Abstract
Objective Baduanjin is a traditional Chinese Qigong exercise for health improvement. However, a few studies were examining the association between Baduanjin Qigong exercise and cancer patients. This study is conducted to explore the clinical effects of the Baduanjin Qigong exercise among cancer patients. Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis using randomized controlled trials to assess the effects of the Baduanjin Qigong exercise on cancer patients. We searched Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, and Airiti Library for all relevant studies from inception through December 31, 2020, without language limitations. Two authors independently screened selected studies, assessed the quality of included studies, and extracted information. Any disagreement was discussed with a third senior author. Summary estimates were obtained using meta-analysis with the random effects model. Results Among the fourteen articles involved in the systematic review, ten studies were included in the meta-analysis. Cancer patients with moderate-severe cancer-related fatigue were significantly less in the Baduanjin group compared with the control group (odds ratio = 0.27; 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.17, 0.42]). Three studies used the questionnaire of Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast Cancer (FACT-B) in the assessment of quality of life, and two used the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). For FACT-B, the Baduanjin group scored significantly higher than the control group (mean difference = 11.04, 95% CI [9.56, 12.53]). For EORTC QLQ-C30, the Baduanjin group scored significantly higher than the control group (mean difference = 10.57, 95% CI [7.82, 13.32]). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score for sleep quality of the Baduanjin group is significantly lower than the control group (mean difference = −2.89, 95% CI [−3.48, −2.30]). Conclusion In conclusion, we found the Baduanjin exercise had positive clinical effects on cancer patients. This meta-analysis not only supported that the Baduanjin exercise can alleviate the degree of cancer-related fatigue in patients but also improved their quality of life and sleep quality. Further long-term follow-up randomized controlled trials are warranted.
Highlights
Nowadays, cancer patients live longer due to advances in cancer treatments
A large proportion of cancer patients could suffer from multiple physical and psychosocial complications, such as cancer-related fatigue, deterioration in quality of life (QoL), and sleep quality caused by cancer and its current therapy [1,2,3]. ese negative conseruences may persist for months or years after the therapy [4, 5]. erefore, more cancer care services should be developed to address the prevention of complications and assist patients in returning to the health status after treatment
Study Selection. ese studies were involved if they met the following inclusion criteria: (1) the study design was an RCT; (2) they were original studies; (3) both experimental group and control group were diagnosed with cancer; and (4) Baduanjin Qigong exercise was the main intervention for the experimental group. e full texts of the search results were checked carefully, and we obtained the studies which had met the criteria mentioned before
Summary
Cancer patients live longer due to advances in cancer treatments. a large proportion of cancer patients could suffer from multiple physical and psychosocial complications, such as cancer-related fatigue, deterioration in quality of life (QoL), and sleep quality caused by cancer and its current therapy [1,2,3]. ese negative conseruences may persist for months or years after the therapy [4, 5]. erefore, more cancer care services should be developed to address the prevention of complications and assist patients in returning to the health status after treatment.Physical activity is a potentially beneficial intervention to improve survival and QoL for people with cancer [6].Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Cancer patients live longer due to advances in cancer treatments. A large proportion of cancer patients could suffer from multiple physical and psychosocial complications, such as cancer-related fatigue, deterioration in quality of life (QoL), and sleep quality caused by cancer and its current therapy [1,2,3]. Ese negative conseruences may persist for months or years after the therapy [4, 5]. Erefore, more cancer care services should be developed to address the prevention of complications and assist patients in returning to the health status after treatment. Physical activity is a potentially beneficial intervention to improve survival and QoL for people with cancer [6].
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