OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the sustaining effects of Tai Chi Qigong in improving the physiological health for COPD patients at sixth month. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial. Subjects were in three randomly assigned groups: Tai Chi Qigong group, exercise group, and control group. SETTING: The 206 subjects were recruited from five general outpatient clinics. INTERVENTIONS: Tai Chi Qigong group completed a 3-month Tai Chi Qigong program. Exercise group practiced breathing and walking as an exercise. Control group received usual care. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes included six-minute walking distance and lung functions. Secondary outcomes were dyspnea and fatigue levels, number of exacerbations and hospital admissions. RESULTS: Tai Chi Qigong group showed a steady improvement in exercise capacity (p < 0.001) from baseline to the sixth month. The mean walking distance increased from 298 to 349 meters (+17%). No significant changes were noted in the other two groups. Tai Chi Qigong group also showed improvement in lung functions (p < 0.001). Mean forced expiratory volume in 1s increased from 0.89 to 0.99l (+11%). No significant change was noted in the exercise group. Deterioration was found in the control group, with mean volume decreased from 0.89 to 0.84l (-5.67%). Significant decreased in the number of exacerbations was observed in the Tai Chi Qigong group. No changes in dyspnea and fatigue levels were noted among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Tai Chi Qigong has sustaining effects in improving the physiological health and is a useful and appropriate exercise for COPD patients.

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