Mindfulness-Based Baduanjin Exercise for Depression and Anxiety in People with Physical or Mental Illnesses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Objectives: we used a quantitative method to systematically synthesize the emerging literature and critically evaluate the effects of Baduanjin on depression and anxiety in people with physical or mental illnesses. Additionally, we determined if the number of total Baduanjin training sessions is associated with decreased anxiety and depression levels. Methods: both English and Chinese databases were searched for potential studies published between January 1982 and October 2017. The eligible randomized controlled trials were considered for meta-analysis. Effect size (Hedge’s g) was computed for the pooled effects while the random-effect model was set. For moderator analysis; Subgroup meta-analysis for categorical variables and meta-regression for continuous variables were performed. Results: the aggregated result has shown a significant benefit in favour of Baduanjin on anxiety (Hedge’s g = −0.99; CI −1.63 to −0.74) and depression (Hedge’s g = −1.07; CI −1.3 to −0.83). For continuous potential moderators; meta-regression indicated a significant effect for total hours in Baduanjin practice (β = −0.0053; 95% CI −0.009 to −0.0014; p = 0.008). With regard to depression; meta-regression indicated a significant effect for total sessions of Baduanjin practice (β = −0.0023; 95% CI −0.006 to −0.0004; p = 0.028). Conclusions: the encouraging findings indicate the efficacy of Baduanjin exercise in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms in people with physical or mental illnesses. However; the results should be interpreted with caution because of existing methodological limitations (e.g., high risk of bias; Baduanjin combined with other behavioral interventions; and heterogeneity of control groups).

A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Comparative Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and Health Qigong-Based Cognitive Therapy Among Chinese People With Mood Disorders

“…Signi cant individual reductions of mood symptoms after completion in both the MBCT and HQCT groups were indicated. Our ndings were consistent with previous research on the bene cial impacts of MM and HQ on depression and anxiety [11,17]. Previous research only showed small-to-moderate e cacy for reducing mood symptoms [42] or without reliably effects being shown at follow-up assessments [10].…”

“…HQ can be viewed as a kind of physical movement with introspective focus of breathing and energy in the body [15]. HQ should be able to reduce depression or anxiety in people with physical or mental illness [16,17]. The combination of HQ with CBT could be considered as one of the major behavioral strategies in countering mood symptoms [18].…”

The Effects of Baduanjin Qigong on Postural Stability, Proprioception, and Symptoms of Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Of note, BD with mild exercise intensity has recently received substantial attentions from the research community. As the number of trials increase, researchers subsequently conducted several systematic reviews with meta-analytic method, suggesting that BD has therapeutic effects for individuals with medical conditions (depression, anxiety, insomnia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, musculoskeletal pain, and stroke) (27)(28)(29)(30)(31).…”

Effect of quadriceps strengthening exercises alone and in combination with Baduanjin qigong on older adults with knee osteoarthritis: a quasi-experimental study

“…As a mind-body exercise, Baduanjin postures can strengthen muscles [16], coupled with breathing regulation and a relaxed state of mind [18], it may help individuals decrease pain sensitivity and change the perception of it. Evidence have demonstrated that Baduanjin training increases the excitation of the middle cerebral cortex, helps to down-regulate anxiety and negative emotions [34], and promotes mental health [35]. In a state of peace of mind, individuals are more likely to make positive and correct decisions in self-management [36], and the impact of discomfort such as pain on the body may also be reduced [37].…”