# A community-based Daoyin program for health promotion: effects of the Qi and mind harmonizing method on body constitution for the health of older adults

## TL;DR

This study shows that a traditional mind-body practice called Daoyin can improve health and wellbeing in older adults.

## Contribution

The study provides empirical evidence for the effectiveness of the Qi and Mind Harmonizing Method in improving body constitution and psychological wellbeing in older adults.

## Key findings

- Significant improvements in Yang deficiency, Yin deficiency, and phlegm stasis body constitution scores were observed.
- Participants showed better sleep quality, reduced blood pressure, and improved heart rate variability.
- Psychological wellbeing improved as indicated by better BSRS-5 scores.

## Abstract

This study assessed the potential of the Qi and Mind Harmonizing Method—a traditional Daoyin practice—as a community-based mind–body intervention to improve body constitution, cardiovascular function, sleep, and psychological wellbeing in older adults.

An 8-week pre-post intervention trial was conducted at community centers. Daily practice was combined with weekly 60-min group sessions. Primary outcomes included changes in body constitution. Secondary outcomes included regional body constitution scores, brachial artery blood pressure, PSQI, HRV indicators, and BSRS-5.

After 8 weeks, 90 participants showed significant improvements in body constitution: Yang deficiency (−1.9, p = 0.002), Yin deficiency (−2.3, p < 0.001), and phlegm stasis (−2.2, p < 0.001). Improvements were observed in various body regions. Systolic pressure (−3.6 mmHg, p = 0.015), mean arterial pressure (−1.9 mmHg, p = 0.046), and pulse pressure (−2.4 mmHg, p = 0.037) decreased. Sleep quality improved (PSQI −1, p = 0.002). HRV analysis showed reduced LF, LF (%), and LF/HF ratio (p = 0.018–0.022), and increased HF (%) (p = 0.028). BSRS-5 scores improved from 3.9 to 3.2 (p = 0.009), indicating better psychological wellbeing.

The results may provide preliminary support for considering the integration of Daoyin into scalable public health approaches to healthy aging.

Funded by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan, Republic of China; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03640169. Registered on July 20, 2018.