# Meta-Analysis of Tai Chi Chuan in Treating Lumbar Spondylosis and Back Pain

Authors: Fushun Zhang; Junfang Zhao; Nan Jiang; Qiao Zhai; Juanjuan Hu; Jing Zhang
Journal: Applied Bionics and Biomechanics
 (2022)

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## Abstract

Background. The effectiveness of Tai Chi Chuan in treating various ailments has been well reported; however, its effect on back pain and lumbar spondylosis remains unclear. Methods. We performed this meta-analysis under the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), and the research-associated search was performed over the provided databases: Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL in the period of 2008 to 2016, to recognize the related studies. We used the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale to measure the standard of the involved randomized control trials (RCTs). The accumulated outcomes with parameters of weighted mean difference (WMD) and confidence level (CI) of 95% were evaluated to discover the influence of Tai Chi over pain as well as dysfunction among the patients suffering from pain depending on the outcome model. Results. Seven eligible studies with a total of 296 participants were identified that met inclusion criteria for the systematic review; in the forest plot analysis, it was noted that for 95% CI, the standardized mean difference found to be -1.58 (-1.79, -1.38) with the heterogeneity of 87%, thereby favoring Tai Chi over the control group; a comparison was drawn for Tai Chi with routine therapy against the routine therapy alone, where 95% CI for -1.22 [-1.47, -0.97] is observed for I2=0% for the overall effect Z=9.42 (P<0.00001); pain intensity of Tai Chi was compared with the control group, where 95% CI for -1.62 [-2.09, -1.14] was observed for Z=6.69 (P<0.00001). The forest plot subgroup analysis of Tai Chi was compared with the control group for an unchanged lifestyle, where 95% CI for -2.26 [-2.61, -1.91] was observed for Z=12.76 (P<0.00001). Conclusion. Our results indicate that Tai Chi individually or with additional treatment along with routine physical exercises might reduce the pain and functional disorders for the patients suffering from back pain.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

Health is an important topic because of the increase in the elderly population and the expansion of medical expenses [1]. The lumbar dysfunction is expensive, and back pain is one of the most usual ailments among athletes, which affects the scope of individual activities, with one case being even more than 50%. Back pain tends to recur [2].The noninvasive treatment procedures, like antibiotics, behavioral therapy, tricyclic antidepressant, and spinal operation, were frequently practiced to alleviate the pain during the premature as well as the middle phase of the patients suffering from back pain. For those patients who were not benefitting from the expected treatment procedure, harmful treatments like trigger point-based injection therapy, lumbar disc replacement operation, acupuncture, or the flexible fixation of the lumbar functional unit were advocated [3–5].Exercise-based therapy has been extensively implemented as a supplementary technique to process chronic back pain and lumbar spondylosis [6]. The classic methods comprise submissive stretching, the McKenzie procedure, extension-based exercise drills, flexion exercises, and Tai Chi [7], along with the submissive exercise forms which assist in the mobility as well as flexibility in terms of the postures, regulated breathing, and usual flexibility-based exercises [8, 9, 10]. Aerobic exercises like swimming, walking, and jogging involve the entire body which can assist in upgrading the muscular strength along with flexibility as well as coordination in the entire body [11].The conventional Chinese aerobic exercise form, i.e., Tai Chi, has been determined for multiple age-associated disorders, especially cardiovascular disorders along with the metabolic syndrome, as it can reduce blood pressure and regulate the signs of metabolic syndrome [12]. The practice of Tai Chi which is also called shadowboxing or the Tai Chi Chuan is an ancient traditional form of Chinese martial art as well as fitness based on combat practices along with Chinese philosophy and medicine [13, 14].It has a low influence along with a modest rate of intensity in aerobic exercise, which is identified by the moderate circular mobility, concentration, or mindfulness as well as controlled breathing. Tai Chi Chuan was proven to lay a positive influence over the immunity, strength, mood, and stability along with its significance over some researches. Not long ago, this form of martial art was established as a form of exercise which is implemented by millions of people in China [15].The rising interest towards Tai Chi has extended beyond the borders of China. In the past 20 years, Tai Chi and its capacity for health advantages have started to receive substantial awareness by the western medical as well as scientific boards and committees [16]. These probable advantages vary from diminishing the blood pressure and stress to assisting the patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, human immunodeficiency virus, and multiple sclerosis. While the Tai Chi radial, spiral, and circular motions prevail parallel, these expand the flexibility in the joints and increase the circulation as well as strengthen the muscles of the back along with limbs [8, 9].The Tai Chi Chuan technique is primarily used to unwind both body and mind. It thus enabled the professional to upgrade his or her mental as well as physical status. Multiple new studies are still being conducted as well as published; there is no review performed to measure the existing researches critical about how Tai Chi is utilized in curing back pain and lumbar spondylosis. In this study, we present a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of Tai Chi Chuan individually among patients suffering from back pain or lumbar spondylosis.


## 2. Material and Methods

We performed this meta-analysis under the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), and the research-associated search was performed over the provided databases: Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL in the period of 2008 to 2016, to retrieve the related studies.The keywords associated with these researches were as follows: “Tai Chi Chuan,” “lumbar spondylosis,” “back pain,” “lower back pain,” “randomized control trial,” “disability,” “chronic back pain,” “spinal manipulation,” “lumbar vertebrae,” and “magnetic resonance imaging.” The source lists of the primary, as well as review, articles were manually searched for and eventually after the completion of the electronic searches. There were narrow inclusion and exclusion criteria formed based on which the studies were shortlisted for the meta-analysis.


### 2.1. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

The researches comprised the following inclusion criteria of the study selection: the randomized clinical control trials (RCTs), which comprise patients with primary signs of back pain. Tai Chi was the only involvement or the combination with the other treating procedures, with research outcome measures which shall comprise a minimum of one to two crucial evaluations be it pain and disability.To analyze the consequences of Tai Chi for the back pain and lumbar spondylosis, the randomized control trial differentiations were found eligible: Tai Chi in comparison with control (the unchanged lifestyle); Tai Chi with other treating procedures in comparison to the other treatment. Pain intensity and disability were evaluated according to the visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, or the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA).


## 2.1. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

The researches comprised the following inclusion criteria of the study selection: the randomized clinical control trials (RCTs), which comprise patients with primary signs of back pain. Tai Chi was the only involvement or the combination with the other treating procedures, with research outcome measures which shall comprise a minimum of one to two crucial evaluations be it pain and disability.To analyze the consequences of Tai Chi for the back pain and lumbar spondylosis, the randomized control trial differentiations were found eligible: Tai Chi in comparison with control (the unchanged lifestyle); Tai Chi with other treating procedures in comparison to the other treatment. Pain intensity and disability were evaluated according to the visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, or the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA).


## 3. Results

The above Table1 represents the summary of selected studies concerning the parameters as the country of study, age, diagnosis, program intervention, training sessions, Tai Chi style, reported outcomes, and adverse events reported.Table 1
Summary of the studies selected for meta-analysis.
AuthorYearCountrySample sizeAgeDiagnosisProgram of interventionTraining sessionsTai Chi styleReported outcomeAdverse event reportedHe et al.2013China20/20Tai Chi: 58.56 ± 4.23Control: 59.38 ± 4.783 m chronic lower back painTai Chi vs. unaltered lifestyle60 min/session36 sessionsChenDisabilityNot reportedZhao et al.2013China15/15Tai Chi: 58.92 ± 3.65Control: 57.35 ± 2.97Chronic lower back painTai Chi vs. unaltered60 min/session. 3 sessions per week36 sessionsChenDisabilityNot reportedMuharram et al.2011China82/82Tai Chi: 43.6 ± 6.5Control: 43.3 ± 7.23.04 ± 1.56 yChronic lower back painTai Chi_health education vs. health education60 min/session, 72 sessionsChenPain (visual analogue scale, disability)Not reportedSong et al.2008China37/31Tai Chi: 42.69 ± 15.38Control: 40.72 ± 13.1013 ± 9 mLumbar disc herniationTai Chi + physiotherapy vs. physiotherapy60 min/session, 144 sessionsNot reportedPain (visual analogue scale, disability)Not reportedHall et al.2011Australia80/80Tai Chi: 43.4 ± 13.5Control: 44.3 ± 13.03 mNonspecific lower back painTai Chi + unaltered lifestyle40 min/session, 10 weeks, 18 sessionsNot reportedPain (numerical rating scale), disabilityReportedTong et al.2016China32/32Tai Chi: 32.6 ± 6.46Control: 32.66 ± 6.533 mNonspecific lower back painTai Chi + unaltered lifestyle7 sessions/week, 28 sessionsNot reportedPain (visual analogue scale, disability)Not reportedLin et al.2015China30/3041.00 ± 9.22Not reported, chronic lower back painTai Chi + massage, massage6 sessions per week, 12 sessionsNot reportedPain (visual analogue scale)Not reportedThe above Table2 represents the outcomes of Tai Chi over the pain among the patients for the selected five studies.Table 2
Effect of Tai Chi for pain.
Tai ChiControlAuthorMeanSDTotalMeanSDTotalMuharram et al.-1.210.9978-0.020.8580Song et al.-1.811.2337-0.61.2831Hall et al.-10.45760.260.5175Tong et al.-5.241.0732-3.391.1332Lin et al.-3.450.530-2.710.5630In the forest plot analysis, it was noted that for 95% CI, the standardized mean difference was found to be -1.58 (-1.79, -1.38) with the heterogeneity of 87%, thereby favoring Tai Chi over the control group; similar results were noted in the funnel plot for pain treatment analysis (Table2) (Figures 1 and 2).Figure 1
PRISMA study over the study methods.Figure 2
Forest plot analysis of the effect of Tai Chi for pain.In the above Table3, three studies were mentioned: Muharram et al., Lin et al., and Song et al., representing the comparison of Tai Chi integrated with routine therapy against the routine therapy alone.Table 3
Tai Chi with routine therapy vs. routine therapy.
AuthorTai ChiControlMeanSDTotalMeanSDTotalMuharram et al.-1.210.9978-0.020.8580Lin et al.-3.450.530-2.710.5630Song et al.-1.811.2337-0.61.2831In the above Figure3, the forest plot analysis represents a comparison drawn for Tai Chi with routine therapy against the routine therapy alone, where 95% CI for -1.22 [-1.47, -0.97] is observed for I2=0% for overall effect Z=9.42, P<0.00001.Figure 3
Funnel plot analysis on the effect of Tai Chi for pain.The above scattered plot analysis uses a funnel plot to show the comparative analysis of Tai Chi with routine therapy against routine therapy (as shown in Figure4).Figure 4
Forest plot of Tai Chi with routine therapy vs. routine therapy.The above Table4 demonstrates two studies: Hall et al. and Tong et al., for the subgroup analysis of Tai Chi in comparison to the control group concerning an unchanged lifestyle.Table 4
Subgroup analysis of Tai Chi vs. control group (unaltered lifestyle).
AuthorTai ChiControlMeanSDTotalMeanSDTotalHall et al.-10.45760.260.5175Tong et al.-5.241.0732-3.391.1332The above Figure5 represents the forest plot subgroup analysis of Tai Chi compared with the control group for an unchanged lifestyle, where 95% CI for -2.26 [-2.61, -1.91] was observed for Z=12.76 (P<0.00001).Figure 5
Funnel plot of Tai Chi with routine therapy vs. routine therapy.The above scattered plot analysis uses a funnel plot to show the subgroup analysis of Tai Chi in comparison to the control group for an unchanged lifestyle (as shown in Figure6).Figure 6
Forest plot of subgroup analysis of Tai Chi vs. control group (unaltered lifestyle).The above Table5 represents the studies by He et al. and Tong et al., where the paint intensity was measured and compared in Tai Chi vs. the control group.Table 5
Pain intensity of Tai Chi vs. control.
AuthorTai ChiControlMeanSDTotalMeanSDTotalHe et al.-1.90.7116-0.620.9713Tong et al.-1.990.432-0.850.8632The above Figure7 represents the forest plot analysis of pain intensity of Tai Chi compared with the control group, where 95% CI for -1.62 [-2.09, -1.14] was observed for Z=6.69 (P<0.00001).Figure 7
Funnel plot of subgroup analysis of Tai Chi vs. control group (unaltered lifestyle).The above scattered plot analysis uses a funnel plot to show the comparative activity of Tai Chi for disability against the control group concerning the level of intensity of pain among the patients (as shown in Figure8).Figure 8
Forest plot of pain intensity of Tai Chi vs. control.The above-mentioned three studies by He et al., Zhao et al., and Tong et al. were analyzed using the Oswestry disability index for Tai Chi for disability comparing Tai Chi against the control group, as in Table6.Table 6
Oswestry disability index for Tai Chi for disability.
AuthorTai ChiControlMeanSDTotalMeanSDTotalHe et al.-1.530.6616-0.060.6613Zhao et al.-2.860.66140.391.2213Tong et al.-2.580.8832-1.031.432The above Figure9 represents the forest plot analysis of the Oswestry disability index for Tai Chi for disability, comparing Tai Chi with the control group.Figure 9
Funnel plot of pain intensity of Tai Chi vs. control.The scattered plot analysis uses a funnel plot to show the comparative activity of Tai Chi for disability against the control group with respect to the parameters of the Oswestry disability index (as shown in Figure10).Figure 10
Forest plot of Oswestry disability index for Tai Chi for disability.The PRISMA flowchart as given in Figure11 represents the eligible studies, wherein a total of 150 cases were found relevant for the record in the initial identification phase, and apart from these, seven studies were taken from additional records.Figure 11
Funnel plot of Oswestry disability index for Tai Chi for disability.While screening the researches, 125 studies were recognized as duplicate data and thus were taken off from the list of eligible studies. Therefore, only 32 studies were identified to fit the objective of our current study. Following the exclusion criteria, studies which were either reviews, abstracts, researches with no outcome, or wherever the patient data was not found and were either letters or editorials were removed, and only 7 studies were found to be eligible for meta-analysis. As shown in Table1, the summary of all the shortlisted studies was designed for meta-analysis which demonstrates the parameters concerning the patient data like the age, sample size, type of diagnosis, program of intervention, training sessions, Tai Chi style, reported or documented results, and adverse events reported.Here, Table2 represents the effect and calculated its mean for the influence of Tai Chi activity for back pain and the control group where there were five studies to report the effect of Tai Chi over back pain. The evaluation tool for pain was found different in all the studies. The aggregated outcomes demonstrated that Tai Chi, individually or in combination with other included therapy, remarkably lessens the back pain level as compared to the control group with WMD as 95% confidence interval, wherein -1.58[-1.79, -1.38] and P<0.0001, where Z=15.13, as shown in Figure 1. The sensitivity evaluation was performed by extracting these researches turn by turn individually as the heterogeneity was considerable with I2 observed 87% as given in Figure 1, therefore leading to no such remarkable transitions, proving that the accumulated outcomes were well balanced.We conducted another investigation to inquire about the differences between the individual practice of Tai Chi versus the Tai Chi in combination with routine therapy, to observe that Tai Chi was found to be individually more superior to regulating group with the wait list, unchanged lifestyle in the pain levels where the 95% confidence interval for -1.22[-1.47, -0.97] was observed, as shown in Figure3, with Z=9.42 and P<0.00001. We even performed another subgroup analysis to examine the variation between Tai Chi and the control group with respect to unaltered lifestyle, as shown in Figure 5. Here, Tai Chi outperformed the control group, thus reflecting more positive influences on ODI elements like the intensity of pain, personal care, walking, etc. The overall effect leads to a 95% confidence interval with -2.26 [-2.61, -1.91] with I2 as 85% and Z12.76, where P<0.00001 (as in Figure 5).The evaluation pain intensity in Tai Chi as compared to the control group with respect to the control group, as analyzed in Figures7 and 8, showed a positive influence of Tai Chi where -1.49 [-2.33, -0.65] with 95% confidence interval and the control group reported as -1.68-2.25, -1.10, where overall I2 was found as 0% and the overall influence Z=6.69 with P<0.00001. The outcome for the comparison of Tai Chi with the control group with respect to the ODI element of disability represented the improved results of Tai Chi individually where it was reported from the studies summarized in Table 6; the results from the analysis were shown in Figures 9 and 10, where Tai Chi was reported to have more substantial influence over disability where 95% confidence interval and a total of -1.75 [-2.19, -1.31] with I2 reported as 78%, wherein Z=7.82 with P<0.00001.The funnel plot analysis was performed comprising seven studies as given in Figure2, wherein for the forest plot analysis, it was noted that for 95% CI, the standard mean difference was found to be -1.58 (-1.79, -1.38) with the heterogeneity of 87% given as per Table 2 and Figure 1. The remaining scattered plots were utilized to demonstrate the different studies where Tai Chi along with routine therapy was compared with routine therapy as given in Table 3 and Figure 4 leading to the positive influence of Tai Chi alone. The funnel plot analysis in Figure 6 represents the funnel plot of subgroup analysis of Tai Chi vs. control group (unchanged/unaltered lifestyle) with respect to studies shown in Table 4, where Tai Chi outperformed in the case of unchanged lifestyle.


## 4. Discussion

This meta-analysis was performed to analyze the influence of Tai Chi individually or with any additional treatment process for curing back pain. The accumulated predictions represented that Tai Chi can reduce the degree or intensity of pain and functional disorder for the patients suffering from back pain [17]. The outcomes of this systematic review and meta-analysis were very crucial for the patients suffering from back pain who experienced multiple degrees of pain as well as dysfunction that possess a dissenting effect over functionality as well as the quality of lifestyle.The technique of Tai Chi can be performed in those patients suffering from back pain as a secure, risk-free, easy, suitable, comfortable, and inexpensive complementing treating process. Different previous review-based works have investigated the traditional Chinese exercises like Baduanjin, Tai Chi, Qigong, etc. for treating neck pain. The outcomes of our research are observed to be very consistent with the study and with the conclusion which reports that the overall effect of Tai Chi over pain proves the reduction in pain and improvement of functionality and mobility and other physical activities in patients suffering from back pain [18, 19].As reported, Tai Chi is observed as an ancient Chinese traditional exercise from the 13th century, which comprises of the sequence of moderate and destressed physical motions involved in combination with in-depth breathing. The advantage-based mechanism of Tai Chi to treat back pain was dependent on Chinese traditional medicine theory which proposes the yin and yang and the Qi. Qi is comprehended as the minute substance which flows inside the human body and is associated with the normal functionality of the human body as well as viscera.A person can conserve a healthy lifestyle by balancing between their yin and yang and Qi. The training for Tai Chi can result in maintaining stability in yin and yang, thus enhancing the free-flow of Qi, resulting in enhanced physical as well as mental health. The technique of Tai Chi was observed as a complicated treatment process combining both physical activities based on exercise and the mind-body treating process which can reduce the intensity of pain, thus diminishing stress and improving functionality as well as standard of life.The other arbitrary elements were observed to be associated with the muscle-skeletal power enhancement and the intensity of the physical activity. The exercising of Tai Chi activities can ameliorate the strength of the lower limb along with the flexibility as the constant double-leg as well as single-leg squats along with weight transition movements by implementing these exercises. The enhanced functionality of lower limb mobility led to the enhancement of physical activities related to back pain like sitting, climbing stairs, walking, or even standing.The people involved in the Tai Chi sessions in combination with the deep breathing exercise along with the physical activities might reduce muscular tension as well as pain. Alongside, a review observed that poor pain-associated effects were found to be constant with the high intensity of pain-troubling levels. These pain-associated troubles were found to be a negative perception of the pain.MCID (minimal clinically important difference) is observed as with the least change of symptoms that were clinically found meaningful for the patients. MCID can regulate the clinical relevance of the results, thus showcasing the efficacy of the involvement as well as the patient reaction to the intervention. The overall outcome of pain in this study was observed as -1.58 [-1.79, -1.38] where 95% CI, which surpassed the MCID value, proposing the accumulated result was found clinically significant.


## 5. Conclusion

There were multiple sessions, frequency, time-span, as well as the style of Tai Chi intervention, along with varied results and assessment tools, with well-constructed heterogeneity of the accumulated outcomes of this research. We performed an attentive inference where we comprehended that Tai Chi individually or with other involved therapy with routine treatment may lead to a reduction in the intensity of pain and functional disorder for the patients suffering from back pain. Therefore, as an appropriate, inexpensive as well as favorable exercise activity, the Tai Chi technique can be advised for the patients suffering from back pain, either individually or integrated with other regular treatments.



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