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Cited by 267Heart Rate Variability and Autonomic ControlMindfulness and Compassion InterventionsBiofield Effects and Biophysics

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 54 of the 54 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.

Effects of Mind–Body Exercises (Tai Chi/Yoga) on Heart Rate Variability Parameters and Perceived Stress: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Open access
Zou, Liye, Sasaki, Jeffer Eidi, Wei, Gao-Xia, Huang, Tao, Yeung, Albert S., Neto, Octávio Barbosa, Chen, Kevin W., Hui, Stanley Sai-chuen·2018·Journal of Clinical Medicine
DOI 10.3390/jcm7110404PMC PMC6262541
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Abstract

Background: Heart rate variability (HRV) as an accurate, noninvasive measure of the Autonomous Nervous System (ANS) can reflect mental health (e.g., stress, depression, or anxiety). Tai Chi and Yoga (Tai Chi/Yoga), as the most widely practiced mind–body exercises, have shown positive outcomes of mental health. To date, no systematic review regarding the long-lasting effects of Tai Chi/Yoga on HRV parameters and perceived stress has been conducted. Objective: To critically evaluate the existing literature on this topic. Methods: Five electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, SportDiscus and Cochrane Library) were searched from the start of the research project to July 2018. Study selection, data extraction, and study quality assessment were independently carried out by two reviewers. The potentially identified randomized controlled trials (RCT) reported the useful quantitative data that were included only for meta-analysis. Results: meta-analysis of 17 medium-to-high quality RCTs showed significantly beneficial effects on HRV parameters (normalized low-frequency, Hedge’s g = −0.39, 95% CI −0.39 to −0.56, p < 0.001, I2 = 11.62%; normalized high-frequency, Hedge’s g = 0.37, 95% CI 0.22 to −0.52, p < 0.001, I2 = 0%; low-frequency to high-frequency ratio, Hedge’s g = −0.58, 95% CI −0.81 to −0.35, p < 0.001, I2 = 53.78%) and stress level (Hedge’s g = −0.80, 95% CI −1.17 to −0.44, p < 0.001, I2 = 68.54%). Conclusions: Stress reduction may be attributed to sympathetic-vagal balance modulated by mind–body exercises. Tai Chi/Yoga could be an alternative method for stress reduction for people who live under high stress or negative emotions.

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Crossref · 10.3390/jcm7110404

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Figures

Figure 1 The process of selecting randomized controlled trials.
Figure 1 The process of selecting randomized controlled trials.CC BY · PubMed Central
Figure 2 Funnel plot of publication bias for low-frequency power.
Figure 2 Funnel plot of publication bias for low-frequency power.CC BY · PubMed Central
Figure 3 Effects of mind–body exercise on the normalized low-frequency power (LF = low frequency power; Ex = Exercise control group, UC = usual care).
Figure 3 Effects of mind–body exercise on the normalized low-frequency power (LF = low frequency power; Ex = Exercise control group, UC = usual care).CC BY · PubMed Central
Figure 4 Effects of mind–body exercise on the normalized high-frequency power.
Figure 4 Effects of mind–body exercise on the normalized high-frequency power.CC BY · PubMed Central
Figure 5 Effects of mind–body exercise on the normalized high-frequency power (Ex = exercise control, UC = usual care).
Figure 5 Effects of mind–body exercise on the normalized high-frequency power (Ex = exercise control, UC = usual care).CC BY · PubMed Central
Figure 6 Funnel plot of publication bias for low-frequent to high-frequency ratio.
Figure 6 Funnel plot of publication bias for low-frequent to high-frequency ratio.CC BY · PubMed Central
Figure 7 Effects of mind–body exercises on low-frequency to high-frequency ratio (LF/HF ratio = low frequency to high frequency ratio: Ex = Exercise control, WL = waitlist, UC = usual care).
Figure 7 Effects of mind–body exercises on low-frequency to high-frequency ratio (LF/HF ratio = low frequency to high frequency ratio: Ex = Exercise control, WL = waitlist, UC = usual care).CC BY · PubMed Central
Figure 8 Effects of mind–body exercises on stress reduction (Ex = exercise control, MF = mindfulness control).
Figure 8 Effects of mind–body exercises on stress reduction (Ex = exercise control, MF = mindfulness control).CC BY · PubMed Central

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Cites

Research works printed but not linked: 2

  1. Zou, 2017, Effect of traditional Chinese mind-body exercise on disease activity, spinal mobility, and quality of life in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, Trav. Hum., 80, 1585
  2. Michael, B., Larry, V.H., Julian, H., and Hannah, R.W. (2009). Introduction to Meta-Analysis, A John Wiley and Sons Ltd.

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Metadata

Authors
Zou, L., Sasaki, J. E., Wei, G.-X., Huang, T., Yeung, A. S., Neto, O. B., Chen, K. W., & Hui, S. S.-C.
Affiliations
  • Chinese University of Hong Kong (HK)
  • Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (BR)
  • Chinese Academy of Sciences (CN)
  • Shanghai Jiao Tong University (CN)
  • Harvard University (US)
  • University of Maryland, Baltimore (US)
Corresponding author
Hui, Stanley Sai-chuen
ORCID
Venue
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2018-10-31
Volume
7
Issue
11
Pages
404
ISSN
2077-0383 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.3390/jcm7110404
PMC
PMC6262541
OpenAlex
W2898943828
Cited by
267
References
54
Citations by year
2026: 43 · 2025: 39 · 2024: 41 · 2023: 40 · 2022: 35 · 2021: 26 · 2020: 17 · 2019: 22 · 2018: 3
FWCI
3.17
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Journal of Clinical Medicine (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, other-oa)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Institutional Repository of Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine › Heart Rate Variability and Autonomic Control
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Complementary and alternative medicine › Biofield Effects and Biophysics
Keywords
mind-body exercise, Tai Chi, yoga, heart rate variability, perceived stress, stress reduction, autonomic nervous system, sympathovagal balance, mental health, LF/HF ratio

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