RETRACTED ARTICLE: Baduanjin Exercise for Insomnia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Baduanjin exercise is thought to improve sleep quality and relieve insomnia. This study therefore aimed to assess the effects of Baduanjin on the management of insomnia. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Clinicaltrials.gov, WANFANG, the Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical and Medical Database (CBM), and the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective controlled trials on the efficacy of Baduanjin for insomnia. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool. Results: Fourteen trials were identified. Baduanjin significantly reduced scores on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI; SMD = −3.78, 95% CI: −5.09 to −2.47, p < 0.00001) and showed significant positive effects on each component of the PSQI, including subjective sleep quality (SMD = −2.81, 95% CI: −3.99 to −1.64, p < 0.00001), sleep latency (SMD = −2.99, 95% CI: −3.98 to −1.99, p < 0.00001), sleep duration (SMD = −2.47, 95% CI: −3.87 to −1.07, p = 0.0005), sleep efficiency (SMD = −2.39, 95% CI: −3.44 to −1.35, p < 0.00001), sleep disturbance (SMD = −2.43, 95% CI: −3.42 to −1.43, p < 0.00001), and daytime dysfunction (SMD = −3.29, 95% CI: −4.50 to −2.07, p < 0.00001). However, with limited evidence, the long-term use of Baduanjin exercise was not found to improve insomnia. Baduanjin users also experienced a significant elevation in the serum melatonin levels but showed no significant differences in the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) score. Conclusion: Baduanjin significantly improved insomnia as measured by the PSQI; more well-designed trials are needed to determine the long-term effects.