BACKGROUND: Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is a disabling condition worldwide, with exercise therapy as its first-line intervention. Traditional Chinese exercises (eg, Tai Ji, Baduanjin, Wuqinxi) have gained attention, but their comparative efficacy remains unclear.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of six traditional Chinese exercises-Tai Ji, Yijinjing, Wuqinxi, Baduanjin, Chan-Chuang Qigong, and Liuzijue-in patients with CNSLBP via Bayesian network meta-analysis.
METHODS: We searched Chinese (CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SionMed) and English (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase) databases up to December 3, 2025. A total of 24 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 2,067 participants were included. The overall methodological quality was moderate, with common limitations in blinding and allocation concealment. A Bayesian random-effects model was used to compare interventions based on visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores, with ranking performed via the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). Conventional therapy (CT) was defined as rehabilitation training (eg, core muscle strengthening, suspension training, rehabilitation gymnastics), Western medicine, manipulation, or acupuncture.
RESULTS: For pain reduction (VAS), Wuqinxi combined with CT (SUCRA=0.80), Chan-Chuang Qigong combined with CT (0.77), and Yijinjing alone (0.69) ranked highest. In pairwise comparisons, these interventions showed statistically significant improvements over conventional therapy alone (P < 0.05). For functional improvement (ODI), Liuzijue combined with CT (0.99), Baduanjin combined with CT (0.76), and Tai Ji combined with CT (0.72) performed best, with significant differences versus CT (P < 0.05). Notably, combined therapies generally outperformed single-modality exercises. Meta-regression suggested that longer intervention durations enhanced the effects of Baduanjin and Wuqinxi.
CONCLUSION: Traditional Chinese exercises, particularly Wuqinxi and Liuzijue when combined with conventional therapy, show promising effects for pain relief and functional improvement in CNSLBP. However, the evidence quality is moderate to low, limited by heterogeneity and methodological constraints. Future studies should prioritize higher-quality designs, longer follow-up, and standardized intervention protocols.
| Discipline Area | Score |
|---|---|
| Rehab Clinician (OT/PT) |  |
| Physician |  |
Rehab Clinician (OT/PT) rater
This study addresses a clinically relevant topic and appropriately uses a Bayesian network meta-analysis to compare multiple interventions, with comprehensive database inclusion strengthening its scope. However, the moderate methodological quality of included trials and heterogeneity of intervention protocols and conventional therapy definitions limit the strength of the conclusions. While the findings are promising, most exercises apart from Tai Ji are not widely known or commonly used in Western clinical practice, and are typically delivered as group-based programs rather than individualized physiotherapy interventions. Therefore, the applicability of these results to routine physiotherapy settings may be limited, and further high-quality research is needed to support clinical implementation.
, McMaster University