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

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

  • By

  • Cenhui Xu

  • Huaimeng Cui

  • Tongtong Hao

  • July 2, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Impact of Tai Chi on Pain, Functional Impairment, and Sleep Quality

Overview

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of Tai Chi on pain, functional disability, and sleep quality in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP). Results indicated significant reductions in pain and improvements in functional disability, while the impact on sleep quality was not statistically significant.

Background

Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) is a prevalent condition that significantly affects mobility and quality of life. Current management strategies often involve pharmacological and physical therapies, which may have limitations and risks.

Data Highlights

Outcome MeasureMean Difference (MD)95% Confidence Interval (CI)
Pain (VAS)-1.40-2.41 to -0.40
Functional Disability (RMDQ)-1.67-2.75 to -0.59
Overall Functional Disability (SMD)-0.51-0.90 to -0.12
Sleep Quality (PSQI)-0.18-1.82 to 1.45

Key Findings

  • Tai Chi significantly reduced pain in patients with CNLBP, as indicated by VAS scores.
  • Improvements in functional disability were noted, with significant changes in RMDQ scores.
  • Overall functional disability showed a moderate effect size with Tai Chi intervention.
  • No significant effect was observed on ODI scores.
  • Improvements in sleep quality (PSQI scores) were not statistically significant.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should be aware of the insufficient evidence regarding Tai Chi's impact on sleep quality.

Conclusion

Further high-quality research is needed to explore the effects of Tai Chi on sleep quality.

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  2. Frontiers in Pain Research, 2026 -- Meta-analysis of the therapeutic effects of different core muscle training on pain and function in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain
  3. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Effects of traditional Chinese medicine nursing techniques combined with music-based interventions on sleep in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  4. Evidence and recommendations - WHO guideline for non-surgical management of chronic primary low back pain in adults in primary and community care settings, 2023
  5. Effects of different parameters of Tai Chi on the intervention of chronic low back pain: A meta-analysis, 2024
  6. Frontiers in Pain Research — Toward function-oriented, neuroscience-based spine care in older adults: a structured narrative review and translational synthesis
  7. A Tai chi and qigong mind-body program for low back pain: A virtually delivered randomized control trial
  8. Evidence and recommendations - WHO guideline for non-surgical management of chronic primary low back pain in adults in primary and community care settings - NCBI Bookshelf
  9. Effects of different parameters of Tai Chi on the intervention of chronic low back pain: A meta-analysis

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