a question naire that assessed perceptions and attitudes concerning fatigue in cancer patients who had received chemotherapy or radiotherapy and their caregivers . The median patient age was 65 years , and the principal cancer diagnoses were breast ( females ) and genitourinary ( males ) . Fifty-nine percent of the patients had received chemotherapy , 63 % radiation therapy  , and 24 % both ; 20 % of patients received their last treatment within 6 weeks , 31 % within 7 weeks to 1 year , and 49 % more than 1 year ago . More than three quarters of patients ( 78 % ) experienced fatigue ( defined as a general feeling of debilitating tiredness or loss of energy ) during the course of their disease and treatment . Thirty-two percent experienced fatigue daily , and 32 % reported fatigue significantly affected their daily routines . Caregivers reported observing fatigue in 86 % of the index patients , and oncologists perceived that 76 % of their patients experienced fatigue . Although oncologists believed that pain adversely affected their patients to a greater degree than fatigue ( 61 % v 37 % ) , patients felt that fatigue adversely affected their daily lives more than pain ( 61 % v 19 % ) . Most oncologists ( 80 % ) believed fatigue is overlooked or undertreated , and most patients ( 74 % ) considered fatigue a symptom to be endured . Fifty percent of patients did not discuss treatment options with their oncologists , and only 27 % reported that their oncologists recommended any treatment for fatigue . When used , treatments for fatigue were generally perceived by patients and caregivers to be successful . These data confirm the high prevalence and adverse impact of cancer-related fatigue , although it is seldom discussed and infrequently treated . For patients and oncologists , improving the quality of life of cancer patients requires a heightened awareness of fatigue , a better underst and ing of its impact , and improve communication and familiarity with interventions that can reduce its debilitating effects CONTEXT Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese health-promoting exercise . It has been shown to enhance mental health and improve psychological condition . OBJECTIVES We aim ed to assess the effectiveness of Tai Chi exercise for cancer-related fatigue in patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy . METHODS We conducted a r and omized trial of Tai Chi exercise as compared with low-impact exercise as a control intervention . Exercises were practice d every other day , a one-hour session for 12 weeks for each of the study groups . The primary end point was a change in total score of the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory-Short Form ( MFSI-SF ) . Secondary end points were changes in five subscale scores of the MFSI-SF . All assessment s were repeated at three time points , T0 : before first course of chemotherapy ; T1 : before third course of chemotherapy ; and T2 : at the end of the fourth course of chemotherapy . RESULTS Between January 2012 and December 2014 , 96 patients were enrolled in this trial . At six and 12 weeks , the Tai Chi group had a lower MFSI-SF total score compared with the control group ( 59.5 ± 11.3 vs. 66.8 ± 11.9 , P < 0.05 ; 53.3 ± 11.8 vs. 59.3 ± 12.2 , P < 0.05 ) . At six weeks , the Tai Chi group had lower MFSI-SF general subscale scores ( 18.1 ± 4.6 vs. 20.4 ± 4.5 , P < 0.05 ) and physical subscale scores ( 17.5 ± 4.4 vs. 19.1 ± 4.5 , P < 0.05 ) , and higher MFSI-SF vigor subscale scores ( 14.5 ± 3.3 vs. 11.6 ± 3.4 , P < 0.05 ) , compared with the control group . But no significant differences were found in emotional subscale ( 20.2 ± 3.6 vs. 20.0 ± 3.5 , P > 0.05 ) and mental subscale ( 18.2 ± 4.0 vs. 18.9 ± 3.9 , P > 0.05 ) scores between the Tai Chi group and the control group . At 12 weeks , the MFSI-SF subscale scores showed the same trends as at six weeks . CONCLUSION Tai Chi is an effective intervention for managing cancer-related fatigue in patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy , especially for decreasing general fatigue and physical fatigue , and increasing vigor Objectives . To evaluate the reporting quality of published r and omized clinical trials ( RCTs ) in the Tai Chi literature following the publication of the CONSORT guidelines in 2001 . Data Sources . The OVID MEDLINE and PUBMED data bases . Review Methods . To survey the general characteristics of Tai Chi RCTs in the literature , we included any report if ( i ) it was an original report of the trial ; ( ii ) its design was RCT ; ( iii ) one of the treatments being tested was Tai Chi ; and ( iv ) it was in English . In addition , we assessed the reporting quality of RCTs that were published between 2002 and 2007 , using a modified CONSORT checklist of 40 items . The adequate description of Tai Chi interventions in these trials was examined against a 10-item checklist adapted from previous review s. Results . The search yielded 31 Tai Chi RCTs published from 2002 to 2007 and only 11 for 1992–2001 . Among trials published during 2002–2007 , the most adequately reported criteria were related to background , participant eligibility and interpretation of the study results . Nonetheless , the most poorly reported items were associated with r and omization allocation concealment , implementation of r and omization and the definitions of period of recruitment and follow-up . In addition , only 23 % of RCTs provided adequate details of Tai Chi intervention used in the trials . Conclusion . The findings in this review indicated that the reporting quality of Tai Chi intervention trials is sub-optimal . Substantial improvement is required to meet the CONSORT guidelines and allow assessment of the quality of evidence . We believe that not only investigators , but also journal editors , review ers and funding agencies need to follow the CONSORT guidelines to improve the st and ards of research and strengthen the evidence base for Tai Chi and for complementary and alternative medicine OBJECTIVE Evaluate effectiveness of the Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Program for community participants with arthritis . METHODS 343 individuals were r and omized to either the intervention or wait-list control group .  Performance and self-reported outcome ( SRO ) measures were assessed at baseline and eight weeks . At one year , SROs only were assessed . Adjusted means were determined using regression models adjusting for covariates , and effect sizes ( ES ) were calculated . RESULTS Average participant age was 66 years , 87 % were female , and 87 % were Caucasian . Among 284 ( 83 % ) participants who returned at eight weeks , balance by reach ( ES = 0.30 ) and helplessness , sleep , and role participation satisfaction ( ES = 0.24 - 0.54 ) improved significantly ; pain , fatigue , and stiffness improvement ( ES = 0.15 - 0.23 ) approached significance . No change was noted in mobility , lower extremity strength , or single-leg stance balance . At one year , improvements in pain , fatigue , stiffness , helplessness , and role participation satisfaction at eight weeks were maintained ; 30 % continued tai chi practice . CONCLUSION Moderate effectiveness of the Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Program was confirmed Objective : To evaluate the effects of tai chi exercise on risk factors for  falls in postmenopausal women with osteopaenia through measurements of balance , gait , physical function and quality of life . Design : A r and omized , controlled , single-blinded , 24-week trial with stratification by age and bone mass . Setting : General community . Participants : Sixty-one independently living elderly females aged 65 years and older with low bone mass . Interventions : Subjects were recruited and r and omly assigned to 24 weeks of tai chi ( 60 minutes/session , three sessions/week , n = 30 ) or a control group ( n = 31 ) . Outcome measures : Computerized dynamic posturography , gait , ‘ timed up and go ’ , five-chair sit-to-st and and quality of life assessed at baseline , 12 and 24 weeks . Results : After 24 weeks , subjects in the tai chi group demonstrated an increase in stride width ( P = 0.05 ) and improvement in general health ( P = 0.008 ) , vitality ( P = 0.02 ) and bodily pain ( P = 0.03 ) compared with those in the control group . There was no significant difference in balance parameters , ‘ timed up and go ’ , five-chair sit-to-st and and other domains of quality of life . Conclusion : Tai chi exercise may reduce risk factors for falls by increasing the stride width , and may improve quality of life in terms of general health , vitality and bodily pain in postmenopausal women with osteopaenia Changes in psychological and physiological functioning following participation in Tai Chi  were assessed for 33 beginners and 33 practitioners . The variables in the three-way factorial design were experience ( beginners vs practitioners ) , time ( morning vs afternoon vs evening ) , and phase ( before Tai Chi vs during Tai Chi vs after Tai Chi ) . Phase was a repeated measures variable . Relative to measures taken beforeh and , practice of Tai Chi  raised heart rate , increased noradrenaline excretion in urine , and decreased salivary cortisol concentration . Relative to baseline levels , subjects reported less tension , depression , anger , fatigue , confusion and state-anxiety , they felt more vigorous , and in general they had less total mood disturbance . The data suggest that Tai Chi results in gains that are comparable to those found with moderate exercise . There is need for research concerned with whether participation in Tai Chi has effects over and above those associated with physical exercise OBJECTIVES To evaluate the sustaining effects of Tai chi Qigong in improving the physiological health for COPD patients at sixth month . DESIGN A r and omized controlled trial . Subjects were in three r and omly assigned groups : Tai chi Qigong group , exercise group , and control group . SETTING The 206 subjects were recruited from five general outpatient clinics . INTERVENTIONS Tai chi Qigong group completed a 3-month Tai chi Qigong program . Exercise group practice d breathing and walking as an exercise . Control group received usual care . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcomes included six-minute walking distance and lung functions . Secondary outcomes were dyspnea and fatigue levels , number of exacerbations and hospital admissions . RESULTS Tai chi Qigong group showed a steady improvement in exercise capacity ( P<.001 ) from baseline to the sixth month . The mean walking distance increased from 298 to 349 meters ( + 17 % ) . No significant changes were noted in the other two groups . Tai chi Qigong group also showed improvement in lung functions ( P<.001 ) . Mean forced expiratory volume in 1s increased from .89 to .99l ( + 11 % ) . No significant change was noted in the exercise group . Deterioration was found in the control group , with mean volume decreased from .89 to .84l ( -5.67 % ) . Significant decreased in the number of exacerbations was observed in the Tai chi Qigong group . No changes in dyspnea and fatigue levels were noted among the three groups . CONCLUSIONS Tai chi Qigong has sustaining effects in improving the physiological health and is a useful and appropriate exercise for COPD patients
The results suggest that Tai Chi could be an effective alternative and /or complementary approach to existing therapies for people with fatigue .
There is still absence of adverse events data to evaluate the safety of Tai Chi .
BACKGROUND Fatigue is not only a familiar symptom in our daily lives , but also a common ailment that affects all of our bodily systems .
Several r and omized controlled trials ( RCTs ) have proven Tai Chi to be beneficial for patients suffering from fatigue , however conclusive evidence is still lacking .