Researchers from hospitals and universities in China published an umbrella review in the British Journal of Sports Medicine examining the effectiveness of traditional Chinese exercises for musculoskeletal conditions. The analysis synthesized data from 92 pooled data analyses drawn from 1,744 randomized controlled clinical trials, making it the largest review of its kind on this topic.
The review found high certainty evidence supporting the use of traditional Chinese exercises—including tai chi, qigong, baduanjin, wuqinxi, and yijinjing—for treating various musculoskeletal disorders. Specific benefits identified included improved movement in knee osteoarthritis, better mental health outcomes associated with neck pain and knee osteoarthritis, and enhanced sleep quality in patients with fibromyalgia. Tai chi demonstrated particular effectiveness in reducing chronic musculoskeletal pain and stiffness across several conditions while also increasing bone mineral density in individuals with osteopenia or osteoporosis.
Optimal results were achieved when participants engaged in these exercises for longer than six months, performing them at least three times weekly for a combined total of at least 150 minutes per week. The researchers concluded that the evidence, particularly for tai chi, reached high certainty levels for improving key outcomes including physical function, mental health, sleep quality, and bone density.
The researchers recommended that traditional Chinese exercises be incorporated into clinical guidelines and rehabilitation programs globally. They characterized these exercises as safe, accessible, and cost-effective interventions that could complement conventional therapies, reduce reliance on pharmaceutical treatments, and support patient self-management. Given that musculoskeletal conditions affect more than 1.7 billion people worldwide and represent the leading cause of disability, the researchers suggested that promoting these exercises in community and primary care settings could serve as a strategic component of public health initiatives addressing healthy aging and chronic disease prevention.
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