Peer-Reviewed Research: Four kinds of traditional Chinese exercise therapy in the treatment of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Peer-Reviewed Research: Four kinds of traditional Chinese exercise therapy in the treatment of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
The study by Jia et al. (2023) presents a systematic review and network meta-analysis to evaluate the clinical efficacy of four traditional Chinese exercise therapies—Taijiquan, Baduanjin, Yijinjing, and Wuqinxi—in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). T2DM, characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, is a global health challenge with significant complications that impair patients' quality of life. With China having the highest number of T2DM patients globally, the exploration of traditional exercise therapies as a non-pharmacological intervention is timely and relevant.
Methods
The study conducted a comprehensive literature search across multiple databases, including MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Chinese databases, up to October 2022. The inclusion criteria were strictly defined, focusing on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving patients diagnosed with T2DM, and excluding studies that did not meet the rigorous methodological standards. The analysis utilized both direct and indirect comparisons between the four exercise therapies and control groups that did not engage in traditional exercises.
Results
A total of 33 RCTs with 2609 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The study’s findings suggest that all four traditional Chinese exercise therapies significantly improved various clinical indicators related to T2DM, but with some variation in efficacy depending on the specific outcome measured.
Taijiquan was found to be the most effective in improving glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), 2-hour postprandial blood glucose (2hPG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and the insulin sensitivity index (ISI).
Yijinjing ranked best in reducing fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and total cholesterol (TC).
Baduanjin showed superiority in enhancing triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels.
The analysis also revealed that the duration of exercise played a crucial role in the efficacy of these therapies. For example, Taijiquan was most effective in reducing FPG levels when practiced for less than 12 weeks, while Yijinjing showed greater benefits when practiced for 12 weeks or more.
Discussion
The results underscore the potential of traditional Chinese exercise therapies as complementary treatments for T2DM. The findings align with previous research that highlights the benefits of these low-intensity, long-duration exercises in managing blood glucose levels and improving lipid profiles. Taijiquan, in particular, stands out due to its holistic approach that combines physical movement with mental focus, thereby enhancing both metabolic and psychological well-being.
However, the study also points out several limitations. The methodological quality of the included studies was generally low, with many lacking details on randomization and blinding procedures. This raises concerns about potential biases that could affect the reliability of the results. Furthermore, the limited number of studies on Wuqinxi and Yijinjing means that the conclusions regarding these therapies should be interpreted with caution.
Conclusion
Jia et al. (2023) provide compelling evidence that traditional Chinese exercise therapies can play a significant role in the management of T2DM, particularly in improving blood glucose and lipid levels. The study’s findings support the integration of these exercises into clinical practice, tailored to individual patient needs and preferences. However, future research with more rigorous study designs and larger sample sizes is needed to confirm these findings and explore the mechanisms underlying the observed benefits.
Reference
Jia, Y., Huang, H., Yu, Y., Jia, H., & Zhang, Y. (2023). Four kinds of traditional Chinese exercise therapy in the treatment of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Systematic Reviews, 12(231).
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