Adults with stage 1 hypertension who practiced baduanjin—an eight-movement Chinese mind-body routine—had modest but measurable reductions in systolic blood pressure over three months that were maintained at one year, with results comparable to brisk walking, according to a randomized trial published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
A traditional Chinese exercise practice that combines slow movements, controlled breathing and meditative focus lowered blood pressure about as well as brisk walking in a large randomized clinical trial published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Researchers followed 216 adults ages 40 and older across seven communities in China who had baseline systolic blood pressure in the 130–139 mm Hg range, which is classified as stage 1 hypertension under ACC/AHA guidelines. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups for a 52-week intervention: baduanjin, brisk walking, or self-directed exercise.
Compared with self-directed exercise, those assigned to baduanjin—practiced five days a week—showed an approximately 3 mm Hg greater reduction in 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure and an about 5 mm Hg greater reduction in office systolic blood pressure at 12 weeks, with similar differences still present at 52 weeks.
The trial also reported that baduanjin’s blood pressure results and safety outcomes were comparable to brisk walking after one year. Researchers said the size of the blood pressure reduction was in the range seen with some first-line blood pressure medications, though the study evaluated exercise interventions rather than drug therapy.
"Given its simplicity, safety and ease at which one can maintain long-term adherence, baduanjin can be implemented as an effective, accessible and scalable lifestyle intervention for individuals trying to reduce their blood pressure," said Jing Li, the study’s senior author, in a statement released with the findings.
