Recently, the team led by Prof. Hou Xiaohui, vice president of Guangzhou Sports University in China performed a network meta-analysis, aiming to assess and rank the relative efficacy of different mind-body therapies (MBTs) for cancer-related pain (CRP) according to different cancer types and stages of treatment.
“Current international guidelines encourage cancer patients to engage in physical activity and recommend MBTs as a method for treating CRP. However, the most effective MBT for alleviating CRP remain elusive. So, we’re trying to find the key.” said Prof. Hou Xiaohui, corresponding author of this meta-analysis article published in Translational Exercise Biomedicine (ISSN: 2942-6812), an official partner journal of International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS) .
Of the 4,916 articles retrieved and screened against the inclusion criteria, 36 studies with a total of 2,387 participants were eligible to be included in this meta-analysis.
Specifically, combined direct and indirect comparison analyses were carried out among conventional exercise, Taichi, Pilates, Baduanjin, Yoga, Dance, Health education, Usual care, Massage and Waiting list, respectively.
Interestingly, meta-analysis results demonstrate that Qigong is the most effective exercise for pain alleviation, followed by Taichi . Subgroup analyses focusing on breast cancer indicate Taichi yields the highest superiority for CRP management among all options. Furthermore, Qigong yields the highest efficacy at mitigating CRP during the treatment session, while Taichi is proven to be more beneficial after corresponding cancer treatment. Previous studies support the benefits of Yoga in the treatment of breast cancer, whereas Prof. Hou’s team also reveals that Yoga helps alleviate pain in breast cancer patients, but its effects are less pronounced compared to Qigong and Taichi . Notably, conventional exercise also demonstrates significant benefits for pain management.
“This network meta-analysis indicates that Qigong and Taichi are among the most effective MBTs for CRP, which can serve as complementary adjuvant treatment in cancer patients, acting as ‘ painkillers ’ for CRP without adverse reactions . However, we still advocate for a multidisciplinary pain management strategy , encompassing pharmacological, physical, psychological, and supportive care interventions.”, added by Prof. Hou while emphasizing that “the findings of this network meta-analysis should be interpreted with caution, and validated by future research adhering to stricter standards, with pain as the primary outcome measure.”
Translational Exercise Biomedicine
Observational study
What are the optimal mind-body therapies for cancer-related pain? A network meta-analysis
19-Jun-2025