Trends in Yoga, Tai Chi, and Qigong Use: Differentiations Between Practices and the Need for Dialogue and Diffusion

Exploring the Effects of Qigong, Tai Chi, and Yoga on Fatigue, Mental Health, and Sleep Quality in Chronic Fatigue and Post-COVID Syndromes: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Background/Objectives: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and post-COVID syndrome (PCS) pose a substantial socioeconomic burden. The aim of this systematic review was to assess current evidence regarding the effect of the most popular forms of movement-based mindful exercises, i.e., qigong, tai chi, and yoga, on fatigue and associated symptoms in CFS and PCS. Methods: CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to October 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) where qigong, tai chi, or yoga were compared with waitlist, no intervention, or active controls were included. Independent reviewers participated in data extraction, and evaluated risk of bias, spin of information, completeness of intervention description, and certainty of the evidence (GRADE). Meta-analyses were conducted. The primary outcome was the level of fatigue. Secondary measures were the severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms and sleep quality. Results were expressed as mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Thirteen RCTs with 661 participants were included, with most studies presenting a moderate or high risk of bias. Mindful exercises were more effective than control interventions to alleviate fatigue: SMD (95%CI) = -0.44 (-0.63 to -0.25), I2 = 48%, p < 0.0001. Positive effects were also observed for secondary outcomes. The certainty of the evidence was low or very low. Conclusions: Qigong, tai chi, and yoga may be effective to reduce fatigue and improve anxiety, depression, and sleep quality in adults with CFS or PCS. However, serious methodological concerns limit the clinical applicability of these findings.

Are movement-based mindful exercises (QIGONG, TAI CHI, AND YOGA) beneficial for stroke and Parkinson's disease? A scoping review

OBJECTIVE

To synthesize evidence from systematic reviews on the effects of qigong, tai chi, and yoga in people with neurological diseases.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL and Cochrane Library until September 2022. Methodological quality was assessed using the AMSTAR 2 tool. A qualitative synthesis of included reviews and meta-analyses was performed. Citation matrices and the corrected covered area were used to explore the overlap of randomized controlled trials among reviews.

RESULTS

Nineteen systematic reviews (containing 74 trials and 80 meta-analyses) in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) or stroke were included. The critical domains of the AMSTAR 2 were not satisfied in more than half of the reviews, and only 4 evaluated the certainty of the evidence. The overlap was very high (21.7%) and high (11%) for tai chi studies in PD and stroke, respectively. In people with PD, qigong, yoga, and tai chi can improve balance, with tai chi being beneficial to increase functional mobility. For stroke patients, tai chi was better than controls to enhance motor function and independence, but not for health-related quality of life and quality of sleep. Findings on balance, walking ability and depression were inconclusive in stroke population.

CONCLUSIONS

Qigong, tai chi, and yoga appear to be effective to improve balance performance in people with PD. Tai chi practice enhances motor function and independency in stroke patients.

Barriers, Facilitators, and Sustainers in Tai Ji Quan Practice: A Mixed-Methods RE-AIM Assessment of College Students Versus the General Population

BACKGROUND

Tai Ji Quan (TJQ) has broad appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds. This study aimed to examine a variety of individual and environmental factors in the dissemination of TJQ to diverse practicing communities in China.

METHODS

A mixed-methods approach was utilized in the research design. Quantitative data were collected via an online survey using a national sample (N = 737), whereas qualitative data came from focus groups and in-depth interviews. Analysis was performed along the RE-AIM dimensions of reach, efficacy, adoption, implementation, and maintenance.

RESULTS

We divided TJQ experience into 4 distinct categories (nonlearners, current learners, quitters, and retainers) and observed significant patterns of variation along lines of occupation groups and age cohorts. A significant male/female difference was detected in TJQ experience among college students but not the general public, and having practicing family members was an important predictor of personal TJQ history. Varied TJQ experience has a significant impact on perceptions of TJQ's miscellaneous values as well as level of satisfaction with its health outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Both individual (personal) and environmental (settings) factors are important in shaping personal decisions in TJQ engagement. An ecological approach coordinating individual factors and settings resources is essential in promoting TJQ to the general population.

Trends and characteristics of Tai Chi and Qi Gong use among U.S. adults: Results from the 2007-2017 National Health Interview Survey

OBJECTIVE

To provide updated information about the prevalence, patterns, and predicting factors of Tai Chi and Qigong (TCQ) use among U.S. adults to better inform the future directions of TCQ application and research.

METHODS

Using 2007, 2012, and 2017 National Health Interview Survey, we examined the trends and characteristics of TCQ use by descriptive analysis, Wald F chi-square test, and multivariable logistic regression models among U.S. adults (n = 85,360), adjusting for the complex sampling design.

RESULTS

The prevalence use of TCQ among U.S. adults use was 1.17% in 2007, 1.27% in 2012, and 1.70% in 2017, which presents a 64% increase from 2007 to 2017 (p < 0.0001). Correlates of TCQ use are older adults (≥ 65 years old), Asians, having higher education levels, having lower income, and being more physically active (p < 0.001). The greater prevalence of TCQ use in 2017 than in 2012 occurred in some vulnerable demographic subgroups, including older adults, people with income less than $35,000/year, and those who were physically inactive. Those with delayed access to the conventional medical care system (e.g., had difficulty getting through on phone; couldn't get an appointment soon enough; had to wait too long to see doctor;)were also more likely to use TCQ (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of TCQ has significantly increased among U.S. adults from 2007 to 2017. Given that the greatest increases in use of TCQ were among older adults, females, low-income individuals, and people who were physically inactive, TCQ may serve as age-appropriate, cost-effective, mind-body exercises for these groups of populations to help ameliorate health disparities.