The Effect of Different Traditional Chinese Exercises in Different Periods on Blood Lipid in Middle-Aged and Elderly People: A Network Meta-analysis

Delong Chen ¹ Guang Gao Zhao ^1* Jinmei Fu ² Shunli Sun ² Liqiang Su ³ ZIHAO HE ⁴ Ruiming Chen ¹ Tianle Jiang ¹ Xuewen Hu ¹ Yunong Li ¹ Fanchao Shen ¹

• ¹ Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
• ² Jiangxi Sports Science and Medicine Center, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
• ³ Physical Education College, Jiangxi Normal University, Nangchang, China
• ⁴ School of Sports and Human Sciences, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China

Background: Traditional Chinese Exercise (TCE) has been proven to be a nonpharmacological treatment with high adherence and effective intervention in lipid levels. Although there are varying intervention effects among different TCEs in terms of modulating lipid levels, understanding the intervention effects of TCEs with different intervention durations can provide more practical guidance. Objective: To compare the effects of different types and cycles of TCE on blood lipid levels in middle-aged and older people by using network meta-analysis. Methods: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI and Google scholar databases using subject terms and keywords to collect randomized controlled trials on the effect of various TCE on blood lipid levels in individuals aged 40 and above. The Cochrane tool was used to assess the quality of the literature. According to the characteristics of intervention types (Baduanjin, Wuqinxi, Tai Chi, aerobic exercise, control) and cycles (short cycle <12 weeks, long cycle ≥12 weeks) in the included literature. STATA 17.0 was used for network meta-analysis to compare the differences in intervention effects among various methods. Results: A total of 27 studies involving 2490 participants were included. The results of the network meta-analysis showed that long-cycle Baduanjin and Wuqinxi had significantly better intervention effects on TC, TG, LDL, and HDL than the control group. Long-cycle Baduanjin had significantly better intervention effects on TC, TG, and HDL than aerobic exercise, while Wuqinxi had significantly better intervention effects on TC, TG, and LDL than aerobic exercise. Short-cycle TCE projects showed no significant differences compared with the control group and aerobic exercise. Long-cycle Baduanjin had significantly better intervention effects on TC, TG, and HDL than long-cycle Tai Chi. The cumulative probabilities of long-cycle Baduanjin as the best intervention measure were 89.0% (TC), 93.3% (TG), 78.2% (LDL), and 95.2% (HDL), while those of long-cycle Wuqinxi were 87.0% (TC), 87.5% (TG), 91.9% (LDL), and 77.1% (HDL).Conclusion: Only TCE lasting for more than 12 weeks can significantly improve the blood lipid levels of middle-aged and older people. Long-term Baduanjin practice is the best intervention to improve the blood lipid levels of middle-aged and older people.