Effect of traditional Chinese exercises on nonspecific low back pain: A meta-analysis

Abstract

Background

Nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) is a leading cause of disability, and effective non-pharmacological treatments remain limited. Traditional Chinese Exercises (TCE) are increasingly used for NSLBP, but their effectiveness has not been fully established.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of Traditional Chinese Exercises on pain, functional disability, and trunk muscle endurance in patients with nonspecific low back pain.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Chinese and English databases were searched up to 2025. Pain, disability, and trunk muscle endurance were synthesized using random-effects models.

Results

Eighteen randomized controlled trials involving adults with NSLBP were included. Traditional Chinese Exercises were associated with improvements in pain, functional disability, and trunk muscle endurance compared with control interventions. Higher intervention frequency and shorter duration were associated with greater effects, although heterogeneity was substantial.

Conclusion

Traditional Chinese Exercises may improve pain, function, and trunk muscle endurance in patients with nonspecific low back pain. However, due to heterogeneity and methodological limitations, the findings should be interpreted with caution.

Trial registration

The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO, the international prospective register of systematic reviews, under registration number CRD42025632131.