How traditional Chinese exercise (Daoyin) can help COVID-19 patients relieve psychological symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

ObjectiveThe mental health issues of individuals with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are currently widespread. Traditional Chinese exercise (Daoyin) plays an important role in relieving patients’ psychological problems. This study aims to assess the efficacy of Daoyin in mitigating mental health issues among individuals diagnosed with COVID-19.MethodsPubMed, the Cochrane library, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP database, and SinoMed were searched from their inception to October 2023. Two researchers independently selected the eligible studies. The analysis and presentation of the findings were conducted using Review Manager 5.2 software. The data were analyzed using mean difference (MD), inverse variance, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsA total of 12 studies (N = 1291) were included in this study. The results showed that Daoyin can significantly reduce the scores of the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS: MD = −13.03, 95% CI −19.56 to −6.49, P<.49,yca Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS: MD = −11.13, 95% CI −14.56 to −7.71, P<.71,sion Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI: MD = −2.00, 95% CI −5.43 to 1.43, P = 0.25), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA: MD = −2.42, 95% CI −5.25 to 0.41, P = 0.09), and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD: MD = −11.17, 95% CI −25.5 to 3.15, P = 0.13).ConclusionIn COVID-19 patients, Daoyin can alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression, as well as improve sleep quality. The use of Daoyin has no adverse effects and side effects and can reduce the cost of medication. Therefore, Daoyin can be widely promoted. Further research is warranted to analyze the effect of Daoyin on mental health.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#recordDetails, identifier CRD42023391845.