The potential effect of Wuqinxi exercise for primary osteoporosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This review aims to assess the effect of Wuqinxi exercise for primary osteoporosis. Literature search was conducted on the seven databases until June 2015. No statistical differences were found between the Wuqinxi versus no intervention, Wuqinxi plus antiosteoporosis medications versus antiosteoporosis medications on lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD). However, Wuqinxi significantly improved lumbar spine BMD compared with antiosteoporosis medications (MD =  0.02 g/cm2; 95% CI: 0.01–0.03; P < 0.0001). Wuqinxi plus antiosteoporosis medications had a better effect on femora BMD (MD = 0.24 g/cm2; 95% CI: 0.18–0.30; P < 0.00001). Additionally, the results showed a remarkable effect in improving pain score when Wuqinxi (MD = 0.7; 95% CI: 0.31–1.09; P = 0.0004) or Wuqinxi plus antiosteoporosis medications (MD = 1.06; 95% CI: 0.57–1.55; P < 0.0001) was used. An improvement was also identified in Wuqinxi plus antiosteoporosis medications on bone gla protein. Overall, Wuqinxi monotherapy or combination therapy can improve pain symptom, but the effect on BMD owing to poor study design and execution, inconsistency and imprecision is uncertain. It is recommended to exercise at least for 6 months, 5 times a week for around 30–60 min each time.