Effects of Different Traditional Chinese Exercises in the Treatment of Essential Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
February 2024
in “
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
”
TLDR Tai Chi and Wuqinxi, combined with medication, effectively lower blood pressure.
This systematic review and network meta-analysis evaluated the antihypertensive efficacy of different traditional Chinese exercises (TCEs) in treating essential hypertension (EH). Analyzing 29 studies with 2,268 patients, the study found that Tai Chi combined with antihypertensive medication was the most effective for lowering systolic blood pressure, while Wuqinxi combined with medication was most effective for lowering diastolic blood pressure. The results suggest that TCEs, particularly Tai Chi and Wuqinxi, may enhance the effects of antihypertensive medications, though further well-designed randomized studies are needed to confirm these findings.