Quantitative Evidence of the effect of Baduanjin exercise on quality of life and cardiac function in adults with chronic heart failure

Background: This study aimed to assess the effects of Baduanjin exercise on the quality of life (QoL), cardiac function, and maximal oxygen consumption (VO(2)max) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Methods: A systematic search of relevant literature published from inception until February 2023 was performed in the Scopus, PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, SPORTDiscus, and China National Knowledge Infra-structure databases. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the effects of Baduanjin exercise on QoL (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire [MLHFQ]), cardiac function (N-terminal B -type natriuretic peptide [NT-Pro BNP] and left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF]), and VO(2)max in patients with CHF. Results: Fifteen studies (1180 participants) were included in this analysis. The synthesized results suggested that Baduanjin exercise contributed to significant improvements in the MLHFQ scores (standard mean difference [SMD] = 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.81 to 1.39, p < 0.001), NT-Pro BNP levels (SMD = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.31 to 0.93, p < 0.01), LVEF (SMD = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.88, p < 0.01), and VO2max (SMD = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.24 to 1.60, p < 0.001) compared with the results of the control groups. Subgroup analyses revealed that engaging in Baduanjin exercise 5-7 times per week was more effective in improving the MLHFQ score compared with 3-4 times per week (p = 0.04). Conclusion: Evidence from the meta-analysis support the beneficial effects of Baduanjin exercise on the QoL, cardiac function, and VO(2)max in patients with CHFin China. For optimal QoL improvements, it is recommended to engage in Baduanjin exercise 5-7 times per week for 30-60 min, over a duration of at least 8 weeks. In terms of NT-Pro BNP, Baduanjin exercise sessions of 30-60 min, 2-7 times per week, for a minimum of 8 weeks are recommended.

Automated summary

This study aimed to assess the effects of Baduanjin exercise on the quality of life, cardiac function, and maximal oxygen consumption in patients with chronic heart failure. The results showed that Baduanjin exercise contributed to significant improvements in the quality of life, cardiac function, and maximal oxygen consumption for patients with chronic heart failure. Engaging in Baduanjin exercise 5-7 times per week was found to be more effective in improving quality of life compared to 3-4 times per week.