Adding a qigong (Baduanjin) intervention to standard prenatal care and lifestyle education reduces the rate of caesarean section in pregnant women.
This multicenter RCT protocol aims to evaluate whether a pregnancy-adapted qigong (Baduanjin) program, added to routine lifestyle intervention, reduces the caesarean section rate. The study plans to enroll 1062 women with singleton pregnancies at 11-13+6 weeks gestation across 11 Chinese institutions. The primary outcome is caesarean section rate, with secondary outcomes including obstetric complications, neonatal indicators, gestational weight gain, and mental health/sleep measures.
This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.
Adding a qigong (Baduanjin) intervention to standard prenatal care and lifestyle education reduces the rate of caesarean section in pregnant women. The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 44/100 (low).
The Claim
Adding a qigong (Baduanjin) intervention to standard prenatal care and lifestyle education reduces the rate of caesarean section in pregnant women.
This conclusion is most relevant to: Pregnant women aged 18-45 years with singleton pregnancies at 11-13+6 weeks gestation, recruited from 11 institutions in China..
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸The adjunctive effect of a qigong (Baduanjin) intervention program on maternal and child health outcomes: a multicenter randomized controlled trial protocol. (BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Qigong (Baduanjin) combines gentle movement, breath control, and meditation
- ▸May reduce stress and improve autonomic nervous system regulation
- ▸Could enhance physical fitness and pelvic floor function during pregnancy
- ▸Result: Potentially lower rates of caesarean section and improved maternal-child outcomes
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Pregnant women aged 18-45 years with singleton pregnancies at 11-13+6 weeks gestation, recruited from 11 institutions in China.
Recommended Dose
N/A (frequency and duration of qigong sessions not specified in abstract)
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸This is a protocol paper; no results are yet available to confirm the claim.
- ▸The abstract does not specify the exact frequency, duration, or intensity of the qigong intervention, limiting replicability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Baduanjin qigong?▼
Baduanjin is a traditional Chinese mind-body exercise consisting of eight gentle movements, often performed seated or standing, that combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and focused attention.
How many participants are in this trial?▼
The trial plans to enroll 1062 pregnant women across 11 institutions in China.
What is the primary outcome measured?▼
The primary outcome is the rate of caesarean section.
Is this study already completed?▼
No, this is a protocol paper describing the planned trial design; results are not yet available.
References
- 1.Wang F, Zeng W, Zhou T, Yun F, Li X, Li Y, Li H, Huang Y, Yu D, Guo S, Liu X, Hu C, Zhou J, Fan L, Ma L, Yu G, Xie D, Xu X, Qu F. “The adjunctive effect of a qigong (Baduanjin) intervention program on maternal and child health outcomes: a multicenter randomized controlled trial protocol..” BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 2026. PMID: 41629834 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-026-08714-0