Effects of Qigong Interventions on Physical and Mental Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials Published Between 2010 and 2025

Abstract

Qigong is a traditional Chinese mind–body intervention that combines gentle movement, breathing regulation, and focused attention and has increasingly been investigated as a complementary approach to physical and mental health. This systematic review examined the impact of Qigong interventions on physical and mental health outcomes based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2010 and 2025. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar in accordance with PRISMA 2020. After screening and eligibility assessment, 30 RCTs were included and narratively synthesized because of substantial heterogeneity in populations, Qigong modalities, intervention characteristics, and outcome measures. The findings indicated generally favorable effects on blood pressure, physical function, balance, pain, sleep quality, depression, anxiety, and quality of life. However, several studies reported mixed or non-significant between-group effects, indicating that the magnitude and consistency of benefits varied across populations and intervention types. Overall, Qigong appears to be a promising complementary mind–body intervention for supporting physical and mental health, although further high-quality RCTs with standardized protocols, active control conditions, and consistent effect-size reporting are needed.