title: Tai chi chuan exercise for patients with breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
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.
authors: Institute of Medical Psychology, Evidence-Based Medicine Center, Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
authors: Yuanqing
authors: Y
authors: Pan
authors: Dean of Evidence-Based Medicine Center, Evidence-Based Medicine Center, Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
authors: Kehu
authors: K
authors: Yang
authors: Department of Internal Medicine, Gansu Rehabilitaition Center Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China.
authors: Xiue
authors: X
authors: Shi
authors: Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Logistics University of CAPF, Tianjin 300162, China.
authors: Haiqian
authors: H
authors: Liang
authors: The Second Department of Gynaecology, Gansu Province People's Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China.
authors: Fengwa
authors: F
authors: Zhang
authors: Department of Radiology, The Tumor Hospital of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu 730050, China.
authors: Qingfang
authors: Q
authors: Lv