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Baduanjin for executive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Shaohong Lin1, Jiaying Guo1, Pingying Nie1
1College of Nursing, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, PR China.
Background And Purpose:
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents age-related cognitive decline and affects various aspects of cognitive function, including memory, attention, executive function (EF), mental processing speed, speech-language skills, and visual-spatial skills. Among these, the EF is the most likely to decline with increasing age. Existing RCTs have shown that Baduanjin can improve the EF in MCI patients. In this study, we aimed to perform a systematic review to assess the efficacy of Baduanjin in improving the EF of patients with MCI.
Methods:
Ten databases [English: Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, OVID, and EBSCOhost; Chinese: Wanfang Data, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI), China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), and SinoMed] were systematically searched in April 2021. We herein included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) written in Chinese or English that assessed the effect of Baduanjin on the EF of patients with MCI. Two researchers used the Cochrane Collaboration's tool and assessed the risks of bias and performed a meta-analysis through the RevMan 5.4 software. We used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) to evaluate the quality of the body of evidence. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines were followed.
Results:
Sixteen RCTs involving 934 patients with MCI were included. The duration of Baduanjin was 16-24 weeks. The study showed that Baduanjin could significantly improve the EF (P < 0.05) based on the evaluation of the EF of patients with MCI using Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the Clock Drawing Test, the Digit Symbol Coding test, and the Trail Making Test.
Conclusion:
Baduanjin significantly improved the EF of patients with MCI.
Insights
Baduanjin exercise significantly improves executive function (EF) in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This systematic review of 16 RCTs confirms its efficacy for cognitive health in aging populations.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Cognitive Science
- Integrative Medicine and Exercise Science
Background:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a common age-related condition characterized by cognitive decline, particularly in executive function (EF).
- Executive function deficits are a hallmark of aging-related cognitive decline and impact daily living.
- Previous studies suggest Baduanjin, a traditional Chinese exercise, may benefit EF in MCI patients.
Approach:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were conducted.
- Searched ten databases for RCTs assessing Baduanjin's effect on EF in MCI patients, published in Chinese or English.
- Assessed risk of bias using Cochrane's tool and evidence quality with GRADE guidelines, adhering to PRISMA 2020 standards.
Key Points:
- Sixteen RCTs involving 934 MCI patients were analyzed.
- Baduanjin interventions ranged from 16 to 24 weeks.
- Significant improvements in executive function were observed in MCI patients undergoing Baduanjin practice.
Conclusions:
- Baduanjin exercise demonstrates significant efficacy in enhancing executive function for individuals with mild cognitive impairment.
- This finding supports Baduanjin as a potential non-pharmacological intervention for managing age-related cognitive decline.
