Objective:

To systematically evaluate the effects of Tai Chi on pain, functional disability, and sleep quality in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP).

Approach:

• Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Tai Chi for CNLBP.
• Data Sources: Search conducted in multiple databases including CNKI, WanFang, VIP, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library.
• Quality Assessment: Study quality assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool and the PEDro scale.
• Meta-Analysis: Data pooled from eight RCTs involving 526 patients.

Key Findings:

• Tai Chi significantly reduced pain, improving VAS scores (MD = −1.40, 95% CI: −2.41 to −0.40) and NRS scores.
• Tai Chi 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).
• No significant effect on ODI scores (MD = −0.62, 95% CI: −2.53 to 1.29) or PSQI scores (MD = −0.18, 95% CI: −1.82 to 1.45).

Interpretation:

Tai Chi is effective in relieving pain and improving functional disability in patients with CNLBP, but evidence regarding its effect on sleep quality is insufficient.

Limitations:

• Current evidence is insufficient to confirm the effect of Tai Chi on sleep quality due to a lack of significant findings.
• There is high heterogeneity in intervention parameters and control designs across studies, which may affect the reliability of the results.

Conclusion:

Tai Chi is a safe and feasible non-pharmacological rehabilitation approach for CNLBP.