The Effect of Tai Chi on Sleep Quality - A Systematic Review

Abstract

<h3>Objective(s)</h3> To identify the effect of Tai Chi (TC) on sleep quality in older adults with or without a medical condition. <h3>Data Sources</h3> PubMed, Medline, and Scopus. <h3>Study Selection</h3> Tai Chi, Tai Ji, Insomnia, sleep disorder, and sleep problem were used to search articles in peer-reviewed English journals from last 15 years. Prospective studies with subjects older than 18 years and sleeping disorder, and with Tai Chi as one of the interventions were selected. Two hundreds ten articles met the selection criteria and further scanned and discussed as needed by 3 reviewers based on the titles, abstracts, and keywords. As a result, 16 studies were qualified for this review. <h3>Data Extraction</h3> Data extracted included study design, subject characteristics, exercise parameters, and outcome measures, and results analysis. <h3>Data Synthesis</h3> Sleep quality were improved as measured by Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) in 14 studies and by Spiegel Sleep Questionnaire (SSQ) in 1 study in adults without medical causes, or in those with cancer, sleep apnea, depression, or insomnia. Also fatigue and quality of life were assessed in 4 studies and found improved as evaluated by Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) and SF-12 or SF-36. One study investigated the effect of Tai Chi on inflammatory biomarkers in patients with insomnia due to breast cancer and revealed significant inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL-6), Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and Nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB). The most commonly used TC parameters were 60 minutes per session, 2-7 times/week for 3-6 months. <h3>Conclusions</h3> TC is an effective program for improving sleep quality in individuals with or without medical causes. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> Authors have no conflict of interest to this study.