Rung 3 · Moderate
Tai chi and qigong
Eased fatigue and improved sleep and mood in many small trials.
Side-effect supportYou can do this
What studies found
A 2017 review of 15 randomized trials (1,283 people, mostly women) found less fatigue and sleep trouble, less depression and better quality of life. Tai chi helped fatigue when added to standard care, not when used in its place.
The catch
Trials were small and short, and the authors call for larger ones before firm recommendations.
What to do
A gentle option for fatigue; look for a class experienced with cancer survivors.
Sources
Rung 3 of 5, Moderate: Consistent observational studies or small trials, not yet confirmed by large trials. How we score
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Every option we rated, or follow one cancer step by step: breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer and prostate cancer.