Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong on fatigue and quality of life in patients with breast cancer: A narrative review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses

Abstract

Tai Chi is a slow-moving exercise that incorporates deep and steady breathing. Qigong is a self-guided workout that involves breathing exercises and meditation. Tai Chi, as it is practiced today, incorporates Qigong. The objective of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of Tai Chi and Qigong in improving the quality of life and reducing fatigue among patients with breast cancer. Three electronic medical databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched from their inception up to July 2021. Nine systematic reviews and meta-analyses were included in this narrative review. Quality assessment was independently conducted by the first two authors (SG and CEO) using a measurement tool to assess systematic reviews. Three systematic reviews and meta-analyses reported the effects of Tai Chi and Qigong on cancer-related fatigue and four reported their effects on the quality of life of patients with breast cancer. Tai Chi and Qigong are beneficial, safe, low-impact, and low-intensity therapeutic exercises for patients with breast cancer that can improve their quality of life and psychological health and can be utilized as adjunctive therapies for the management of fatigue, if appropriately recommended. The evidence that Tai Chi and Qigong reduce fatigue and improve health-related quality of life among patients with breast cancer is moderate.

Keywords

• breast cancer
• cancer-related fatigue
• mindfulness
• mediatation
• qigong
• quality of life
• tai chi