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Is tai chi an effective adjunct in cancer care? A systematic review of controlled clinical trials

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Abstract

Background

Tai chi is a form of complementary and alternative medicine with similarities to aerobic exercises, which has been recommended for relieving cancer-related symptoms. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize and critically evaluate the evidence available from controlled clinical trials of tai chi as a supportive therapy for cancer patients.

Methods

We have searched the literature using 19 databases from their respective inceptions through October 2006, without language restrictions. Methodological quality was assessed using Jadad score.

Results

The searches identified 27 potentially relevant studies. Three randomised clinical trials (RCTs) and one non-randomised controlled trial (CCT) met our inclusion criteria. All of these trials assessed patients with breast cancer. Two RCTs reported significant differences in psychological and physiological symptoms compared to psychosocial support control. Most trials suffered from methodological flaws such as small sample size, inadequate study design and poor reporting.

Conclusion

The evidence is not convincing enough to suggest that tai chi is an effective supportive treatment for cancer. Further research should attempt to answer the many open questions related to the usefulness of tai chi for supportive cancer care.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Complementary Medicine, Peninsula Medical School, Universities of Exeter & Plymouth, 25 Victoria Park Road, Exeter, EX2 4NT, UK

    Myeong Soo Lee, Max H. Pittler & Edzard Ernst

Authors
  1. Myeong Soo Lee
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  2. Max H. Pittler
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  3. Edzard Ernst
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Correspondence to Myeong Soo Lee.

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Lee, M.S., Pittler, M.H. & Ernst, E. Is tai chi an effective adjunct in cancer care? A systematic review of controlled clinical trials. Support Care Cancer 15, 597–601 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-007-0221-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-007-0221-3

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