Effectiveness of a 12-week combining tai chi and yoga program on pulmonary function and functional fitness in COPD patients.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to investigate the feasibility and potential benefits of a 12-week Tai Chi and Yoga (TY combining) program on cardiorespiratory and lung functions, functional fitness, and quality of life in older males with COPD.
Results Summary
The TY combining program significantly improved pulmonary functions, functional fitness, quality of life, and fatigue over 12 weeks, with functional fitness improvements observed as early as four weeks. The intervention was safe and feasible, with no reported complications.
Population
Older males (age 70 ± 6 years) diagnosed with moderate to severe COPD.
Effective Dosage
Not specified (12-week program, frequency not detailed).
Duration
12 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
12-week combining Tai Chi and Yoga (TY combining) program | increase | pulmonary functions | older males diagnosed with COPD | - | significantly improved | #1 |
12-week combining Tai Chi and Yoga (TY combining) program | increase | functional fitness | older males diagnosed with COPD | - | significantly improved | #2 |
12-week combining Tai Chi and Yoga (TY combining) program | increase | quality of life | older males diagnosed with COPD | - | significantly improved | #3 |
12-week combining Tai Chi and Yoga (TY combining) program | decrease | fatigue | older males diagnosed with COPD | - | significantly improved | #4 |
12-week combining Tai Chi and Yoga (TY combining) program | increase | functional fitness parameters | older males diagnosed with COPD | after just four weeks of training | improvements in | #5 |
12-week combining Tai Chi and Yoga (TY combining) program | no change | safety | older males diagnosed with COPD | no reported complications | exhibited high | #6 |
12-week combining Tai Chi and Yoga (TY combining) program | no change | feasibility | older males diagnosed with COPD | - | exhibited high | #7 |
BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) poses significant challenges to both patients and healthcare providers due to its progressive nature and adverse impact on respiratory function and quality of life (QoL). While pulmonary rehabilitation remains a cornerstone of non-pharmacological COPD management, additional interventions are needed to address patients' diverse needs and preferences. AIM: This study investigated the feasibility and potential benefits of a 12-week combining Tai Chi and Yoga (TY combining) program on cardiorespiratory and lung functions, functional fitness, and QoL in older males diagnosed with COPD. METHODS: Twenty-four male COPD patients (age: 70 ± 6 years) with moderate to severe disease were recruited and randomized into the TY combining group (n = 12) or control group (n = 12). Assessments were conducted at baseline and at week 12, including pulmonary function tests, quality of life measures, dyspnea, and fatigue. Functional fitness tests were assessed at baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 12. RESULTS: The TY combining program significantly improved pulmonary functions, functional fitness, quality of life, and fatigue over the 12-week intervention period. Notably, improvements in functional fitness parameters were observed after just four weeks of training, emphasizing the rapid benefits of the intervention. Moreover, the program exhibited high safety and feasibility, with no reported complications. CONCLUSION: The 12-week TY combining program represents a safe, feasible, and effective adjunctive therapy for COPD management in older male patients. By addressing multiple dimensions of health and functioning, including pulmonary and cardiovascular health, functional fitness, and quality of life, this holistic approach holds promise for optimizing outcomes in COPD patients. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore optimal implementation strategies in clinical practice.