Abstract
Objective. Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) is a form of aerobic exercise that may be an effective therapy for improving psychosomatic capacity among breast cancer survivors. This meta-analysis analyzed the available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of TCC in relieving treatment-related side effects and quality of life in women with breast cancer. Methods. RCTs were searched in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library through April 2014. Data were analyzed on pathology (pain, interleukin-6, and insulin-like growth factor 1), physical capacity (handgrip, limb physical fitness, and BMI), and well-being (physical, social, emotional, and general quality of life). Results. Nine RCTs, including a total of 322 breast cancer patients, were examined. Compared with control therapies, the pooled results suggested that TCC showed significant effects in improving handgrip dynamometer strength, limb elbow flexion (elbow extension, abduction, and horizontal adduction). No significant differences were observed in pain, interleukin-6, insulin-like growth factor, BMI, physical well-being, social or emotional well-being, or general health-related quality of life. Conclusion. The short-term effects of TCC may have potential benefits in upper limb functional mobility in patients with breast cancer. Additional randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up are needed to provide more reliable evidence.
Highlights
Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) is a complementary and alternative therapy that has become a widespread exercise worldwide
randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included if they examined the effects of TCC on psychological symptoms, treatmentrelated symptoms, or regulation of inflammatory responses and other biomarkers (e.g., interleukin-6 (IL-6) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1))
The frequency of TCC varied from 2 to 3 times per week for 60–90 sessions, while the duration of treatment lasted from 10 weeks to 6 months
Summary
Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) is a complementary and alternative therapy that has become a widespread exercise worldwide. Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) are increasingly popular among female patients with breast cancer, and many use different forms of CAM to help manage their disease [1]. In 2002 alone, 62% of Americans used some form of CAM in the past 12 months, and approximately 60% of the urban female population over the age of 50 adopted TCC [2]. Several recent guidelines have made strong recommendations that some form of CAM should be adopted, even if those by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) tend to be cautious and stress the lack of evidence regarding CAM [3]. Notwithstanding, CAM has been extensively used in the treatment of breast cancer, even if evidence-based recommendations are lacking [3]
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