Revealing mind-body interaction mechanisms: a network meta-analysis of the effects of traditional Chinese medicine mind-body exercise interventions on stroke rehabilitation

Objective This study employed a network meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of different Traditional Chinese Medicine mind-body exercises and determine their relative efficacy rankings in stroke rehabilitation. Methods A comprehensive search of nine databases was conducted, covering studies from inception to February 2025. Participants included stroke patients (age ≥18 years). Interventions evaluated were four Traditional Chinese movement therapies: Tai Ji, Ba Duan Jin, Yi Jin Jing, and Wu Qin Xi. Primary outcomes included objective measures of upper limb function, lower limb function, balance function, and activities of daily living. Results A total of 46 randomized controlled trials involving 3,096 stroke patients were included. Network meta-analysis revealed: (1) Upper limb function: Ba Duan Jin ranked highest (SMD = 1.33, 95% CI = 0.80–1.86). (2) Lower limb function: Ba Duan Jin was the most effective (SMD = 1.49, 95% CI = 0.97–2.01). (3) Balance function: Wu Qin Xi demonstrated the best efficacy (SMD = 1.56, 95% CI = 0.45–2.67). (4) Activities of daily living: Wu Qin Xi was the top-ranked intervention (SMD = 2.34, 95% CI = 0.91–3.76). While Tai Ji and Yi Jin Jing were not the optimal choices, they still exhibited significant therapeutic benefits compared to conventional therapies. Conclusion Traditional Chinese Medicine mind-body exercises significantly improve limb function and activities of daily living in stroke patients. Ba Duan Jin is recommended for upper and lower limb rehabilitation, while Wu Qin Xi is optimal for activities of daily living restoration and balance recovery. These findings provide clinicians with evidence-based guidance for selecting interventions tailored to specific functional deficits. Systematic review registration PROSPERO, identifier (CRD42025642353).