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ObjectiveTo evaluate the optimal choice of traditional Chinese exercise (TCE) for improving bone mineral density in postmenopausal women through a network meta-analysis.MethodsThe Chinese and English databases were searched, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chongqing VIP, PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library. The outcomes included BMD of lumbar L2-L4, femoral neck, ward triangle, and greater trochanter. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to assess the correlation between each group of interventions, and surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) was used to rank the best interventions.ResultsA total of 20 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including 1933 subjects and six interventions: [Tai Chi (TC), Baduanjin (BDJ), Wuqinxi (WQX), Yijinjing (YJJ), TA (Tai chi plus calcium supplementation), BA (Baduanjin plus calcium supplementation)] and three control measures: [Calcium supplementation (CA), Aerobic exercise (AE), Not exercise intervention (NEI)] were analyzed. Regarding BMD of lumbar L2-L4: TC [SMD = 0.99 (0.62, 1.37)], BDJ [SMD = 2.12 (1.39, 2.85)], TA [SMD = 1.12(0.17, 2.07)], BA [SMD = 2.24 (1.16, 3.31)] were superior in increasing BMD of lumbar L2-L4 relative to NEI. Regarding BMD of femoral neck: TC [SMD = 1.24 (0.70, 1.78)], BA [SMD = 3.77 (1.98, 5.56)] were superior in increasing BMD of femoral neck relative to NEI. Regarding BMD of ward’s triangle: TC [SMD = 1.63 (1.09, 2.17)] was superior in increasing BMD of ward’s triangle relative to NEI. Regarding BMD of greater trochanter: TC [SMD = 0.98 (0.28, 1.68)] were superior in increasing BMD of greater trochanter relative to NEI. TC topped the SUCRA with BMD of lumbar L2-L4: 53.8, femoral neck: 74.9, ward’s triangle: 86.9 and greater trochanter: 77.7.ConclusionFour TCE (TC, BDJ, TA and BA) are all effective in partially improving BMD indicators in postmenopausal women, while TC was effective on all four BMD indicators, which seems to be recommended as the most suitable exercise modality for postmenopausal women.Systematic review registrationThis research follows the PRISMA Network statement. The protocol for this study has been registered in the International Prospective Registry of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). CRD42023414944.

Objectives: To explore the efficacy and safety of five traditional Chinese exercises (TCEs) in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Methods: The PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, Cochrane, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP databases were comprehensively searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to TCEs published from inception until February 2023. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to determine the combined effects of the intervention, and the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool and Review 5.2 software were used to assess methodological quality. The data were extracted and analyzed by the Stata15.0 random effects model. Results: Nineteen RCTs including 1315 participants were included in the analysis. The studies were found to be heterogeneous (I2 =86.2, P = 0.000), and thus a random effects model was used to combine the data. The results showed that traditional Chinese exercises had potentially beneficial effects on reducing pain (SMD =−0.66,95% CI [−1.08, −0.25], P = 0.002), improving sleep (SMD = −0.35,95% CI [−0.68,0. 01], P = 0.041) and relieving depression (SMD= −0.24,95% CI [−0.47, −0.02], P = 0.034) in FMS patients. However, no significant effects were found on improved quality of life (SMD =−0.20,95% CI [−0.48,0.09], P = 0.176). Conclusions: TCEs can improve pain, sleep quality and depression in patients with FMS and are safe. However, they do not improve the quality of life significantly. Further large-scale, high-quality, and multi-center RCTs are required to verify the efficacy of TCEs.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of Traditional Chinese Exercises (TCEs) in treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA).MethodsFour databases without language or publication status restrictions were searched until April 1, 2022. Based on the principle of Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes and Study design, the researchers searched for randomized controlled trials of TCEs in treating KOA. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) pain was defined as the primary outcome, whereas stiffness and physical function were the secondary outcomes. Subsequently, two researchers conducted the process independently, and the data were analyzed using the RevManV.5.3 software.ResultsOverall, 17 randomized trials involving 1174 participants met the inclusion criteria. The synthesized data of TCEs showed a significant improvement in WOMAC pain score [standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.31; 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.52 to −0.10; p = 0.004], stiffness score (SMD = −0.63; 95% CI: −1.01 to −0.25; p = 0.001) and physical function score (SMD = −0.38; 95% CI: −0.61 to −0.15; p = 0.001) compared with the control group. Sensitivity analyses were performed to determine the combined results' stability, which was unstable after excluding articles with greater heterogeneity. A further subgroup analysis showed that it might be the reason for the heterogeneity of the different traditional exercise intervention methods. Additionally, it showed that the Taijiquan group improved pain (SMD = 0.74; 95% CI: −1.09 to 0.38; p < 0.0001; I2 = 50%), stiffness (SMD = −0.67; 95% CI −1.14 to 0.20; p = 0.005) and physical function score (SMD = −0.35; 95% CI: −0.54 to 0.16; p = 0.0003; I2 = 0%) better than the control group. The Baduanjin group improved stiffness (SMD = −1.30; 95% CI: −2.32 to 0.28; p = 0.01) and physical function (SMD = −0.52; 95% CI: −0.97 to 0.07; p = 0.02) better than the control group. However, the other interventions showed no difference compared with the control group.ConclusionThis systematic review provides partial evidence of the benefits of TCEs for knee pain and dysfunction. However, due to the heterogeneity of exercise, more high-quality clinical studies should be conducted to verify the efficacy.Systematic review registrationhttps://inplasy.com/inplasy-2022-4-0154/, identifier: International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY) [INPLSY202240154].

Background: With the change of life and work style, more middle-aged and elderly individuals are suffering from neck pain. In China, traditional Chinese exercises (TCEs) are widely used in the management of neck pain, such as Tai Chi, Qigong, Yijinjing, Baduanjin, Liuzijue, and Five-animal exercises. However, the evidence of TCEs for neck pain maintains controversial. Therefore, the current systematic review was conducted to evaluate the effects of TCEs on pain and disability of middle-aged and elderly patients with neck pain. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed in six electronic databases from their inception to January 2022 for randomized controlled trials of TCEs for neck pain. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed by PEDro scale. The subgroup analysis was conducted based on different TCEs. The I 2 statistic was applied to assess the heterogeneity. Results: Twenty-one studies were included in our review, which were conducted in China, United States, and Germany between 2003 and 2021. Most (86%) of them exceeded the cut off score 6. TCEs included Baduanjin, Yijinjing, Tai Chi, Qigong, and Five-animal exercises. The aggregated results indicated that TCEs showed positive complementary effects in relieving pain (SMD , 1.12; 95% CI , 0.78–1.45; p < 0.00001), especially Baduanjin exercises. Baduanjin exercises also showed beneficial complementary effects in improving flexion (SMD , 0.65; 95% CI , 0.28–1.03; p = 0.0006) and extension (SMD , 0.66; 95% CI , 0.12–1.19; p = 0.02) of the neck. In addition, the aggregated results indicated that TCEs alone showed beneficial effects in improving disability (SMD , 0.74; 95% CI , 0.40–1.08; p < 0.0001) and relieving pain (SMD , 0.81; 95% CI , 0.50–1.13; p < 0.00001) compared with waiting list. The follow-up effects of TCEs were still insufficient. Conclusion: There was the positive evidence to support the clinical use of TCEs, as a complementary therapy, for middle-aged and elderly patients with neck pain, especially Baduanjin exercises. However, the evidence supporting the effects of TCEs alone for the middle-aged and elderly patients with neck pain was limited due to the small sample size. Systematic Review Registration: https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2022-4-0083/, identifier INPLASY202240083. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundWith the change of life and work style, more middle-aged and elderly individuals are suffering from neck pain. In China, traditional Chinese exercises (TCEs) are widely used in the management of neck pain, such as Tai Chi, Qigong, Yijinjing, Baduanjin, Liuzijue, and Five-animal exercises. However, the evidence of TCEs for neck pain maintains controversial. Therefore, the current systematic review was conducted to evaluate the effects of TCEs on pain and disability of middle-aged and elderly patients with neck pain.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was performed in six electronic databases from their inception to January 2022 for randomized controlled trials of TCEs for neck pain. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed by PEDro scale. The subgroup analysis was conducted based on different TCEs. The I2 statistic was applied to assess the heterogeneity.ResultsTwenty-one studies were included in our review, which were conducted in China, United States, and Germany between 2003 and 2021. Most (86%) of them exceeded the cut off score 6. TCEs included Baduanjin, Yijinjing, Tai Chi, Qigong, and Five-animal exercises. The aggregated results indicated that TCEs showed positive complementary effects in relieving pain (SMD, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.78–1.45; p < 0.00001), especially Baduanjin exercises. Baduanjin exercises also showed beneficial complementary effects in improving flexion (SMD, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.28–1.03; p = 0.0006) and extension (SMD, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.12–1.19; p = 0.02) of the neck. In addition, the aggregated results indicated that TCEs alone showed beneficial effects in improving disability (SMD, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.40–1.08; p < 0.0001) and relieving pain (SMD, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.50–1.13; p < 0.00001) compared with waiting list. The follow-up effects of TCEs were still insufficient.ConclusionThere was the positive evidence to support the clinical use of TCEs, as a complementary therapy, for middle-aged and elderly patients with neck pain, especially Baduanjin exercises. However, the evidence supporting the effects of TCEs alone for the middle-aged and elderly patients with neck pain was limited due to the small sample size.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://inplasy.com/inplasy-2022-4-0083/, identifier INPLASY202240083.

Our objective in this paper was to systematically review evaluations of the effects of exercises on pain symptoms and activities of daily living (ADL) in middle-aged and elderly patients with low back pain (LBP). We searched Web of Science, PubMed, EBSCO, and China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI) databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on this topic. We evaluated the methodological quality of included articles using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale, and we statistically analyzed these studies using RevMan software. We reviewed 18 RCTs (23 comparison groups) with a total of 910 participants, and our meta-analysis confirmed that exercises significantly improved both pain and ADLs measured on visual analog scales (VAS) (SMD = −0.91, 95% CI: [−1.3, −0.52], p < 0.00001) and on the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) (SMD = −2.07, 95% CI: [−3.19, −0.96], p < 0.00001). We conclude that exercises can reduce pain severity and improve ADL capacity in middle-aged and elderly persons with LBP, confirming that exercise can serve as a medical intervention for these indivdiuals. However, given the high heterogeneity of responses among individual participants, there remains a need for further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential hypertension is one of the most common chronic diseases seen in primary human health care that could lead to various health problems and reduce the quality of life (QOL). This study was performed to evaluate the effects of traditional Chinese exercises (TCE) on QOL in patients with essential hypertension. Three English databases and one Chinese database were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) until August 2020. A total of 13 RCTs with 1,361 hypertensive patients met the inclusion criteria, 10 trials employed Tai Chi and 3 trials employed Qigong, including Dongeui Qinggong, Yijinjing, and Wuqinxi. Despite a large heterogeneity within studies, it is demonstrated that TCE may be an effective therapy to improve the QOL of hypertensive patients. More specific, compared with no intervention, the meta-analysis presented that Tai Chi significantly improved both the physical and mental component of the 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36) QOL scale, and it was found that the simplified 24-form Tai Chi with a frequency of 30–50 min per session at five to eight sessions per week was the most commonly used setting. The pooling also revealed that Tai Chi and Qigong had some significantly positive effects on QOL based on other scales. However, more rigorously designed RCTs are warranted for further verification. This systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs demonstrated that Tai Chi may be an effective therapy to improve the QOL of patients with essential hypertension. All these findings provide helpful information for hypertensive patients and medical personnel.

To explore the efficacy and safety of five traditional Chinese exercises (TCEs) in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, Cochrane, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP databases were comprehensively searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to TCEs published from inception until February 2023. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to determine the combined effects of the intervention, and the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool and Review 5.2 software were used to assess methodological quality. The data were extracted and analyzed by the Stata15.0 random effects model. Nineteen RCTs including 1315 participants were included in the analysis. The studies were found to be heterogeneous (I 2 =86.2, P = 0.000), and thus a random effects model was used to combine the data. The results showed that traditional Chinese exercises had potentially beneficial effects on reducing pain (SMD =−0.66,95% CI [−1.08, −0.25], P = 0.002), improving sleep (SMD = −0.35,95% CI [−0.68,0. 01], P = 0.041) and relieving depression (SMD= −0.24,95% CI [−0.47, −0.02], P = 0.034) in FMS patients. However, no significant effects were found on improved quality of life (SMD =−0.20,95% CI [−0.48,0.09], P = 0.176). TCEs can improve pain, sleep quality and depression in patients with FMS and are safe. However, they do not improve the quality of life significantly. Further large-scale, high-quality, and multi-center RCTs are required to verify the efficacy of TCEs. • At present, most articles study a single Traditional Chinese exercise, but this paper systematically evaluates published randomized controlled trials that assess the efficacy and safety of five traditional chinese exercises in treating Fibromyalgia Syndrome. • Subgroup analysis was performed in this study, using measures such as pain levels, sleep quality, quality of life, depression levels, and adverse events. The findings have significant implications for guiding clinical practice. • Stata software was used for data analysis and the results were true and convincing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To systematically review literature about the rehabilitative effects of traditional Chinese exercises (TCEs) on limb function among patients with stroke. Methods Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Twelve electronic databases were searched from their inceptions to February 2017, including PudMed, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMBase, Science Direct, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Allied and Complementary Medicine, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database and WanFang Data. RCTs were located to examine the rehabilitative effects of TCEs on limb function among stroke patients. Two authors independently screened the literature, extracted data and assessed the risk bias of the included studies. Methodological quality evaluation and meta-analysis of included studies was performed by using Cochrane Collaboration's tool (RevMan 5.3). Results A total of 31 RCTs with 2349 participants were included. Results of meta-analysis showed that TCEs produced positive effects on limb motor function (random effects model, standardized mean difference [SMD] = 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.66 to 1.77, P < 0.01), balance function{Berg balance scale: (random effects model, SMD = 2.07, 95%CI = 1.52 to 2.62, P < 0.01), timed-up-and-go test: (fixed effects model, mean difference [MD] = −1.77, 95%CI = −2.87 to −0.67, P < 0.01)}, activities of daily living (ADL) ability {Barthel Index scale: (random effects model, MD = 15.60, 95%CI = 7.57 to 23.63, P < 0.01), Modified Barthel Index scale: (random effects model, MD = 12.30, 95%CI = 7.48 to 17.12, P < 0.01)}, and neurological impairment (fixed effects model, MD = −2.57, 95%CI = −3.14 to −2.00, P < 0.01). After subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis, the positive effects did not be affected by different types of TCEs and different lengths of intervention time. However, TCEs were no benefit to physical function on Short Physical Performance Battery and 2-min Step Test among stroke patients. Conclusion Current evidence showed that TCEs produced positive effects on limb motor function, balance function, ADL ability and neurological impairment among stroke patients. More large-scale, high-quality, multiple center RCTs are required to further verify above conclusions in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is the most frequent and debilitating symptom faced by cancer patients. Traditional Chinese exercises (TCEs) combine the characteristics of physical activities and psychosocial interventions for treating CRF. However, the effectiveness of TCEs on CRF management remains controversial. This systematic review was conducted to summarize the current evidence of TCEs on the management of CRF. Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified in eight databases (PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, AMED, Science Direct, Thomson Reuters Web of Science, PsyclNFO, and ALT HealthWatch). Adult cancer patients receiving TCEs combined either with or without other treatments were eligible for inclusion. TCEs were limited to widely used modalities including Tai Chi, Qigong, Baduanjin, Wuqinxi, Yijinjing, and Liuzijue. The primary outcome was CRF. Risk of bias for each of the included studies was judged based on the quality assessment method as recommended by the 2011 Cochrane Handbook. Review Manager 5.3 (RevMan 5.3) was employed to generate pooled estimates of effect size. Random-effects modelling was used to calculate pooled weighted mean differences (WMDs) or standardized mean differences (SMDs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Because trial results were presented as either change scores from baseline to follow-up or only final values, meta-analyses were completed for both types of measures. Results Nine studies with 703 patients were included. Methodological limitations were identified in the analyzed studies. When measured as the change scores at the short-term follow-up, the pooled results suggested that TCEs had a significant positive effect on CRF (SMD 1.03; 95% CI [0.61, 1.44]; P < 0.00001). Data synthesis was also performed for studies using follow-up values only, and the results indicated that TCEs failed to improve CRF, both at short-term (SMD −0.00; 95% CI [−0.42, 0.41]; P = 0.99) and long-term follow-up (SMD 0.05; 95% CI [−0.26, 0.35]; P = 0.77). Conclusions The study findings suggest that the evidence on the effectiveness of TCEs for CRF management is inconclusive. Due to the small number of included studies and their methodological limitations, further well-designed RCTs with sufficient intervention durations and follow-up periods are needed to provide more reliable evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]