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This systematic review and network meta-analysis compared nine different mind-body exercise interventions for people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, drawing on data from thirty-seven randomised controlled trials involving a total of 3,179 participants. Databases searched included PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Scopus.
The analysis separated outcomes into objective measures — such as exercise capacity and lung function — and subjective measures, including breathlessness (dyspnoea) and health-related quality of life. For objective outcomes, Pilates combined with pulmonary rehabilitation performed best overall, showing the greatest improvements in exercise capacity and key spirometry readings. Yoga also demonstrated notable benefits for certain lung function measures.
For subjective outcomes, Tai Chi emerged as the standout intervention. Practised either alone or alongside pulmonary rehabilitation, Tai Chi was superior to other approaches in reducing dyspnoea. When combined with pulmonary rehabilitation, it also ranked among the most effective options for improving health-related quality of life, alongside Qigong. These findings suggest that different mind-body practices may serve complementary roles within a comprehensive management plan, with the choice of exercise depending on whether the priority is improving physical lung performance or enhancing a patient’s lived experience of their condition.
Conclusion: Tai Chi, alone or combined with pulmonary rehabilitation, appears to be the most effective mind-body exercise for reducing breathlessness and improving quality of life in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Source: Gao Q, Li P, Han X and colleagues. Clinical rehabilitation (2026). View on PubMed (PMID 42053497) · doi:10.1177/02692155261444584
