Researchers conducted an umbrella review examining the effectiveness of traditional Chinese exercises for treating musculoskeletal conditions, which affect more than 1.7 billion people worldwide. The analysis synthesized data from 92 previous systematic reviews and drew on 1,744 randomized controlled clinical trials. The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, was conducted by researchers at hospitals and universities in China.
The review identified high certainty evidence supporting the use of traditional Chinese exercises—including tai chi, qigong, baduanjin, wuqinxi, and yijinjing—for various musculoskeletal health outcomes. Specific findings included improvements in knee osteoarthritis mobility, mental health outcomes for neck pain and knee osteoarthritis patients, and sleep quality for those with fibromyalgia. Tai chi demonstrated particular effectiveness at reducing chronic musculoskeletal pain and stiffness across multiple conditions, while also increasing bone mineral density in individuals with osteopenia or osteoporosis.
The research indicated that optimal results occurred when participants engaged in these exercises for more than six months, performed at least three times weekly, for a total of at least 150 minutes per week. The researchers concluded that these findings provide definitive, high-level evidence supporting traditional Chinese exercises as effective interventions for musculoskeletal conditions.
The researchers recommended that traditional Chinese exercises be incorporated into clinical guidelines and rehabilitation programs globally. They characterized these approaches as safe, accessible, and cost-effective alternatives that could complement conventional therapies and reduce reliance on pharmaceutical interventions while supporting patient self-management. For healthcare systems and policymakers, the researchers suggested that promoting these exercises in community and primary care settings could serve as a strategic public health component for supporting healthy aging and preventing chronic disease.
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