Effectiveness of traditional mind-body exercises on fall risk test scores and balance in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

In 30 seconds

This systematic review and meta-analysis pooled 31 randomized controlled trials involving 3,622 older adults to assess traditional mind-body exercises and fall-risk test scores and balance. Compared with control groups, exercise participants had lower fall-risk test scores (SMD = -0.56, 95% CI: -0.84 to -0.28) and higher Berg Balance Scale scores (WMD = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.47-3.72). The authors rated the evidence as low certainty; substantial heterogeneity was reported for Berg Balance Scale results. The findings concern test scores and balance, not demonstrated reductions in actual falls.

Key findings

• Across trials, fall-risk test scores were lower with mind-body exercise than control (SMD = -0.56, 95% CI: -0.84 to -0.28).
• Berg Balance Scale scores were higher in intervention groups (WMD = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.47-3.72), with high heterogeneity (I2 = 95.6%).
• Subgroup analyses found lower fall-risk test scores with Baduanjin (SMD = -0.82, 95% CI (-1.25, -0.38)) and Tai Chi (SMD = -0.41, 95% CI (-0.70, -0.11)).
• The review concluded that Wuqinxi may improve balance, but did not establish that any exercise reduces actual fall incidence.

Why it matters

Balance and fall-risk measures are relevant to assessing older adults’ functional status. This synthesis suggests that traditional mind-body exercise may improve these measured outcomes, while the low certainty and marked variation in balance results warrant cautious interpretation. Because actual fall incidence was not established, improvements in test scores should not be assumed to translate into fewer falls.

What to keep in mind

The authors rated the evidence as low certainty, and heterogeneity for Berg Balance Scale scores was very high (I2 = 95.6%). The outcomes reported do not establish a reduction in actual fall incidence.