The effect of traditional Chinese exercises on low Back pain and disability in middle-aged and older adults: A systematic review

TL;DR

This study finds that traditional Chinese exercises like Tai Chi can reduce low back pain and disability in older and middle-aged adults, though results are of low quality.

Contribution

This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effectiveness of traditional Chinese exercises for low back pain in middle-aged and older adults.

Findings

TCEs reduced pain severity (VAS) and disability (ODI) in low back pain patients.

Evidence quality for these reductions was rated as low.

Appropriate exercise type, intensity, and duration are crucial for effectiveness.

Abstract

To assess the efficacy of traditional Chinese exercises (TCEs) in mitigating pain and disability among older and middle-aged individuals suffering from low back pain (LBP).

From inception to November 2024, seven electronic databases were searched for TCEs treatment of LBP in the literature of randomized controlled trials: the Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Databases, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform. The primary outcomes of emphasis were pain severity and disability. This review has been registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42024626811). A meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4 software.

Eleven of the 856 studies that were found through a search of seven electronic databases satisfied the requirements for inclusion. The conducted meta-analysis demonstrated a notable decrease in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores [Mean Difference (MD) = −1.38, 95 % CI (−1.79, −0.97)] and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores [MD = −4.36, 95 % CI (−6.84, −1.87)] for patients suffering from LBP who practiced TCEs, compared to those in the control group. The evidence for reductions in both VAS pain scores and ODI scores was rated as low quality in the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation.

TCEs such as Tai Chi, Baduanjin, and Five-Animal exercises can help patients with LBP to some extent, but it is crucial to choose the appropriate type, intensity, and duration.

•Traditional Chinese Exercises can help reduce low back pain and improve function.•Caution is needed for exercise type, intensity, and duration.•Traditional Chinese Exercises encourage adherence to participate.

Traditional Chinese Exercises can help reduce low back pain and improve function.

Caution is needed for exercise type, intensity, and duration.

Traditional Chinese Exercises encourage adherence to participate.

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