Evaluation of the sustaining effects of Tai Chi Qigong in the sixth month in promoting psychosocial health in COPD patients: a single-blind, randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the sustaining effects of Tai Chi Qigong (TCQ) in improving the psychosocial health in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients in the sixth month. BACKGROUND: COPD affects both physical and emotional aspects of life. Measures to minimize patients' suffering need to be implemented. METHODS: 206 COPD patients were randomly assigned into three groups TCQ group, exercise group, and control group. The TCQ group completed a three-month TCQ program, the exercise group practiced breathing and walking exercise, and the control group received usual care. RESULTS: Significant group-by-time interactions in quality of life (QOL) using St. George's respiratory questionnaire (P = 0.002) and the perceived social support from friends using multidimensional scale of perceived social support (P = 0.04) were noted. Improvements were observed in the TCQ group only. CONCLUSIONS: TCQ has sustaining effects in improving psychosocial health; it is also a useful and appropriate exercise for COPD patients.