Yoga and Tai Chi: a mind-body approach in managing respiratory symptoms in obstructive lung diseases

Purpose of review Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by airflow limitation because of airway and/or alveolar abnormalities. Symptoms include dyspnea, cough, chronic sputum production. As the third-ranked cause of death as well as disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), it poses a significant burden on patients, families, healthcare system and society. Regular physical activity is linked to decrease in morbidity and mortality associated with COPD, but implementation remains challenging. There is a need for community-based interventions that promote physical activity. Yoga and Tai Chi are widely available in the community and have been shown to be beneficial in patients with COPD as well as many of the co-morbid conditions associated with COPD. Recent findings Yoga and Tai Chi have been found to be more effective than usual care in COPD with clinically meaningful improvements in 6-min walk distance (6MWD), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). They have also been found to be comparable to pulmonary rehabilitation interventions. Yoga and Tai Chi provide community-based options for patients with COPD to improve their physical activity, quality of life, and pulmonary function.