A078: Baduanjin's Cognitive Benefits in Older Adults with MCI

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a transitional state between normal aging and dementia, posing a significant public health challenge. With the limited efficacy of pharmacological interventions, non-pharmacological approaches like Baduanjin exercise, a traditional Chinese mind-body practice, have gained attention for their potential to enhance cognitive function. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Baduanjin exercise on cognitive function in older adults with MCI, as measured by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores. Method: A systematic literature search was conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase up to February 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of Baduanjin on cognitive function in older adults aged ≥60 with MCI were included. Two independent reviewers performed data extraction and risk-of-bias assessment using Cochrane guidelines. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated using Hedges’ g under a random-effects model to account for heterogeneity across studies. Heterogeneity was quantified using Cochran’s Q test and Higgins’ I² statistic. Statistical analyses were conducted using R 4.3.2 with the “meta” package. Three RCTs involving 190 participants met the inclusion criteria. The pooled SMD for MoCA scores was 1.09 (95% CI: 0.49 to 1.68, z = 3.59, p < 0.00), indicating a significant improvement in cognitive function following Baduanjin exercise. However, substantial heterogeneity was observed (I² = 71%, 95% CI: 2.8% to 91.6%), likely due to variations in intervention duration, frequency, and participant characteristics. Funnel plot symmetry and Egger’s regression test suggested no significant publication bias among the included studies. This meta-analysis provides robust evidence supporting the beneficial effects of Baduanjin exercise on cognitive function in older adults with MCI. The findings align with existing literature suggesting that mind-body exercises can enhance cognitive health through mechanisms such as improved neuroplasticity, cerebral blood flow, and stress reduction. Despite substantial heterogeneity, the results underscore the potential of Baduanjin as a non-pharmacological intervention for cognitive health. Future research should focus on standardizing intervention protocols, identifying optimal exercise parameters, and elucidating the underlying mechanisms to maximize therapeutic benefits. Additionally, larger and more diverse RCTs are needed to confirm these findings and explore the generalizability of the intervention across different populations and settings.