Effects of standing Baduanjin exercise on cardiac function and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Year: 2026
Type: review
Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis
Abstract: Background Chronic heart failure (CHF) is characterized by progressive cardiac dysfunction and impaired quality of life (QoL), which contribute to poor prognosis and frequent hospital readmissions. Standing Baduanjin exercise (SBE), a standing-form traditional Chinese mind–body exercise that integrates gentle movements, breathing control, and mental focus, has been increasingly applied in cardiac rehabilitation in China. However, although a growing number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have investigated SBE, a comprehensive synthesis of high-quality evidence regarding its effects on cardiac function and QoL in patients with CHF remains limited. Purpose To evaluate the effects of SBE on cardiac function and QoL in patients with CHF. Methods Following PRISMA and Cochrane guidelines, eight databases were searched for RCTs published up to October 2025. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and modified Jadad scale. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata version 18.0, with subgroup analyses conducted based on intervention duration. Sensitivity analysis was performed by sequentially excluding individual studies, and publication bias was evaluated using Egger's test. Results Fifty RCTs involving 3,964 participants were included. Compared with conventional pharmacotherapy (CPT) alone, SBE significantly improved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF: SMD = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.80–1.15, P = 0.000), 6 min walking distance (6-MWD: SMD = 1.20, 95% CI: 0.97–1.43, P = 0.000), and clinical efficacy (RR = 3.82, 95% CI: 2.83–5.17, P = 0.000), while reducing left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD: SMD = −1.03, 95% CI: −1.29 to −0.76, P = 0.000), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD: SMD = −0.74, 95% CI: −0.96 to −0.52, P = 0.000), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP: SMD = −1.36, 95% CI: −1.77 to −0.96, P = 0.000), and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP: SMD = −1.11, 95% CI: −1.41 to −0.82, P = 0.000). Furthermore, SBE significantly decreased total and subdomain scores of the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ), including the total score (SMD = −1.17, 95% CI: −1.38 to −0.96, P = 0.000), psychological (SMD = −1.89, 95% CI: −2.43 to −1.34, P = 0.000), emotional (SMD = −1.86, 95% CI: −2.08 to −1.63, P = 0.000), and other domains (SMD = −2.04, 95% CI: −2.73 to −1.35, P = 0.000). Subgroup analyses indicated that a 12-week intervention achieved the greatest improvement in cardiac function, while interventions longer than 12 weeks produced the most pronounced enhancement in QoL. Conclusion Current evidence suggests that SBE is an effective, safe, and practical adjunctive intervention for CHF, capable of improving both cardiac function and QoL. Further high-quality multicenter RCTs are warranted to confirm these findings and explore long-term outcomes. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251175888 , identifier CRD420251175888.
Language: English
Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7127701999