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Article . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Article . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Using Tai Chi and Qigong to Treat COPD: An Application of Artificial Intelligence to Traditional Chinese Medicine

Authors: Robert W. McGee;

Using Tai Chi and Qigong to Treat COPD: An Application of Artificial Intelligence to Traditional Chinese Medicine

Abstract

Abstract Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity worldwide. Although pharmacotherapy and conventional pulmonary rehabilitation improve outcomes, adherence remains suboptimal. Tai Chi and Qigong, mind-body practices from Traditional Chinese Medicine, have gained attention as low-cost, accessible adjunctive therapies. Objective: To synthesize evidence from 21 clinical studies on the therapeutic effects of Tai Chi and Qigong in COPD using artificial intelligence-assisted literature summarization. Methods: PubMed was searched for randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Grok (xAI) was employed to generate structured summaries of study design, participants, interventions, outcomes, mechanisms, strengths, and limitations. Results: Tai Chi and Qigong consistently improved exercise capacity (6MWD mean difference up to 40.83 m), lung function (FEV1 up to 0.11 L; FEV1% predicted up to 1.67%), health-related quality of life (SGRQ reductions up to −16.75 points), exacerbation rates (RR 0.59), and psychological symptoms (anxiety/depression SMD up to −0.86). Benefits were mediated by enhanced respiratory muscle efficiency, diaphragmatic breathing, reduced systemic inflammation, and stress reduction. Interventions were safe and well-tolerated. Conclusion: Tai Chi and Qigong are effective, safe, and feasible adjunctive therapies for COPD management. Large-scale, multicenter trials with standardized protocols are warranted to confirm long-term outcomes and optimal dosing.

Keywords

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, COPD, Tai Chi, Qigong, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Mind-Body Exercise, Exercise Capacity, 6-Minute Walk Distance, Quality of Life, Exacerbations, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Complementary Therapy, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, Artificial Intelligence.

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
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