Can Tai Chi Improve Blood Lipid Levels in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background. The outbreak of COVID-19 has increased the threat to patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and can easily exacerbate their condition. Several studies have been conducted today using Tai Chi as an alternative therapy. Lipid indicators are one of the main factors in the development of cardiovascular disease, and there is no systematic review of studies related to Tai Chi to improve lipid levels in patients with cardiovascular disease.Objectives. This study aimed to measure the effect of Tai Chi on blood lipid levels in patients with cardiovascular disease.Methods. Eight electronic repositories were searched, ranging from build to February 2022. Risk of bias assessment was performed independently by 2 researchers according to the criteria provided by the Cochrane Intervention System Assessment Manual. Blood lipid indexes were analyzed using Review Manage5.4 software.Results. A total of 1,312 patients from 28 trials were included. The results of the meta-analysis showed a significant positive effect of lipids in the Tai Chi group compared to the non-exercise group for total cholesterol (MD= -0.46, 95%CI [-0.65, -0.27], p<0.00001), triglycerides (MD= -0.41, 95%CI [-0.54, -0.29], P<0.00001), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD= -0.40, 95%CI [-0.53, -0.26], P<0.00001). High-density lipoprotein was not statistically significant (MD= 0.11, 95%CI [0.09, 0.13], P<0.00001). Tai Chi was not statistically significant compared to the other exercise groups.Conclusion. Tai chi is effective in improving lipid levels in patients with cardiovascular disease, especially in diabetic patients and hypertensive patients. Despite this improvement in HDL was not significant, it is still believed that the Tai Chi intervention has a potential positive impact.