Effects of seven traditional Chinese sports on physiological outcomes in individuals receiving treatment for substance use disorder: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND

Substance use disorder is a major public health challenge, with physiological consequences, including dysregulated blood pressure, abnormal heart rate, and altered body composition, which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Physical exercise shows rehabilitation potential, but evidence-based guidance on optimal traditional Chinese exercise regimens is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

This network meta-analysis evaluated and ranked the comparative effects of seven traditional Chinese sports (Taiji Rouliqiu, combined Tai Chi and Qigong, 24-form Tai Chi, Baduanjin, Tai Chi rehabilitation exercise, shuttlecock, and Tai Chi Thirteen Postures Daoyin) on physiological outcomes in individuals with substance use disorder.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials were searched from PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, and VIP databases from inception to February 2026. A Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed, with treatment rankings assessed by surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values and consistency evaluated via node-splitting analysis.

RESULTS

Seventeen RCTs involving 1,133 participants were included. Combined Tai Chi and Qigong ranked highest for BMI (SUCRA = 92.4%), diastolic blood pressure (SUCRA = 73.8%), and resting heart rate (SUCRA = 82.9%). Tai Chi rehabilitation exercise ranked highest for systolic blood pressure (SUCRA = 66.3%), and Tai Chi Thirteen Postures Daoyin ranked highest for body fat percentage (SUCRA = 87.9%). No significant inconsistency was detected, and sensitivity analyses confirmed robustness.

CONCLUSION

Combined Tai Chi and Qigong, Tai Chi rehabilitation exercise, and Tai Chi Thirteen Postures Daoyin emerged as the most promising interventions. These findings provide preliminary evidence for exercise-based rehabilitation strategies, though future head-to-head trials are needed to confirm the observed rankings.