Original Article Tai Chi Chuan, health-related quality of life and self-esteem: A randomized trial with breast cancer survivors Karen M. Mustian1 , Jeffrey A. Katula2, Diane L. Gill3, Joseph A. Roscoe1, David Lang3 and Karen Murphy3 (1) Behavioral Medicine Unit, Department of Radiation Oncology, James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 704, Rochester, NY 14642, USA (2) Department of Health and Exercise Science, Wake Forest University, Reynolda Station, Box 7868, Winston-Salem, NC 27109-7868, USA (3) Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, POB 26170, Greensboro, NC 27402-6170, USA Abstract Goals Health-related quality of life (HRQL) and self-esteem are often diminished among women diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. Tai Chi is a moderate form of exercise that may be an effective therapy for improving HRQL and self-esteem among these women. We sought to compare the efficacy of Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) and psychosocial support (PST) for improving HRQL and self-esteem among breast cancer survivors. Patients and methods A group of 21 women diagnosed with breast cancer, who had completed treatment within the last 30 months were randomized to receive 12 weeks of TCC or PST. Participants in both groups met three times a week for 60 minutes. HRQL and self-esteem were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Results The TCC group demonstrated significant improvements in HRQL, while the PST group reported declines in HRQL, with the differences between the two groups approaching significance at week 12. Additionally, the TCC group exhibited improvements in self-esteem, while the PST group reported declines in self-esteem, with the differences between groups reaching statistical significance at week 12. These findings, coupled with a visual inspection of the raw change scores, support the plausibility of a dose-response relationship concerning Tai Chi. Conclusions In this pilot investigation, the TCC group exhibited improvements in HRQL and self-esteem from baseline to 6 and 12 weeks, while the support group exhibited declines. Randomized, controlled clinical trials with larger sample sizes are needed. Supportive Care in Cancer ISSN: 0941-4355 (Paper) 1433-7339 (Online) DOI: 10.1007/s00520-004-0682-6 Volume 12, Number 12 December 2004 871 - 876 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.