Effectiveness of traditional mind-body exercises on fall risk test scores and balance in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
- 1The Sanya Rehabilitation and Recuperation Center of the PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Sanya, Hainan, China.
Abstract
Background
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of traditional mind-body exercises on fall risk test scores and balance in older adults.Methods
The systematic search covered multiple databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and Weipu (VIP), with the search period spanning from the inception of each database to December 10, 2025. We included randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of traditional mind-body exercises on fall risk test scores and balance in older adults. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 15 software and a random-effects model.Results
A total of 31 randomized controlled trials involving 3622 participants were included. Pooled analyses showed lower fall risk test scores (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.84 to -0.28) and higher Berg Balance Scale scores (WMD = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.47-3.72) in the intervention groups than in the control groups. Heterogeneity was very high for Berg Balance Scale scores (I2 = 95.6%). Subgroup results for fall risk test scores were Baduanjin (BDJ) [SMD = -0.82, 95% CI (-1.25, -0.38)] and Tai Chi (TC) [SMD = -0.41, 95% CI (-0.70, -0.11)]. For Berg Balance Scale scores, results were BDJ [WMD = 2.91, 95% CI (1.02, 4.8)], TC [WMD = 2.37, 95% CI (0.83, 3.9)], and Wuqinxi (WQX) [weighted mean difference (WMD) = 4.80, 95% CI (1.40, 8.20)]. Examples of protocols used in the included trials included Tai Chi twice weekly for 55 minutes per session over 8 weeks, Baduanjin 3 times weekly for 40 minutes per session over 12 weeks, and Wuqinxi 4 times weekly for 60 minutes per session over 12 weeks.Conclusion
Low-certainty evidence suggests that Tai Chi and Baduanjin may reduce fall risk test scores and improve balance in older adults, while Wuqinxi may improve balance. These findings should be interpreted cautiously and do not establish a reduction in actual fall incidence.
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BibTeX
@article{wan2026effectiveness,
title = {{Effectiveness of traditional mind-body exercises on fall risk test scores and balance in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.}},
author = {Li Wan and Yanxin Guo and Cen Liang},
journal = {Medicine},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1097/md.0000000000051150},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42888580},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Effectiveness of traditional mind-body exercises on fall risk test scores and balance in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AU - Li Wan
AU - Yanxin Guo
AU - Cen Liang
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/01
JO - Medicine
DO - 10.1097/md.0000000000051150
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42888580
AB - Background This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of traditional mind-body exercises on fall risk test scores and balance in older adults.Methods The systematic search covered multiple databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and Weipu (VIP), with the search period spanning from the inception of each database to December 10, 2025. We included randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of traditional mind-body exercises on fall risk test scores and balance in older adults. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 15 software and a random-effects model.Results A total of 31 randomized controlled trials involving 3622 participants were included. Pooled analyses showed lower fall risk test scores (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.84 to -0.28) and higher Berg Balance Scale scores (WMD = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.47-3.72) in the intervention groups than in the control groups. Heterogeneity was very high for Berg Balance Scale scores (I2 = 95.6%). Subgroup results for fall risk test scores were Baduanjin (BDJ) [SMD = -0.82, 95% CI (-1.25, -0.38)] and Tai Chi (TC) [SMD = -0.41, 95% CI (-0.70, -0.11)]. For Berg Balance Scale scores, results were BDJ [WMD = 2.91, 95% CI (1.02, 4.8)], TC [WMD = 2.37, 95% CI (0.83, 3.9)], and Wuqinxi (WQX) [weighted mean difference (WMD) = 4.80, 95% CI (1.40, 8.20)]. Examples of protocols used in the included trials included Tai Chi twice weekly for 55 minutes per session over 8 weeks, Baduanjin 3 times weekly for 40 minutes per session over 12 weeks, and Wuqinxi 4 times weekly for 60 minutes per session over 12 weeks.Conclusion Low-certainty evidence suggests that Tai Chi and Baduanjin may reduce fall risk test scores and improve balance in older adults, while Wuqinxi may improve balance. These findings should be interpreted cautiously and do not establish a reduction in actual fall incidence.
SN - 0304-5412
SN - 1536-5964
ER -