Supporting Research on Qigong Click to expand.
Research has explored Qigong across physical and psychological wellbeing. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have reported benefits across several outcomes, including sleep, quality of life, mood, balance, physical function and fatigue.
Sleep and wellbeing: A meta-analysis covering 19 randomised controlled trials of Baduanjin Qigong found significant improvements in sleep quality and quality of life. The analysis also found improvements in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and resting heart rate.
Source: Zou et al. (2017). View study on PubMed
Mood and emotional wellbeing: A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis covering 16 randomised controlled trials found significant reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms among college students practising Qigong.
The same review also found improvements in flexibility and cardiorespiratory endurance.
Source: Lin et al. (2022), BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. View study on PubMed
Movement and physical function: A 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis covering 22 randomised controlled trials and 1,791 older adults found significant improvements in balance and six-minute walking distance following Health Qigong practice.
The review also found improvements in depressive symptoms and quality of life.
Source: systematic review and meta-analysis of Health Qigong in older adults (2026). View study on PubMed
Fatigue and recovery: A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis covering eight randomised controlled trials and 469 breast cancer survivors found significant reductions in cancer-related fatigue and sleep disturbance following Qigong practice.
Participants also showed significant improvements in overall quality of life.
Source: Tan et al. (2024). View study on PubMed
