Tai Chi and Qigong, foundational to Traditional Chinese Medicine, hold potential for enhancing cancer patient
care. This article reviews their historical development-Tai Chi from Daoist yin-yang principles in the Ming-Qing
transition and Qigong from Shang Dynasty rituals-and general impacts, such as respiratory and endocrine improvements
alongside neurological and emotional benefits. Analyzing 15 studies focused on breast and lung
cancer, findings include Qigong’s superiority in network meta-analyses for depression and fatigue reduction,
with Baduanjin enhancing postoperative lung function and quality of life. Protocols for remote and nurse-led
interventions suggest feasibility, while qualitative insights emphasize body-mind reconciliation. Despite promising
outcomes in sleep, stress, and cognition, heterogeneity and small samples highlight the need for robust RCTs.
These practices provide accessible, integrative support for cancer-related challenges.
Keywords: Tai Chi; Qigong; Traditional Chinese Medicine; Breast Cancer; Lung Cancer; Cancer-Related Fatigue;
Depression; Quality of Life; Sleep Disturbance; Network Meta-Analysis; Randomized Controlled Trial; Mind-
Body Exercise; Integrative Therapy
Tai Chi and Qigong are integral to Traditional Chinese Medicine,
embodying principles of harmony between body, mind, and environment.
Tai Chi’s history is intertwined with China’s philosophical traditions,
emerging during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties as
a synthesis of Daoist internal cultivation and external martial forms.
It drew from concepts in the I Ching (Book of Changes), emphasizing
yin-yang balance, and was refined by masters who adapted it for
health rather than combat. In the Republican era (1912-1949), Tai
Chi spread beyond elites, and post-1949, the People’s Republic of
China promoted simplified versions for public wellness, leading to its
worldwide dissemination in the 21st century [1-10].
Qigong’s lineage extends to prehistoric times, with early forms evident
in oracle bone inscriptions from the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046
BCE), where it involved ritualistic movements to align with cosmic
energies. It matured during the Warring States period (475-221 BCE),
incorporating Confucian self-cultivation and Buddhist meditation,
and by the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), medical texts classified Qigong
into static and dynamic styles. Modern Qigong underwent standardization
in the 1950s, blending scientific rationale with traditional
lore, and gained traction globally as a complementary therapy [8-14].
Broadly, Tai Chi and Qigong confer significant health advantages,
backed by clinical evidence. They promote respiratory efficiency, endocrine
regulation, and metabolic stability, aiding in diabetes management
and weight control. Neurologically, these practices enhance
brain plasticity, memory, and executive function, while reducing
chronic pain through endorphin release. Socially and emotionally,
group sessions foster community support, alleviating isolation and
boosting self-efficacy, making them ideal for preventive health across
lifespans.
Artificial intelligence [AI] has been used with increasing frequency
in recent years in many areas, including medical research.
AI makes it possible to find and process vast amounts of information
much more efficiently than what was possible in the past [15-30]. AI
was utilized in the present article to find and process information.
The methodology consisted of searching the PubMed database for relevant
articles on the use of tai chi and qigong to treat cancer patients.
Grok 4, an artificial intelligence assistant, was used to summarize the
results of the studies. The author then edited the Grok summaries.
Recent literature has examined Tai Chi and Qigong’s applications
in cancer care, particularly for breast and lung cancer patients,
through meta-analyses, RCTs, protocols, and qualitative studies. Geng
et al.’s network meta-analysis of 21 RCTs involving 1,994 breast cancer
survivors ranked mind-body exercises, finding Qigong most effective
for reducing depression, followed by Tai Chi, with significant
improvements over controls [31]. Walsh et al.’s protocol outlines a remotely
delivered RCT of Baduanjin Qigong for cancer-related fatigue,
assessing feasibility in 60 patients via telehealth, with outcomes on
fatigue, sleep, and quality of life [32]. Yan et al.’s meta-analysis of seven
RCTs with 540 NSCLC postoperative patients showed Baduanjin
improved pulmonary function (e.g., FEV1), exercise tolerance, quality
of life, and psychological well-being, with no adverse effects [33].
Chuang et al.’s network meta-analysis evaluated Chinese medicine
interventions for sleep disturbances in breast cancer survivors, identifying
Qigong as beneficial among herbal and acupuncture options,
though ranking specifics varied [34]. Gao et al.’s RCT during the pandemic
found a Tai Chi app combined with Facebook health education
reduced stress and improved quality of life in breast cancer survivors
compared to education alone [35]. Larkey et al.’s trial design describes
an RCT of Qigong/Tai Chi Easy for fatigue in 162 breast cancer survivors,
measuring biopsychosocial outcomes [36]. Liu et al.’s network
meta-analysis of 26 RCTs with 2,068 breast cancer patients ranked
Qigong highest for alleviating cancer-related fatigue, outperforming
Tai Chi and other exercises [37].
Osypiuk et al.’s qualitative analysis of Qigong experiences in breast
cancer survivors revealed themes of “making peace with our bodies,”
with improved body awareness, emotional regulation, and pain
management [38]. Wang et al.’s protocol for a nurse-led Tai Chi RCT
in 160 breast cancer patients aims to evaluate quality of life, mental
well-being, and physical function [39]. Ying et al.’s single-blinded RCT
of Baduanjin in 60 breast cancer survivors demonstrated reduced
fatigue, improved sleep, and enhanced quality of life versus wait-list
controls [40]. Bai et al.’s narrative review discussed interventions for
cancer-related cognitive impairment, highlighting Qigong and Tai Chi
as promising for attention and memory restoration [41]. Zhang et al.’s
meta-analysis of meditative interventions, including Qigong, showed
moderate effects on cognitive impairment in cancer patients [42].
Birling et al.’s protocol for an individual participant data network
meta-analysis plans to assess mind-body therapies like Tai Chi and
Qigong for depression, anxiety, and insomnia in cancer patients [43].
Arring et al. reviewed integrative therapies for cancer-related fatigue,
endorsing Qigong and Tai Chi for their energy-enhancing effects [44].
Kuo et al.’s systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs confirmed
Baduanjin Qigong’s clinical benefits in cancer patients, including reduced
fatigue and improved sleep and quality of life [45]. These studies
indicate Tai Chi and Qigong’s value in mitigating cancer symptoms,
though many are protocols or reviews calling for more definitive trials.
Key Findings with Statistical Data: Improved QOL (p=0.01, d=0.68); reduced fatigue (p=0.02); better sleep (p=0.03); no CI reported.
Potential Mechanisms for Medical Professionals: Physiological: enhanced physical function; psychological: stress reduction.
Benefits for Tai Chi/Qigong Enthusiasts: Qi for vitality and rest.
Strengths: Specific Qigong type; RCT design.
Limitations: Moderate sample; no long-term follow-up.
Clinical Recommendations: Recommend Baduanjin for QOL, fatigue, and sleep in survivors.
Bai L, Yu E [41]
Study Design: Narrative review.
Participant Details: Not applicable (review); breast cancer survivors with cognitive impairment.
Intervention Protocols: Tai Chi/Qigong mentioned; varied protocols.
Key Findings with Statistical Data: Potential cognitive benefits; no specific stats.
Potential Mechanisms for Medical Professionals: Physiological: enhanced cerebral blood flow; psychological: improved attention.
Benefits for Tai Chi/Qigong Enthusiasts: Qi for mental clarity.
Strengths: Broad risk factor overview.
Limitations: Narrative; no quantitative data.
Clinical Recommendations: Consider Tai Chi/Qigong for cognitive impairment; needs more evidence.
Zhang Y, Luo Y, Zeng Y [42]
Study Design: Meta-analysis of 6 RCTs.
Participant Details: 401 patients (incl. breast cancer); age not specified; mixed sex.
Intervention Protocols: Tai Chi/Qigong as meditative interventions; durations varied.
Key Findings with Statistical Data: Improved cognitive function (SMD 0.47, 95% CI 0.27-0.67, p<0.001).
Potential Mechanisms for Medical Professionals: Physiological: neuroplasticity; psychological: mindfulness.
Benefits for Tai Chi/Qigong Enthusiasts: Qi for cognitive enhancement.
Strengths: Focused on cognition; meta-analysis.
Limitations: Small sample; mixed cancers; dated.
Clinical Recommendations: Use Tai Chi/Qigong for cognitive impairment in breast cancer survivors.
Birling Y, Nevitt S, Bhuyan DJ, et al. [43]
Study Design: Systematic review and network meta-analysis of 47 RCTs.
Participant Details: 4,123 patients (incl. breast cancer); age not specified; mixed sex.
Intervention Protocols: Tai Chi/Qigong; durations/frequencies varied.
Key Findings with Statistical Data: Reduced depression (SMD -0.39, 95% CI -0.60 to -0.18, p<0.001); anxiety (SMD -0.45, 95% CI -0.68 to -0.22, p<0.001); insomnia (SMD -0.37, 95% CI -0.59 to -0.15, p=0.001).
Potential Mechanisms for Medical Professionals: Physiological: autonomic balance; psychological: stress relief.
Benefits For Tai Chi/Qigong Enthusiasts: Qi for emotional and sleep health.
Strengths: Large sample; individual data analysis.
Limitations: Mixed cancers; heterogeneity.
Clinical Recommendations: Recommend Tai Chi/Qigong for depression, anxiety, insomnia in breast cancer.
Arring NM, Barton DL, Brooks T, Zick SM [44]
Study Design: Narrative review.
Participant Details: Not applicable (review); includes breast cancer patients/survivors with fatigue.
Intervention Protocols: Tai Chi/Qigong; varied protocols.
Key Findings with Statistical Data: Reduced fatigue and improved QOL; no specific stats.
Potential Mechanisms for Medical Professionals: Physiological: enhanced energy metabolism; psychological: stress reduction.
Benefits for Tai Chi/Qigong Enthusiasts: Qi for vitality and fatigue relief.
Strengths: Integrative focus; clinical relevance.
Limitations: Narrative; no quantitative synthesis.
Clinical Recommendations: Use Tai Chi/Qigong for fatigue in breast cancer care.
Kuo CC, Wang CC, Chang WL, et al. [45]
Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 RCTs.
Participant Details: 1,068 patients (incl. breast cancer, female predominant); age/stage not specified.
In summary, the historical roots and clinical evidence underscore
Tai Chi and Qigong as valuable integrative therapies for cancer survivors,
particularly those with breast and lung cancer. Across the reviewed
studies, these practices consistently demonstrate benefits in
alleviating depression, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive impairments
while enhancing quality of life and psychological well-being,
often with moderate to large effect sizes and minimal adverse
effects. Network meta-analyses highlight Qigong’s superiority in
certain domains, such as fatigue reduction, and innovative delivery
methods like apps and remote sessions enhance accessibility. However,
limitations including study heterogeneity, small sample sizes,
and a mix of cancer types necessitate further large-scale, high-quality
randomized controlled trials to refine protocols, explore mechanisms,
and confirm long-term outcomes. Integrating Tai Chi and Qigong into
standard cancer care could provide low-cost, non-pharmacological
support, empowering patients through mind-body harmony and fostering
holistic recovery.
ISSN: 2574 -1241
Abstract
PDF
