Effectiveness of Tai Chi in Patients With Hypertension An Overview of Meta-analyses

BackgroundHypertension affects more than 1 billion people worldwide. Hypertension management guidelines recommend regular exercise to control blood pressure. Tai Chi is a low-impact, low- to moderate-intensity exercise that has numerous health benefits.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to perform a review of meta-analyses and summarize the existing information on the health benefits of Tai Chi for patients with hypertension.MethodsThis review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement. Eight health-related databases were systematically searched from their inception to March 2021 to identify the relevant meta-analyses. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality of the evidence.ResultsA total of 6 relevant meta-analyses were included in this review: 3 were rated as critically low in quality, 2 were rated low, and 1 was rated high. In the included meta-analyses, Tai Chi showed many benefits for patients with hypertension. In addition to improving blood pressure, the blood lipid profile, blood sugar, body measurements, and quality of life of patients improved significantly after practicing Tai Chi.ConclusionTai Chi may be considered an effective and safe alternative exercise for patients with hypertension.