Comparative efficacy of different traditional Chinese exercises on bone mineral density in older adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors' conclusion
The efficacy of TCEs on BMD is site-specific. Baduanjin and Yijinjing appear most beneficial for the lumbar spine, while Taiji demonstrates broad efficacy across hip sites.
Study context
- Population
- Older adults; Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of traditional Chinese exercises for bonemineral density (BMD)
- Participants
- 2,457 adults31 RCTs
- Comparison
- Taiji, Baduanjin, Wuqinxi and Yijinjing vs control
- Outcome
- BMD at various sites
Methodological detailsfrequentist network meta-analysis, SUCRA ranking, Overall risk of bias a concern; sensitivity analyses excluding high-risk studies reduced heterogeneity and strengthened results
- Frequentist network meta-analysis
- SUCRA ranking
- Overall risk of bias a concern; sensitivity analyses excluding high-risk studies reduced heterogeneity and strengthened results
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Lumbar spine BMD
Baduanjin
91.6%
SUCRA
Yijinjing
71.3%
SUCRA
Taiji
57.4%
SUCRA
Each group vs controlMD (95% CI)
Baduanjin
0.10(0.06–0.14)
Yijinjing
0.11(0.00–0.16)
Taiji
0.07(0.04–0.09)
Further pooled results
| Outcome | Values |
|---|---|
| Femoral neck BMD | Yijinjing SUCRA 71.6% · Taiji SUCRA 67.7% · Baduanjin SUCRA 58.0% |
| Greater trochanter BMD | Taiji SUCRA 83.1% |
| Ward's triangle BMD | Taiji SUCRA 83.5% |
Greater trochanter BMD
- Taiji ranked best
Ward's triangle BMD
- Taiji ranked best
Wuqinxi, all sites
- Wuqinxi generally showed non-significant effects vs control across all sites
Original publication
Comparative efficacy of different traditional Chinese exercises on bone mineral density in older adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Osteoporos Int. Published 22 March 2026. doi:10.
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