Traditional Chinese Exercises in Public Health

A review published in Frontiers in Public Health in September 2024 explored the clinical evidence for traditional Chinese exercises like Tai Chi and Baduanjin, assessing their impact on a wide range of health conditions. The study analyzed 2,017 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews (SRs) conducted globally from 1992 to 2023. The goal was to map the evidence and highlight potential gaps in research.

Using the GRADE approach to evaluate the quality of evidence, the researchers found that traditional Chinese exercises showed positive effects on conditions such as osteoarthritis, hypertension, diabetes, and mental health disorders. These exercises were particularly beneficial in improving cardiovascular function, musculoskeletal strength, and psychological well-being. However, the quality of evidence was mostly rated as low, with only 11.3% considered moderate quality.

Despite the limitations in evidence quality, the study concludes that traditional Chinese exercises hold promise as a low-cost, accessible means of promoting health and well-being, especially in aging populations.

Implications for Practice: Healthcare practitioners should consider incorporating traditional exercises like Tai Chi into treatment plans for patients with chronic conditions, particularly where mobility and mental health are concerns. These exercises can complement existing medical treatments, offering holistic benefits without the need for invasive procedures.

Implications for Policy: Policymakers are encouraged to develop frameworks that support the integration of traditional Chinese exercises into national healthcare systems, ensuring that training and practice are standardized to maintain safety and efficacy. Promoting these exercises in community health settings could be particularly beneficial for preventive care and chronic disease management.

Implications for Research: There is a need for more high-quality clinical trials to further understand the effectiveness of traditional Chinese exercises. Future research should focus on standardizing exercise protocols and improving study designs to enhance the reliability of findings. Expanding research to include diverse populations and conditions would help build a more comprehensive evidence base.

This study provides a foundation for integrating traditional Chinese exercises into conventional healthcare, promoting a holistic approach to public health that addresses both physical and mental well-being.

References

Yu Y, Wu T, Wu M, Liu S, Chen X, Wu J, Guo X, Yang L. Evidence map of traditional Chinese exercises. Front Public Health. 2024 Sep 18;12:1347201. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1347201. PMID: 39360254; PMCID: PMC11445016.

Acknowledgements

This content was developed by the TMGL Editorial Team (JPS) with the assistance of the GPT Integrative Public Health Modeler, a generative artificial intelligence tool trained by BIREME/PAHO for the integration of traditional and scientific public health knowledge.