Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (24): 6354-6364.doi: 10.12307/2026.234

Previous Articles     Next Articles

Traditional Chinese sports intervene in sarcopenia and its complications in the elderly: a meta-analysis on improving muscle strength, mass, and physical function

Chu Rui1, Li Mingming1, Xie Yeshou1, Ni Tao2, Du Yinuo1   

  1. 1School of Physical Education, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu 241000, Anhui Province, China; 2Physical Education College of Changzhou University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu Province, China
  • Received:2025-09-04 Revised:2025-10-19 Online:2026-08-28 Published:2026-02-04
  • Contact: Xie Yeshou, PhD, Professor, Master’s supervisor, School of Physical Education, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu 241000, Anhui Province, China
  • About author:Chu Rui, MS, School of Physical Education, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu 241000, Anhui Province, China
  • Supported by:

    Anhui Philosophy and Social Sciences Planning Project, No. AHSKY2023D076 (to XYS)

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Muscle function decline and physical impairment caused by sarcopenia and its complications increase the risk of adverse health outcomes in the elderly. However, systematic evidence on the efficacy of traditional Chinese sport interventions for these conditions remains insufficient. Therefore, this study employs meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of traditional Chinese sports in treating sarcopenia and its complications.
METHODS: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang databases to choose randomized controlled trials evaluating traditional Chinese sport interventions for sarcopenia and its complications. Experimental group received one or more traditional Chinese sports, such as Yi Jin Jing, Tai Chi, Ba Duan Jin, etc., while control groups received health education, routine care, or remote Tai Chi guidance. Outcomes included grip strength, knee muscle strength, appendicular skeletal muscle index, sit-to-stand test, walking speed, timed up and go test, and the short physical performance battery. Meta-analysis was conducted using Revman 5.4 and Stata 15.1 software. Subgroup analysis was used to identify optimal protocol parameters for traditional Chinese sports in managing sarcopenia and its complications in the elderly.
RESULTS: Twenty-one studies (n = 1 313) were included. Meta-analysis revealed that traditional Chinese sports significantly improved grip strength (mean difference = 1.83, 95% confidence interval: 1.65, 2.01, P < 0.000 01), knee muscle strength (mean difference = 5.98, 95% confidence interval: 3.85, 8.11, P < 
0.000 01), appendicular skeletal muscle index (mean difference = 0.22, 95% confidence interval: 0.10, 0.34, P = 0.000 4), walking speed (mean difference = 0.12, 95% confidence interval: 0.09, 0.16, P < 0.000 01), sit-to-stand test performance (mean difference = 1.92, 95% confidence interval: 1.41, 2.43, P < 0.000 01), timed up and go test score (standard mean difference = -1.00, 95% confidence interval: -1.25,  -0.74, P < 0.000 01), and short physical performance battery score (mean difference = 1.12, 95% confidence interval: 0.77, 1.46, P < 0.000 01). Subgroup analysis revealed that Yi Jin Jing (intervention > 12 weeks, > 3 sessions per week, ≤ 30 minutes per session) was most effective for enhancing grip strength in these patients. Ba Duan Jin (12-week intervention, ≤ 3 sessions per week, > 30 minutes per session) demonstrated optimal efficacy for improving appendicular skeletal muscle index. Tai Chi (intervention > 12 weeks, > 3 sessions per week, ≤ 30 minutes per session) or Ba Duan Jin (12-week intervention, 3 sessions per week, > 30 minutes per session) significantly improved walking speed. Yi Jin Jing (8-week intervention, 5 sessions per week, ≤ 40 minutes per session) yielded the best results for sit-to-stand test performance. Ba Duan Jin (intervention > 12 weeks, ≤ 3 sessions per week, single session duration > 30 minutes and ≤ 40 minutes) showed the most pronounced improvement in timed up and go test score.
CONCLUSION: Traditional Chinese sports effectively improve grip strength, knee muscle strength, appendicular skeletal muscle index, and physical function in elderly patients with sarcopenia and its complications. They exhibit specific effects under different intervention parameters. It is recommended that individualized sports prescriptions be formulated in clinical practice according to the target outcomes.

Key words:

sarcopenia, complications, elderly, sport, traditional Chinese sports, meta-analysis, systematic review

CLC Number: