Exercise rankings for high blood pressure vary by outcome
A review of randomized trials placed different mind-body practices at the top for different measurements, without establishing a single overall best option.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
This review compared traditional Chinese mind-body exercises using blood-pressure, heart-function and vascular-marker measurements in middle-aged and older patients with high blood pressure. Tai chi ranked highest for systolic pressure, while other exercises led on different outcomes. The abstract does not identify the reference comparisons behind its effect estimates, limiting how confidently those rankings can guide interpretation.
The abstract omits comparator details and outcome-level certainty ratings, despite describing an evidence-grading method. Clinical event outcomes are not reported, limiting conclusions about broader health benefits.
Different measures, different leaders
Tai chi led the rankings for systolic blood pressure and some measures of heart function. Daoyinyangshengshu led for diastolic pressure, while Baduanjin led for heart rate and blood-vessel markers. The rankings therefore depend on the endpoint.
What the estimates mean
Effects were reported on standardized scales, which express differences relative to variation in the measurements. They are not blood-pressure readings in ordinary units or percentage reductions in disease risk, and they cannot identify a proven exercise schedule.
The original publication
Effects of six traditional Chinese mind-body exercise therapies on vascular health and cardiac function in middle-aged and elderly hypertensive patients: A network meta-analysis of 48 randomized controlled trials.
Han Y, Sun W, Han J et al.
Ageing Res Rev · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41475448
- Record checked
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