Baduanjin sequential therapy’s effects on quality of life and cardiac function in post-cardiac surgery heart disease patients: A systematic review

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to objectively evaluate the effects of Baduanjin exercise on the quality of life and cardiac function in patients with cardiovascular heart disease after cardiac surgery. METHODS: Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang and Sinomed were searched from the date of their inception until March 5th, 2024 using medical subject headings terms and keywords. The primary outcomes were the quality of life and cardiac function. The quality of life was assessed using Short Form-36, the Seattle Angina Questionnaire, 6-min walk test and adverse events. The cardiac function was evaluated using the 6-min walking test. For statistical analysis, standardized mean difference or odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using Stata 14.0. RESULTS: Baduanjin exercise demonstrated significant enhancements in quality of life across all Short Form-36 subitems. Meta-analyses revealed improvements in Seattle Angina Questionnaire scores related to physical limitation and stable angina pectoris. The incidence of adverse events decreased with Baduanjin exercise, and cardiac function, as indicated by left ventricular ejection fraction, showed significant improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Baduanjin exercise is a safe, feasible, and acceptable intervention that can improve the quality of life and cardiac function in patients with cardiovascular heart disease after cardiac surgery. However, more studies with rigorous research designs are needed to assist in the rehabilitation of such patients.