A meta-analysis of the effects of Baduanjin training on the human body temperature based on infrared thermography technology

BACKGROUND: Baduanjin, a traditional Chinese mind-body exercise, is widely practiced to improve overall health in both elderly individuals and a growing number of young enthusiasts. Appropriate thermoregulation has been proposed as a potential physiological mechanism underlying the multiple health benefits of Baduanjin. Infrared thermography is a noninvasive functional imaging technique that provides a visual and noninvasive means of reflecting local metabolic activity and blood perfusion. However, comprehensive evidence regarding the effect of Baduanjin training on human body temperature, an objective and visual metric, remains limited. Therefore, this meta-analysis systematically evaluated the effects of Baduanjin exercise on human temperature, as quantified by infrared thermal imaging. METHODS: A comprehensive search was performed in 5 databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, and VIP Information Chinese Journal Service Platform, using PICO-based search terms until October 2025. Primary outcomes were mean skin temperature at trunk acupoints, mean skin temperature over visceral projection areas, and mean skin temperature of the trunk and limbs. Study quality was assessed using the modified Jadad scale, and meta-analysis was conducted with RevMan 5.4. RESULTS: A total of 8 randomized controlled trials were included, published between 2017 and 2024. These articles involved a total of 377 participants from mainland China, including 194 in the Baduanjin group and 183 in the control group, with mean ages ranging from 19.8 to 32.2 years across studies. Compared with the control groups (routine lifestyle or traditional calisthenics exercise), Baduanjin training significantly increased the average skin temperature at trunk acupoints (mean difference [MD] = 0.74°C, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.32, 1.16], P < .01, I2 = 74%), improved the mean skin temperature over the visceral projection areas (MD = 1.01°C, 95% CI [0.62, 1.41], P < .001, I2 = 0%), and improved skin temperature of the trunk and limbs (MD = 0.44°C, 95% CI [0.29, 0.59], P < .0001, I2 = 68%). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis found that Baduanjin training may have a beneficial effect on improving body temperature measured by infrared thermography. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution due to the limited number of included studies and nearly exclusive research in mainland China. Further large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials are essential to verify these preliminary observations.