Effects of Tai Chi Chuan on physical function and health in breast cancer patients

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to explore the effects of Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) on physical function, hematological metabolic biomarkers, sleep quality, and mental health in breast cancer patients.

Methods: This was a prospective clinical trial that involved 37 breast cancer patients who had completed surgery treatment. Participants' motor function, hematological examination, and self-rated questionnaire were assessed at the baseline and after the intervention.

Results: Through the 12-week TCC intervention, participants' weights (p = 0.981), body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.913), and blood pressure (p = 0.374 for systolic BP, p = 0.299 for diastolic BP) remained stable; waist-hip ratio significantly decreased (p < 0.001); and post-intervention pulse rate (p = 0.011) and vital capacity (p = 0.062) slightly increased. In the aspect of motor function, the value of sit and reach (p < 0.001), grip strength of both hands (p < 0.001), and most active range of motion of neck and shoulder joint (p < 0.001 for anteflexion and both left and right lateroflexion of neck joint, both left and right adduction and rear protraction of shoulder joint) increased after intervention. Arm girth (p < 0.05 for arm girth in left styloid process of ulna, 5 cm below left cubital crease, left and right cubital crease, 10 cm above left and right cubital crease, and left axilla) showed a shrinking trend after intervention. According to the questionnaire of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), participants' sleep quality improved, and anxiety and depression remained stable after the trial (p = 0.021 for PSQI, p = 0.631 for anxiety, p = 0.182 for depression). Hematological examination of total protein (p = 0.016), albumin (p < 0.001), albumin-globulin ratio (A/G) (p < 0.001), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-CH) (p = 0.002), and apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1) (p < 0.001) increased after intervention.

Conclusion: Motor function and sleep quality improved significantly after TCC intervention for 3 months in breast cancer patients. At the same time, some hematological metabolic biomarkers also changed better.

Trial registration number: ChiCTR2200061422. Date of registration: June 24th, 2022.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Mental health; Physical function; Tai Chi Chuan (TCC).