The Influences of Tai Chi on Balance Function and Exercise Capacity among Stroke Patients: A Meta-Analysis

Xinhu Zheng; Xiaoyang Wu; Zuhong Liu; Jing Wang; Keyang Wang; Jilin Yin; Xing Wang

doi:10.1155/2021/6636847

The Influences of Tai Chi on Balance Function and Exercise Capacity among Stroke Patients: A Meta-Analysis

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2021 Feb 24:2021:6636847. doi: 10.1155/2021/6636847. eCollection 2021.

Authors

Xinhu Zheng¹, Xiaoyang Wu², Zuhong Liu¹, Jing Wang³, Keyang Wang⁴, Jilin Yin⁵, Xing Wang¹

Affiliations

¹ Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China.
² Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, China.
³ Shanghai Lixin University of Accounting and Finance, Shanghai 201620, China.
⁴ Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, Shanghai 201207, China.
⁵ Bei Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China.

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to explore the influences of Tai Chi on the balance function and exercise capacity among stroke patients.

Methods: Databases including PubMed, Embase, WOS (Web of Science), the Cochrane Library, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), Wanfang Data, VIP (VIP database), and CBM (China Biology Medicine disc) were retrieved to gather the figures of randomized controlled trials on the balance function and exercise capacity among stroke patients. Then relevant data were input and analyzed in Review Manager 5.3.

Results: Nineteen papers were included and analyzed in this study. According to the combined effect size, the balance function of stroke patients improved significantly: the Berg Balance Function Scale score [MD = 7.67, 95% CI (3.44, 11.90)]; standing and walking test scores [MD = 3.42, 95% CI (4.22, -2.63)]; gravity swing area [MD = 0.79, 95% CI (1.48, 0.10)]; and gravity swing speed [MD = -5.43, 95% CI (-7.79, 3.08)]. In addition, the exercise capacity improved significantly as well: the FMA (Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale) scale score [MD = 4.15, 95% CI (1.68, 6.63)]. There are no significant influences or changes of other related results.

Conclusions: Stroke patients are able to improve their balance functions and exercise capacities prominently when they do Tai Chi exercise once or twice a week and ≥5 times/week and >30 ≤ 60 min/time.

Publication types

Review