The Effectiveness of Tai Chi Qigong Program on Functional Capacity, Lung Function, and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most important public health problems worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicted that COPD will be ranks as the 5th Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) and the third-leading cause of global death by 2030. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) becomes burdensome and reduces quality of life in both COPD patients and their family. Understanding the associations between these factors and quality of life could improve the care process and treatment of these patients. Although the beneficial effect of exercise on the health of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients has been widely demonstrated, that of Tai Chi Qigong (TCQ), as an alternative exercise, has been inconclusive. Phase 1, a total of 281 COPD patients were included in this study. They were analyzed by spirometry measurement, dyspnea score of the modified Medical Research Council; mMRC, and the distance of six-minute walk test (6MWT), and quality of life was assessed by the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). The result showed that the total SGRQ score was 42.1±17.4. and lung function was moderate stage of COPD. Phase 2, a total of 50 patients with mild and moderate degree of COPD were recruited and randomly assigned to either the TCQ (n = 25) or control group (n = 25). The TCQ group completed 12-week center-and 12-week home-based training. The control group attended a meeting class once a week for 12 weeks. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline, and the 6th, 12th and 24th week. The primary outcomes were functional capacity (6-minute walk test; 6MWT) and lung function. The secondary outcomes were dyspnea score and quality of life. The TCQ group demonstrated significant improvement in functional capacity at week 12 and 24 (p < 0.05) and dyspnea score and quality of life at week 6, 12 and 24 when compared to baseline. Functional capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), dyspnea score, and quality of life were significantly better in the TCQ group from week 6 to week 24 when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Combined center-and home-based TCQ training for patients with mildly and moderately severe COPD is effective in improving functional capacity, dyspnea score, and quality of life.