The effects of Tai Chi on quality of life of cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

More than half of cancer patients use complementary therapies to manage adverse effects and improve their quality of life. Mind-body exercise, such as Tai Chi, is one of the commonly reported approaches to promote physical and psychological health for these patients. This systematic review aimed to assess the effects of Tai Chi on the quality of life of cancer survivors. According to the results of the meta-analysis, there is low-level evidence that Tai Chi improves both the physical and mental health domains for quality of life and promotes sleep. There is also moderate level evidence that it improves limb/muscular function for breast cancer survivors, reduces cortisol levels, and could help to relieve cancer related fatigue. This review highlights the need for larger, and more high-quality trials to assess the effects of Tai Chi as a non-pharmacological intervention to improve the quality of life of cancer survivors. Read full text