European Journal of Integrative Medicine · Jul 30, 2026
Effect of Baduanjin on improving physical function, mental health and wellbeing in community-dwelling adults aged 40 years or older, including the influence of age, health status and dosage: A systematic review and meta-analysis
By Liao X, Hill K, Lai F et al.
Introduction The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Baduanjin (a form of Chinese traditional mind-body exercise) on physical function, mental health, and wellbeing in community-dwelling adults aged ≥40 years. Secondary aims explored the influence of age, participant health status, and Baduanjin dosage on outcomes. Methods This systematic review adhered to PRISMA guidelines. Comprehensive searches were conducted in five English language databases and four Chinese language databases, targeting studies evaluating the effects of Baduanjin on physical function, mental health, and wellbeing. Data extraction and risk of bias assessments were performed independently by two reviewers. Where appropriate, separate random-effects meta-analyses were conducted for placebo-controlled and control-controlled comparisons, reporting pooled effect sizes and heterogeneity statistics. Results Twenty-six randomized controlled trials with 2,305 participants (mean age 64.4 years, 67.4% female) were included. Most studies were conducted in mainland China. Compared with placebo, Baduanjin significantly improved cognition, quality of life (general health), and quality of life (mental health). Compared with control conditions, no statistically significant overall improvement was observed for depressive symptoms, although subgroup analyses suggested improvements among participants receiving ≥50 hours of Baduanjin practice. In the age subgroup analysis, Baduanjin significantly improved mental health–related quality of life among participants aged ≥65 years compared with placebo. Physical function outcomes could not be pooled because of the diversity of outcome measures; however, narrative synthesis suggested potential benefits for balance, mobility, frailty, gait, cardio-pulmonary function, anxiety, and sleep. Adherence rates were high (17 studies reported 100%). Conclusion Baduanjin shows promise for improving cognition and selected domains of health-related quality of life, particularly when compared with placebo. Although evidence for depression remains inconclusive overall, longer intervention durations (≥50 hours) may provide additional mental health benefits. Future research should use standardized outcome measures, clearly defined comparator groups, and longer follow-up periods to strengthen the evidence base and evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of Baduanjin in non-Chinese populations.