OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of Tai Chi (TC) in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and provide up-to-date evidence for its application. DATA SOURCES: Three English databases (PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL) and three Chinese databases (China Knowledge Resource Integrated, Wanfang, and Weipu) were screened for the time period January 1st, 1976 to May 31st, 2019. STUDY SELECTION: Seven randomized and controlled experiments were included. DATA EXTRACTION: Two independent researchers under two independent advisors extracted and classified the data from all relevant studies based on the pre-specified inclusion criteria and rules for data extraction. DATA SYNTHESIS: A total of 615 patients were included in this study. The Tai Chi group contains 294 patients while the control group contains 261 patients. The results revealed that Tai Chi has significant effects on the outcomes of the 6-minute walk (SMD 1.30, 95%CI 0.50 to 2.11) and left ventricular ejection fraction (SMD 1, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.57) compared to no or low-density exercise. Also, Tai Chi positively affected the quality of life, Pro-BNP, and SF-36. However, TC did not significantly affect ADL (p = 0.060), SCO-13 (p = 0.057) and NT-proBNP (p = 0.081). A moderate to high heterogeneity was observed across all comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to no exercise or other types of low-intensity physical activities, Tai Chi improved the outcome of the 6-minute walk, left ventricular ejection fraction, quality of life and SF-36, but reduced the outcome of Pro-B type natriuretic peptide in patients with MI. Therefore, Tai Chi could be an effective exercise option for cardiac rehabilitation. More research should be done to identify the effects of Tai Chi on academic functioning and determine ways of motivating patients to use preventive Tai Chi interventions.

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