The effect of Baduanjin on the balancing ability of older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis Author: Linxuan Guo1, Zhihao Liu1, Wenxue Yuan1 Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> School of Kinesiology and Health Promotion, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China. Conference/Journal: Front Med (Lausanne) Date published: 2022 Oct 28 Other: Volume ID: 9 , Pages: 995577 , Special Notes: doi: 10.3389/fmed.2022.995577. , Word Count: 189 Purpose: To systematically evaluate the effect of Baduanjin on the balancing ability of older adults. Methods: The systematic review and meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Six electronic databases were searched for eligible studies. Data synthesis and statistical analysis using a random effects model were performed with Review Manager 5.4. Random-effects weights were used to pool the effect sizes. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plot. Results: A total of 17 RCTs involving 1,267 patients were identified. The meta-analysis showed that the Baduanjin group was significantly superior to the control group in balancing performance measured by Berg balance scale [mean difference (MD) 4.82; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.40 to 6.24, P < 0.00001], Timed Up and Go (MD -2.21, 95% CI -2.69 to -1.74, P < 0.00001) and Eye Closed One Leg Standing Balance (MD 2.01, 95% CI 0.79 to 3.23, P < 0.00001) tests. Conclusion: Baduanjin can effectively affect the balancing ability of older adults. More high-quality evidence-based studies are required to confirm these findings. Systematic review registration: [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=293183], identifier [CRD42021293183]. Keywords: Baduanjin; balancing ability; meta-analysis; older adults; randomized control trial. PMID: 36388883 PMCID: PMC9650403 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.995577