Effects of Tai Chi on Postural Control in People with Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Background: Effects of Tai Chi on people with peripheral neuropathy (PN) are not yet apparent. This systematic review was conducted to evaluate the effects of Tai Chi on postural control in people with PN. Methods: Literature was screened in seven databases for relevant randomized controlled trials. The reports and methodological quality were evaluated. A meta-analysis was performed using RevMan5.4 software. Results: Ten reports were included, involving a total of 344 subjects. The meta-analysis found that Tai Chi therapy for people with PN resulted in a smaller sway area, in the double-leg stance with eyes closed test (SMD = -2.43, I-2 = 0%), than that observed in the control group, greater distance covered in the six-minute walking test (SMD = -0.46, I-2 = 49%) and faster performance in the timed-up-and-go test (SMD = 0.68, I-2 = 50%), than the baseline. Conclusions: Tai chi effectively enhanced dynamic postural control in people with PN. However, no better effects on postural control from Tai Chi than from other rehabilitation approaches were observed in this study. Further high-quality trials are needed to better understand Tai Chi's effects on individuals with PN.

Automated summary

This systematic review suggests that Tai Chi has positive effects on postural control in patients with peripheral neuropathy, including reducing sway area, increasing walking distance, and improving performance in timed-up-and-go test.