Effects of water-based Liuzijue exercise on peak exercise capacity, functional exercise capacity, and quality of life in people with COPD

Mind-body exercise for patients with stable COPD on lung function and exercise capacity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a global health concern. Mind-body exercises like Tai Chi and Yoga are suggested as non-pharmacological interventions for COPD management. This meta-analysis evaluates mind-body exercises' impact on lung function and exercise capacity in stable COPD patients, aiming to assess their effectiveness in rehabilitation. A systematic search across various databases identified relevant randomized controlled trials until April 2024. Primary outcomes included lung function tests (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, FEV1%) and Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) results. The Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) measured intervention effects. Fifteen studies with 1047 participants were analyzed. Mind-body exercises significantly improved FEV1 (SMD = 0.87), FEV1/FVC (SMD = 0.19), FEV1% (SMD = 0.43), and 6MWT (SMD = 1.21) compared to standard care. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses confirmed result stability despite some heterogeneity.In conclusion, Mind-body exercises enhance lung function and exercise capacity in stable COPD patients. Integrating them into comprehensive rehabilitation programs is advisable. Further research should explore the specific impacts of different exercise types and intensities.

Comparing the effects of aquatic-based exercise and land-based exercise on balance in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Balance plays a crucial role in the daily activities of older adults. Aquatic-based exercises (AE) are widely conducted as an alternative to land-based exercises (LE). Previous studies have compared AE and LE as effective ways to improve balance and have yielded inconsistent results. Therefore, this review aimed to compare the effects of AE and LE on balance function in older adults.

METHODS

Electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase, were searched. Randomized controlled trials published from January 2003 to June 2023 were included following predetermined criteria. Data extraction was carried out by two independent reviewers. Data synthesis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software. The fixed-effect model or random-effect model was chosen based on the results of the heterogeneity test. Meta-analysis for the effect sizes of balance outcomes was calculated as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. This review was registered at PROSPERO CRD42023429557.

RESULTS

A total of 29 studies involving 1486 older adults (with an average age of 66.2 years) were included. Meta-analysis results indicated that AE could improve balance ability based on two tests: the Berg balance scale (BBS: SMD = 1.13, 95% CI 0.25 to 2.00, p = 0.01, I2 = 94%) and the 30-s chair stand test (30 CST: SMD = 2.02, 95% CI 0.50 to 3.54, p = 0.009, I2 = 96%). However, there were no significant differences between the AE group and the LE group in terms of the 6-min walking test (6 MWT: SMD = 0.13, 95% CI -0.16 to 0.43, p = 0.38, I2 = 62%) and time up to go test (TUGT: SMD = 0.44, 95% CI -0.44 to 0.91, p = 0.07, I2 = 85%). Older adults with different health conditions have different gains in different balance measurements after AE intervention and LE intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Although this was influenced by participant health status, transfer effects, sample size, and other factors, AE offers better benefits than LE for improving balance function in older adults.

Efficacy of exercise treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To review the efficacy of exercise treatments on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Ebscohost, SPORTDiscus, ProQuest, Web of Science.

REVIEW METHODS

A systematic review was performed to identify the relevant studies published from 2011 to 2023. Studies were selected using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 5170 articles were retrieved and assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. The risk of bias in individual studies was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool.

RESULTS

A total of 38 eligible studies were included. Eight studies evaluated the effects of Tai Chi, followed by Liuzijue (five studies) and yoga (three studies). The duration of the exercise programmes ranged from 8 weeks to 3 years, and the frequency was between 2 and 7 times a week. Exercise sessions lasted between 20 and 90 min. Low-intensity exercise improved lung function after six months. Whole-body exercise improved dyspnea more than local exercise. Water-based exercise improved physical endurance more than land exercise, and quality of life was unaffected by long-term exercise.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review highlights the benefit of exercise treatments as a potential adjunct treatment for COPD patients.

Effectiveness of Water-Based Exercise in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disease that, due to dyspnea, decreases patients' physical function and quality of life. The aim of the research was to evaluate the effectiveness of water-based exercise (WE) in improving functional capacity and respiratory muscle strength in patients with COPD. It consisted of a systematic review and meta-analysis of eight randomized clinical trials (RCTs) from the last 10 years, found in PubMed, PEDro, Scopus and Web of Science databases. Methodological quality was analyzed using the PEDro scale and the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool. Regarding the evaluation of functional capacity, mainly assessed were lung function, respiratory muscle strength, and maximal or aerobic exercise. The results showed that WE improves functional capacity compared to a non-exercising control group (SMD: 73.42; IC 95%: 40.40 to 106.45; I2: 0%). There are no statistically significant differences between a WE treatment and a land exercise (LE) treatment (p = 0.24) in functional capacity, nor with respect to respiratory muscle strength (p = 0.97). These data should be interpreted with caution, as more RCTs with aquatic intervention in COPD patients are needed to elucidate whether there are differences between WE or LE according to patient characteristics and comorbidities.

Effect of weight-bearing Liuzijue Qigong on cardiopulmonary function

BACKGROUND

Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019, many people have had to reduce their outdoor activities. Therefore, a convenient, simple, at-home training method to improve or maintain cardiopulmonary function is required. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effect of weight-bearing Liuzijue Qigong on cardiopulmonary function in healthy volunteers.

METHODS

This study was a longitudinal trial. The health participants completed a 4-week Liuzijue Qigong exercise with 0.25 kg sandbag wore on each wrist. Each training session took 30 minutes to complete 2 consecutive cycles, and 5 times a week. The cardiopulmonary function of participants was evaluated at baseline (T0) and the end of the intervention (T4). Outcomes measures were pulmonary function, diaphragm movement, and cardiac hemodynamic parameters. Paired t test was used to analyze differences within the group.

RESULTS

After 4 weeks of weight-bearing Liuzijue Qigong exercise intervention, the differences in the forced expiratory volume in the 1st second (P = .006), forced vital capacity rate of 1 second (P = .003), maximal mid-expiratory flow curve (P = .002), forced expiratory flow at 50% of forced vital capacity (P = .003), and maximum ventilatory volume (P < .001) of the participants were statistically significant. The diaphragmatic excursion (P = .009) under the calm breathing mode and the diaphragmatic contraction speed (P = .003) under the deep breathing mode improved significantly. The cardiac output (P = .04), cardiac index (P = .035), contractility index (P = .018), early diastolic filling ratio (P = .042), systemic vascular resistance index (P = .019), systemic vascular resistance (P = .017), and estimated ejection fraction (P = .016) of participants improved significantly in the resting stage. At the end stage of fast walking, that is, the sixth minute of six-minute walk test, the stroke volume index (P = .048), heart rate (P = .019), cardiac output (P = .008), cardiac index (P = .003), and left cardiac work index (P = .028) of participants were significantly increased compared with those before training, and the systemic vascular resistance index (P = .003) and systemic vascular resistance (P = .005) were decreased.

CONCLUSION

Weight-bearing Liuzijue Qigong training significantly improved cardiopulmonary function in healthy volunteers, thus representing home-based cardiopulmonary rehabilitation training.

Effects of mind-body exercises on cognitive impairment in people with Parkinson's disease: A mini-review

Parkinson's disease (PD) is an important health problem caused by the degeneration of brain neurons. Bradykinesia and lower balance ability seriously affect the quality of life of people with PD. Non-motor symptoms, such as cognitive impairment, accompany the course of the disease but still lack sufficient attention. In general, drugs combined with cognitive training are the most common ways to improve cognitive impairment in people with PD. However, long-term use of psychiatric drugs may lead to side effects such as brain death and movement disorders. Recently, mindfulness has been used by researchers in the treatment of cognitive impairment, because healthy older adults who engage in mind-body exercises for a long time have higher cognitive levels than normal aging populations. Mind-body exercise, as a therapy that combines concentration, breath control, and physical activity, is beneficial for improving practitioners' brain and mental health. Mind-body exercises such as Tai Chi, yoga, dance, and Pilates can improve cognitive performance in older adults with or without cognitive impairment. Therefore, mind-body exercise may be a feasible strategy for the treatment of cognitive impairment in people with PD. This study summarizes the latest evidence that mind-body exercises including Tai Chi, Qigong, yoga, and dance improve cognitive impairment associated with PD. We also explored the limitations of current mind-body exercise research, aiming to provide new ideas for improving mind-body exercise as a strategy to alleviate cognitive impairment in people with PD.

Application of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with pulmonary embolism (Review)

As a common clinical emergency, pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third most fatal cardiovascular disease worldwide. Although current sophisticated medical technology has considerably improved the prognosis of patients with PE, they remain at risk of developing long-term complications such as post-PE syndrome. Pulmonary rehabilitation is of great value for patients with chronic lung diseases since it can improve their quality of life while also relieving clinical symptoms. Rehabilitation therapy has been demonstrated to improve recovery and prognosis of patients with PE. Due to short implementation time and the small number of studies, its effectiveness and safety in PE warrant further investigation. The present review focused on elucidating PE pathogenesis, post-PE syndrome and the clinical application of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with PE.

Effect of liuzijue qigong on patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUNDS

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, preventable disease of airflow limitation that accounts for the third leading deaths of any disease process in the worldwide. Health benefits of liuzijue qigong (LQG) on patients with stable COPD has been assessed. This study was designed to perform a systemic review and meta-analysis of the effect of Liuzijue breathing exercise on patients with stable COPD.

METHODS

Published articles from 1970 to December 2020 were conducted using electronic searches. Two independents reviewers conducted data extraction. The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies.

RESULTS

A total of 16 eligible trials with 1039 patients with stable COPD were identified. Compared with control group, the pool meta-analysis of LQG showed a significant improvement in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (MD = -0.16, 95% CI [0.09, 0.23], P < .00001), FEV1% (MD = 9.71, 95% CI [8.44, 10.98], P < .00001), the ratio of forced expiratory volume to forced vital capacity in the first second (FEV1/FVC [%]) (MD = 4.81, 95% CI [2.12, 7.51], P = .0005), 6 minutes walking distance (6MWD) (MD = 21.89, 95% CI [14.67, 29.11], P < .00001), health-related quality of life (SMD = -0.84, 95% CI [-1.12,-0.55], P < .00001) and modified medical research council dyspnea scale (mMRC) (MD = -0.73, 95% CI [-0.96, -0.50], P < .00001). The observed effect was more pronounced for short term and medium-term duration interventions of study. It also showed improvements in the secondary outcome measures by LQG.

CONCLUSIONS

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, LQG can improve lung ventilation function, exercise endurance and health-related quality of life of patients with stable COPD.

ETHIC AND DISSEMINATION

This study is a systematic review and it does not involve harming to the rights of participants. Ethical approval will not be require for this study. The research results may be published in a peer-reviewed journals.