Effects of Tai Chi training on the physical and mental health status in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive airway stenosis disease caused by chronic bronchitis or emphysema (1). According to the latest World Health Organization (WHO) statistics [2004], there are currently 64 million people with COPD and three million people died of COPD. The WHO predicts that by 2030, COPD will become the third most deadly disease in the world. In 2013, COPD is the fifth cause of reduction in Disability-Adjusted Life Year (DALY) (2). COPD imposes a huge burden on the economy and life to society and individuals. The manifestations of COPD include dyspnea, poor exercise tolerance, chronic cough with or without sputum, and wheezing to respiratory failure or pulmonary heart disease (3). These performances lead to a decrease in the patient’s mobility, which seriously affects the physical and mental health and reduces the quality of life. In recent years, more and more studies have recognized the importance of pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with COPD (4). A guideline issued jointly by American College of Physicians (ACP), American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), American Thoracic Society (ATS), and European Respiratory Society (ERS) recommended the use of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with COPD (Grade: strong recommendation, moderate-quality evidence) (3). Exercise is the core method of pulmonary rehabilitation (4)