Wuqinxi Qigong as an Alternative Exercise for Improving Risk Factors Associated with Metabolic Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Background: The improvement of living standards has led to increases in the prevalence of hypokinetic diseases. In particular, multifactorial complex diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, are becoming more prevalent. Currently, developing effective methods to combat or prevent metabolic syndrome is of critical public health importance. Thus, we conducted a systematic review to evaluate the existing literature regarding the effects of Wuqinxi exercise on reducing risk factors related to metabolic syndrome. Methods: Both English- and Chinese-language databases were searched for randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of Wuqinxi on these outcomes. Meanwhile, we extracted usable data for computing pooled effect size estimates, along with the random-effects model. Results: The synthesized results showed positive effects of Wuqinxi exercise on systolic blood pressure (SBP, SMD = 0.62, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.85, p < 0.001, I² = 24.06%), diastolic blood pressure (DBP, SMD = 0.62, 95% CI 0.22 to 1.00, p < 0.001, I² = 61.28%), total plasma cholesterol (TC, SMD = 0.88, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.36, p < 0.001, I² = 78.71%), triglyceride (TG, SMD = 0.87, 95% CI 0.49 to 1.24, p < 0.001, I² = 67.22%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, SMD = 1.24, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.72, p < 0.001, I² = 78.27%), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL, SMD = 0.95, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.46, p < 0.001, I² = 82.27%). In addition, regression results showed that longer-duration Wuqinxi intervention significantly improved DBP (β = 0.00016, Q = 5.72, df = 1, p = 0.02), TC (β = -0.00010, Q = 9.03, df = 1, p = 0.01), TG (β = 0.00012, Q = 6.23, df = 1, p = 0.01), and LDL (β = 0.00011, Q = 5.52, df = 1, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Wuqinxi may be an effective intervention to alleviate the cardiovascular disease risk factors of metabolic syndrome.

Keywords: Qigong; exercise; metabolic syndrome; mind–body exercise; risk factor.

Figure 1

Flowchart displaying study selection.

Figure 2

Effect of Wuqinxi on systolic blood pressure. Effect size (95% CI) of each study is denoted by circle (black line). The mid-point of the circle represents the point effect estimate, meaning effect estimate for each study. The area of the circle represents the weight given to the study. The diamond below the studies represents the overall effect.

Figure 3

Effect of Wuqinxi on diastolic blood pressure. Effect size (95% CI) of each study is denoted by circle (black line). The mid-point of the circle represents the point effect estimate, meaning effect estimate for each study. The area of the circle represents the weight given to the study. The diamond below the studies represents the overall effect.

Figure 4

Effect of Wuqinxi on total plasma cholesterol. Effect size (95% CI) of each study is denoted by circle (black line). The mid-point of the circle represents the point effect estimate, meaning effect estimate for each study. The area of the circle represents the weight given to the study. The diamond below the studies represents the overall effect.

Figure 5

Effect of Wuqinxi on triglycerides. Effect size (95% CI) of each study is denoted by circle (black line). The mid-point of the circle represents the point effect estimate, meaning effect estimate for each study. The area of the circle represents the weight given to the study. The diamond below the studies represents the overall effect.

Figure 6

Effect of Wuqinxi on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Effect size (95% CI) of each study is denoted by circle (black line). The mid-point of the circle represents the point effect estimate, meaning effect estimate for each study. The area of the circle represents the weight given to the study. The diamond below the studies represents the overall effect.

Figure 7

Effect of Wuqinxi on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Effect size (95% CI) of each study is denoted by circle (black line). The mid-point of the circle represents the point effect estimate, meaning effect estimate for each study. The area of the circle represents the weight given to the study. The diamond below the studies represents the overall effect.