Introduction

A number of randomized controlled trials have investigated the benefits of Baduanjin qigong on cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in cancer survivors. However, the results of these studies were inconclusive and contradictory, due to the limitations of small sample sizes and different measurement scores. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence available to critically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Baduanjin qigong in improving CRF in cancer patients.

Methods

Eight databases (The Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), and WanFang Database)) were systematically reviewed from inception to September 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Two reviewers critically and independently assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration criteria and independently extracted relevant data using the designed tables. All statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.3.

Results

Thirteen eligible studies were included in this systematic review, including 1010 patients. Baduanjin qigong as an add-on therapy significantly improved fatigue symptom scores (Standardized mean difference -1.43, 95% CI -2.01 to -0.84, P< 0.0001, RCTs= 9, n = 640). We found that different intervention frequencies, intervention durations, and intervention cycles of Baduanjin qigong exercise were effective in relieving fatigue, and the differences in effectiveness were similar for different types of cancer patients. Two RCTs reported no adverse events associated with Baduanjin qigong.

Conclusion

Baduanjin qigong may reduce CRF in cancer patients and may be used as a traditional and complementary medicine option for the clinical management of CRF. However, large and well-designed randomized controlled trials are still needed to confirm these findings.

Registration

PROSPERO CRD42022369410.

Funding

Lanzhou University, China (grant number 561,120,201) and Natural Science Youth Fund of Gansu Province (grant number 23JRRA1110).