OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of traditional Chinese exercises (TCEs) in mitigating pain and disability among older and middle-aged individuals suffering from low back pain (LBP).

METHODS

From inception to November 2024, seven electronic databases were searched for TCEs treatment of LBP in the literature of randomized controlled trials: the Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Databases, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform. The primary outcomes of emphasis were pain severity and disability. This review has been registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42024626811). A meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4 software.

RESULTS

Eleven of the 856 studies that were found through a search of seven electronic databases satisfied the requirements for inclusion. The conducted meta-analysis demonstrated a notable decrease in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores [Mean Difference (MD) = -1.38, 95 % CI (-1.79, -0.97)] and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores [MD = -4.36, 95 % CI (-6.84, -1.87)] for patients suffering from LBP who practiced TCEs, compared to those in the control group. The evidence for reductions in both VAS pain scores and ODI scores was rated as low quality in the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS

TCEs such as Tai Chi, Baduanjin, and Five-Animal exercises can help patients with LBP to some extent, but it is crucial to choose the appropriate type, intensity, and duration.