A community-based Daoyin program for health promotion: effects of the Qi and mind harmonizing method on body constitution for the health of older adults

Abstract

Introduction: This study assessed the potential of the Qi and Mind Harmonizing Method—a traditional Daoyin practice—as a community-based mind–body intervention to improve body constitution, cardiovascular function, sleep, and psychological wellbeing in older adults. Methods: An 8-week pre-post intervention trial was conducted at community centers. Daily practice was combined with weekly 60-min group sessions. Primary outcomes included changes in body constitution. Secondary outcomes included regional body constitution scores, brachial artery blood pressure, PSQI, HRV indicators, and BSRS-5. Results: After 8 weeks, 90 participants showed significant improvements in body constitution: Yang deficiency (−1.9, p = 0.002), Yin deficiency (−2.3, p < 0.001), and phlegm stasis (−2.2, p < 0.001). Improvements were observed in various body regions. Systolic pressure (−3.6 mmHg, p = 0.015), mean arterial pressure (−1.9 mmHg, p = 0.046), and pulse pressure (−2.4 mmHg, p = 0.037) decreased. Sleep quality improved (PSQI −1, p = 0.002). HRV analysis showed reduced LF, LF (%), and LF/HF ratio (p = 0.018–0.022), and increased HF (%) (p = 0.028). BSRS-5 scores improved from 3.9 to 3.2 (p = 0.009), indicating better psychological wellbeing. Discussion: The results may provide preliminary support for considering the integration of Daoyin into scalable public health approaches to healthy aging. Clinical trial registration: Funded by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan, Republic of China; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03640169. Registered on July 20, 2018.