Tai Chi and Qigong for cancer-related symptoms and quality of life: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose This study aims to summarize and critically evaluate the effects of Tai Chi and Qigong (TCQ) mind–body exercises on symptoms and quality of life (QOL) in cancer survivors. Methods A systematic search in four electronic databases targeted randomized and non-randomized clinical studies evaluating TCQ for fatigue, sleep difficulty, depression, pain, and QOL in cancer patients, published through August 2016. Meta-analysis was used to estimate effect sizes (ES, Hedges’ g ) and publication bias for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methodological bias in RCTs was assessed. Results Our search identified 22 studies, including 15 RCTs that evaluated 1283 participants in total, 75% women. RCTs evaluated breast ( n = 7), prostate ( n = 2), lymphoma ( n = 1), lung (n = 1), or combined ( n = 4) cancers. RCT comparison groups included active intervention ( n = 7), usual care ( n = 5), or both ( n = 3). Duration of TCQ training ranged from 3 to 12 weeks. Methodological bias was low in 12 studies and high in 3 studies. TCQ was associated with significant improvement in fatigue (ES = − 0.53, p