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Cancer research

Music Therapy and Tai Chi Exercise Show Promise in Reducing Anxiety and Depression in Cancer Patients

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Patients with cancer often struggle with anxiety and depression, which can significantly impact their quality of life. Researchers at Sultan Idris Education University in Malaysia have conducted a systematic review to investigate the effectiveness of music therapy and Tai Chi exercise in alleviating these symptoms. The study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of these two interventions on anxiety, depression, and quality of life in cancer patients. According to the research, music therapy and Tai Chi exercise are emerging as promising complementary interventions in cancer care, and this systematic review aims to provide evidence-based insights to guide cancer rehabilitation strategies.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study aims to evaluate and compare the effects of music therapy and Tai Chi exercise on anxiety, depression, and quality of life in cancer patients.
  • The systematic review will include randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to March 2025 and will assess the effects of music therapy and Tai Chi exercise on cancer patients.
  • The primary outcomes of the study are anxiety and depression, while quality of life is considered a secondary outcome.
  • The study will use validated instruments to measure all outcomes, and two reviewers will independently screen, extract data, and assess study quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.
  • The research has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024550787) and will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
  • The study aims to provide evidence-based insights to guide cancer rehabilitation strategies involving mind-body and music-based therapies.

Statistics:

  • The study will include RCTs published up to March 2025.
  • The study will assess the effects of music therapy and Tai Chi exercise on cancer patients.
  • The primary outcomes of the study are anxiety and depression, while quality of life is considered a secondary outcome.
  • The study will use validated instruments to measure all outcomes.
  • Two reviewers will independently screen, extract data, and assess study quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.
  • The study has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024550787).

Sources:

  • Effectiveness of music therapy and Tai Chi exercise on anxiety, depression and quality of life for patients with cancer: a protocol for systematic reviews and meta-analysis. BMJ Open, 2025,15(7). (BMJ Open - http://bmjopen.bmj.com/). The publisher for BMJ Open is BMJ Publishing Group.
  • NewsRx. New Anxiety Disorders Study Findings Reported from Sultan Idris Education University (Effectiveness of music therapy and Tai Chi exercise on anxiety, depression and quality of life for patients with cancer: a protocol for systematic reviews and ...). Health & Medicine Week. August 1, 2025; p 2260.

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