Effects of the tai chi qigong programme on functional capacity, and lung function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: A ramdomised controlled trial

Although the beneficial effect of exercise on the health of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients has been widely demonstrated, that of Tai Chi Qigong (TCQ), as an alternative exercise, has been inconclusive. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of combined center-and home-based TCQ on functional capacity and lung function in patients with mildly and moderately severe COPD. A total of 50 patients, with a mild and moderate degree of COPD, were recruited and randomly assigned to either the TCQ (n = 25) or control group (n = 25). The TCQ group completed 12-week center-and 12-week home-based training. The control group attended a meeting class once a week for 12 weeks. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline, and the 6th, 12th and 24th week. The primary outcomes were functional capacity (6-min walk test; 6MWT) and lung function. The secondary outcomes were dyspnea score and quality of life. The TCQ group demonstrated significant improvement in functional capacity at week 12 and 24 (p < 0.05) and dyspnea score and quality of life at week 6, 12 and 24 (p < 0.05) when compared to baseline. Functional capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1st second (FEV(1)), dyspnea score, and quality of life were significantly better in the TCQ group from week 6 to week 24 when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Combined center-and home-based TCQ training for patients with mildly and moderately severe COPD is effective in improving functional capacity, dyspnea score, and quality of life.