title: Lack of efficacy of Tai Chi in improving quality of life in breast cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  It is controversial whether Tai Chi (TC) benefits breast cancer survivors (BCS) on quality of life (QoL). We therefore undertook a meta-analysis to assess this question.
  
  
  METHODS
  A computerized search through electronic databases was performed to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The primary outcome was QoL, while secondary outcomes included body mass index (BMI), bone mineral density (BMD), and muscle strength.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five RCTs involving 407 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled standardized mean differences were 0.10 (95% confidence interval (CI): -0.35-0.54) for physical well- being, 0.03 (95%CI: -0.18-0.25) for social/family well-being, 0.24 (95%CI: 0.02-0.45) for emotional well-being, 0.23 (95%CI: -0.03-0.49) for functional well-being, and 0.09 (95%CI: -0.19-0.36) for additional concerns. TC failed to improve BMI, BMD, and muscle strength.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is currently lack of sufficient evidence to support TC improving QoL and other important clinical endpoints.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Medical Technology, Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical College, Binzhou, China E-mail : bzyxy2013@163.com.
authors.forename: Jun-Hong
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Yan
authors.forename: Lei
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pan
authors.forename: Xiao-Min
authors.initials: XM
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Cui-Xiang
authors.initials: CX
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Guang-He
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Cui
mesh_terms: D015992:Body Mass Index; D015519:Bone Density; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053580:Muscle Strength; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D026302:Tai Ji / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome