Determinants of Qi Gong, Tai Chi, and Yoga Use for Health Conditions: A Systematic Review Protocol
Year: 2026
Type: review
Abstract: Background: While mind-body movement interventions such as qi gong, tai chi, and yoga are recommended in clinical practice guidelines for several common health conditions, implementation of these interventions within healthcare settings is rare. A systematic synthesis of implementation determinants-commonly referred to as barriers and facilitators-is needed to increase adoption or other implementation outcomes such as reach or sustainability within healthcare systems. Thus, the objective of this review is to: (1) identify determinants of qi gong, tai chi, and yoga for health conditions; and (2) evaluate whether determinants differ by intervention type, health condition, implementation setting, or implementation outcome. Methods: In this systematic review, we will include original research articles in English that identify determinants to adoption of qi gong, tai chi, and yoga by adults with health conditions. We will search MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Google Scholar, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, and WHO Clinical Trials database from inception. We will code determinants identified in each article using a codebook informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). We will report on how determinants relate to intervention type, health condition (e.g., low back pain, fall prevention), implementation settings (e.g., primary care clinic, community organization), or implementation outcome (e.g., adoption, sustainability). Study quality will be assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Discussion: Findings will inform implementation strategies by identifying context-specific determinants that influence uptake of qi gong, tai chi, and yoga for health conditions. Results will provide practical insights to guide clinicians, researchers, and health systems in integrating mind-body movement interventions within diverse healthcare and community settings. Conclusion: This review will generate a comprehensive synthesis of implementation determinants to support the use of qi gong, tai chi, and yoga in evidence-based care for health conditions.
Institutions: National University of Natural Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, University of Michigan, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston University, Boston Medical Center, McGill University, University of California, Los Angeles, Tufts Medical Center, Cleveland Clinic, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Kaiser Permanente
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Funders: National Institute on Aging, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
OpenAlex ID: W7125594691