Frontiers in Public Health · Jan 5, 2026

A community-based Daoyin program for health promotion: effects of the Qi and mind harmonizing method on body constitution for the health of older adults

By Tsai YN, Chang YH, Su YC et al.

INTRODUCTION: This study assessed the potential of the Qi and Mind Harmonizing Method-a traditional Daoyin practice-as a community-based mind-body intervention to improve body constitution, cardiovascular function, sleep, and psychological wellbeing in older adults. METHODS: An 8-week pre-post intervention trial was conducted at community centers. Daily practice was combined with weekly 60-min group sessions. Primary outcomes included changes in body constitution. Secondary outcomes included regional body constitution scores, brachial artery blood pressure, PSQI, HRV indicators, and BSRS-5. RESULTS: After 8 weeks, 90 participants showed significant improvements in body constitution: Yang deficiency (-1.9, p = 0.002), Yin deficiency (-2.3, p < 0.001), and phlegm stasis (-2.2, p < 0.001). Improvements were observed in various body regions. Systolic pressure (-3.6 mmHg, p = 0.015), mean arterial pressure (-1.9 mmHg, p = 0.046), and pulse pressure (-2.4 mmHg, p = 0.037) decreased. Sleep quality improved (PSQI -1, p = 0.002). HRV analysis showed reduced LF, LF (%), and LF/HF ratio (p = 0.018-0.022), and increased HF (%) (p = 0.028). BSRS-5 scores improved from 3.9 to 3.2 (p = 0.009), indicating better psychological wellbeing. DISCUSSION: The results may provide preliminary support for considering the integration of Daoyin into scalable public health approaches to healthy aging. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Funded by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan, Republic of China; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03640169. Registered on July 20, 2018.

doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1644273 Open access PubMed 41561842 Interventions