• Aileen W K Chan, Albert Lee, Diana T F Lee, Lorna K P Suen, Wilson W S Tam, S Y Chair, and Peter Griffiths.
• The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Electronic address: aileenchan@cuhk.edu.hk.
• Complement Ther Med. 2013 Dec 1; 21 (6): 585-94.

ObjectivesTo evaluate the sustaining effects of Tai chi Qigong in improving the physiological health for COPD patients at sixth month.DesignA randomized controlled trial. Subjects were in three randomly assigned groups: Tai chi Qigong group, exercise group, and control group.SettingThe 206 subjects were recruited from five general outpatient clinics.InterventionsTai chi Qigong group completed a 3-month Tai chi Qigong program. Exercise group practiced breathing and walking as an exercise. Control group received usual care.Main Outcome MeasuresPrimary outcomes included six-minute walking distance and lung functions. Secondary outcomes were dyspnea and fatigue levels, number of exacerbations and hospital admissions.ResultsTai chi Qigong group showed a steady improvement in exercise capacity (P<.001) from baseline to the sixth month. The mean walking distance increased from 298 to 349 meters (+17%). No significant changes were noted in the other two groups. Tai chi Qigong group also showed improvement in lung functions (P<.001). Mean forced expiratory volume in 1s increased from .89 to .99l (+11%). No significant change was noted in the exercise group. Deterioration was found in the control group, with mean volume decreased from .89 to .84l (-5.67%). Significant decreased in the number of exacerbations was observed in the Tai chi Qigong group. No changes in dyspnea and fatigue levels were noted among the three groups.ConclusionsTai chi Qigong has sustaining effects in improving the physiological health and is a useful and appropriate exercise for COPD patients.Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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