Effects of Baduanjin exercise on the physical function of middle-aged and elderly people: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Background and purpose Chinese mind–body exercise-Baduanjin has received increasing attention for health promotion among middle-aged and older adults in China, but there is a lack of high-quality evidence on its effectiveness. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the effects of Baduanjin on physical function in middle-aged and older adults. Methods Seven electronic databases were searched for articles published before 22 June 2021 with the keywords Baduanjin exercise combined with physical-function-related outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed in the included studies, and data were analyzed using Review Manager software V5.3. Results Fifteen articles, including 14 randomized controlled trials, were included in this study. The results of the meta-analysis showed that Baduanjin significantly improved muscle strength (grip strength: SMD = 0.63, 95% CI 0.22 to 1.04, p = 0.003), balance ability (timed up-and-go test score: MD = -2.21, 95% CI -3.91 to -0.51, p = 0.01; one-leg stand test score: MD = 3.75, 95% CI 1.96 to 5.55, p < 0.0001; Berg balance scale score: MD = 4.16, 95% CI 2.49 to 5.83, p < 0.00001; strengthening Romberg’s test result: SMD = 1.02, 95% CI 0.17 to 1.86, p = 0.02); and cardiorespiratory fitness (diastolic blood pressure: MD = -3.62, 95% CI -3.95 to -3.30, p < 0.00001; resting heart rate: MD = -1.30, 95% CI -1.57 to -1.03, p < 0.00001; step test: MD = 4.25, 95% CI 0.76 to 7.74, p = 0.02). No adverse events were reported. Conclusions Baduanjin exercise may be an effective intervention to improve physical function in the middle-aged and elderly population. However, more RCTs with larger sample sizes and more rigorous research designs are needed in the future to confirm the results.

Effect of Baduanjin exercise on executive function in older adults with cognitive frailty: A randomized controlled trial

“…A growing body of research has already proven that regular Baduanjin training can promote the physical and cognitive health of community population in China, regardless of their health conditions. 15,16,22 As shown in the present study, compared with the control group, 24 weeks of Baduanjin exercise improved global cognitive function as measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and physical frailty as measured by the Edmonton Frailty Scale in community-dwelling older adults with cognitive frailty. These findings are consistent with those of previous studies in older adults with physical frailty or cognitive frailty.…”

“…11 When practicing Baduanjin exercise, practitioners must maintain a stable center of gravity in the body and rotate the lumbar spine to drive the movements of the upper and lower limbs, while the mind, body and breathing should be smooth and relaxed. 15 Therefore, Baduanjin exercise can effectively strengthen muscle strength and active cognitive-related brain functions through the coordinated movements of the upper and lower limbs. A growing body of research has already proven that regular Baduanjin training can promote the physical and cognitive health of community population in China, regardless of their health conditions.…”

“…14 In addition, a growing number of studies showed that regular Baduanjin exercise training can not only improve physical function, but also actually improve cognitive function in older people with or without cognitive impairment. 15,16 Moreover, Baduanjin is a safe, low-to-moderate intensity mind–body exercise that is particularly suitable for older people with or without chronic disease conditions. 17 Therefore, it is reasonable to test the hypothesis that regular Baduanjin exercise training could improve cognitive frailty and executive function for older adult with cognitive frailty.…”

Effects of Mind-Body Qigong Exercise on Overall Health, Fatigue/Sleep, and Cognition in Older Chinese Immigrants in the US: An Intervention Study with Control

“…The improvements observed in our intervention program were in general consistent with previous studies [ 26 ]. For example, multiple systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials have identified Baduanjin Qigong's benefits to older adults, including improving global cognitive function and specific domains of cognition [ 21 , 24 , 50 ] and enhancing muscle strength, balance, and cardiorespiratory fitness [ 23 ], as well as reducing falls and pain [ 51 ]. Nevertheless, there were some mixed results in the prior literature as well, with some researchers not finding statistically significant positive outcomes of mindfulness-based training [ 52 ].…”

“…This exercise modality consists of 8 movements to stretch muscles and regulate blood flow to improve body functions. Baduanjin interventions have been shown to be feasible among older adults with low exercise-intensity tolerance due to the easy and slow movements [ 15 ] and have been documented to improve health outcomes [ 20 , 23 – 25 ].…”