title: The Effects of Traditional Chinese Exercise in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Meta-Analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major public health problem worldwide. However, several studies that have assessed the role of traditional Chinese exercise in the management of this disease include broad variations in sample sizes and results. Therefore, this meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effects of traditional Chinese exercise on patients with COPD.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two investigators independently identified and extracted data from selected articles. A computerized search of electronic databases through August 2015 was conducted. Mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to analyze the combined data. The methodological quality was evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Heterogeneity was assessed with the I2 test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ten randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) involving 622 patients met the inclusion criteria. There were significant improvements in the 6-minute walking distance test (6 MWD;MWD = 12.10 m; 95% CI, 7.56-16.65 m; p<0.001); forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1% predicted; WMD = 9.02; 95% CI, 6.80-11.23; p<0.00001); forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity (FEV(1)/FVC) ratio (Tiffenau Index; WMD = 6.67; 95% CI, 5.09-8.24; p<0.00001); and quality of life, as evaluated by the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRDQ; WMD = 0.85 score; 95% CI, 0.52-1.18; p<0.00001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Traditional Chinese exercise could provide an effective alternative method for managing COPD. Larger and higher-quality trials are required.
authors: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Center, Sichuan University, West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.|Department of Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.
authors: Xiaotian
authors: X
authors: Luo
authors: Department of General surgery Medicine, Datong Second People's Hospital, Datong, Shanxi, PR China.
authors: Jifeng
authors: J
authors: Zhang
authors: Department of Physical Therapy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, United States of America.
authors: Rachel
authors: R
authors: Castelberg
authors: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Center, Sichuan University, West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.
authors: Tao
authors: T
authors: Wu
authors: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Center, Sichuan University, West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.
authors: Pengming
authors: P
authors: Yu
authors: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Center, Sichuan University, West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.|Department of Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.
authors: Chengqi
authors: C
authors: He
authors: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Center, Sichuan University, West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.|Department of Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.
authors: Pu
authors: P
authors: Wang
mesh_terms: D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D017079:Exercise Tolerance / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008516:Medicine, Chinese Traditional / Q000379:methods*; D026441:Mind-Body Therapies / Q000379:methods*; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology