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Low back pain is a widespread condition with considerable impact on daily functioning and quality of life. Several traditional Chinese exercises — including Tai Chi, Baduanjin, Yijinjing, and Wuqinxi — have been studied as potential treatments, but until now it has been unclear which approach offers the greatest benefit.
Researchers conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis, searching eight databases up to February 2025 for randomised controlled trials examining traditional Chinese exercises for low back pain. Thirty-eight eligible studies involving nearly 3,000 patients were included. The analysis compared ten different interventions — standalone traditional Chinese exercises, traditional Chinese exercises combined with conventional treatment, conventional treatment alone, and no intervention — across outcomes including pain intensity, disability, and lumbar range of motion.
The results suggested that different traditional Chinese exercises may excel in different areas. Wuqinxi appeared most effective for reducing pain, while Yijinjing combined with conventional treatment and Tai Chi combined with conventional treatment showed the strongest improvements in physical disability measures. Yijinjing alone was associated with better lumbar flexion and extension, and Baduanjin combined with conventional treatment with improved lateral movement. Tai Chi combined with conventional treatment achieved the highest overall effectiveness rate. The authors caution, however, that the findings are limited by notable variability between studies and possible publication bias, meaning results should be interpreted with care.
Conclusion: Traditional Chinese exercises — particularly Wuqinxi, Yijinjing, and Tai Chi, especially when combined with conventional treatment — show promise for improving low back pain outcomes, though higher-quality, standardised trials with long-term follow-up are needed before firm clinical recommendations can be made.
Source: Xu G, Zhang M, Hao Z and colleagues. Complementary therapies in clinical practice (2026). View on PubMed (PMID 42177861) · doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2026.102058
