Abstract: Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of Tai chi on quality of life of breast cancer patients. Methods Articles from 10 English and Chinese Databases from inception to March 2012 were recalled. 2 researchers independently screened titles and abstracts for eligible trials, methodological quality was assessed according to risk of bias items. Meta-analysis would be used if data available. Results 4 randomized trials with 169 participants were included. All trials had high risk of bias. 2 studies demonstrated significant improvement in Tai chi group for improving shoulder functional capacity which caused by breast cancer. The meta-analysis failed to demonstrate significant effects of Tai chi compared with control interventions (psychological support therapy, standard health care, routine rehabilitation training) in improving quality of life (SMD 0.03, 95%CI: -0.85, 0.91, P=0.94). Conclusion Tai chi is effective on shoulder functional capacity of breast cancer, but not significantly on quality of life.

Key words: Tai ji, breast cancer, systematic review, quality of life, randomized controlled trial