Effects of Tai Chi on pain, functional dysfunction, and sleep in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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• Picked for Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health (top studies of the week, 19 July 2026).

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study systematically evaluated the effects of Tai Chi on pain, functional disability, and sleep quality in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP). METHODS: We searched CNKI, WanFang, VIP, China Biology Medicine Database, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Tai Chi for CNLBP. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool and the PEDro scale. Meta-analysis was used to pool the data. RESULTS: Eight RCTs involving 526 patients with CNLBP were included. Meta-analysis showed that Tai Chi significantly reduced pain, improving VAS scores (MD = -1.40, 95% CI: -2.41 to -0.40) and NRS scores. Tai Chi also significantly improved RMDQ scores (MD = -1.67, 95% CI: -2.75 to -0.59) and overall functional disability (SMD = -0.51, 95% CI: -0.90 to -0.12), but did not significantly affect ODI scores (MD = -0.62, 95% CI: -2.53 to 1.29). Moreover, improvements in PSQI scores were not statistically significant (MD = -0.18, 95% CI: -1.82 to 1.45). CONCLUSION: Tai Chi can effectively relieve pain and improve functional disability in patients with CNLBP. It is a safe and feasible non-pharmacological rehabilitation approach. However, current evidence is insufficient to confirm its effect on sleep quality. Further high-quality RCTs are needed. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD420261361228.

Abstract as published, via PubMed.