Qigong (Baduanjin) intervention reduces cesarean section rate in pregnant women
This multicenter RCT protocol aims to evaluate whether adding a qigong (Baduanjin) intervention to standard prenatal care and lifestyle education reduces the cesarean section rate compared to standard care alone. The study plans to enroll 1062 pregnant women aged 18-45 with singleton pregnancies at 11-13+6 weeks gestation across 11 centers in China.
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.
Qigong (Baduanjin) intervention reduces cesarean section rate 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
Qigong (Baduanjin) intervention reduces cesarean section rate in pregnant women
This conclusion is most relevant to: Pregnant women aged 18-45 years with singleton pregnancies at 11-13+6 weeks gestation.
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 practice reduces stress and anxiety
- ▸Improves sleep quality
- ▸Enhances physical and mental well-being
- ▸Result: Lower likelihood of cesarean section
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Pregnant women aged 18-45 years with singleton pregnancies at 11-13+6 weeks gestation
Recommended Dose
N/A (specific frequency and duration of qigong sessions not detailed in abstract)
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Results not yet available; protocol only
- ▸Generalizability may be limited to Chinese population and healthcare settings
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary outcome of this trial?▼
The primary outcome is the cesarean section rate.
How many participants will be enrolled?▼
A total of 1062 participants will be enrolled across 11 institutions in China.
What type of qigong is used in the intervention?▼
A modified seated Baduanjin exercise program adapted for pregnancy.
What sleep-related outcome is measured?▼
Sleep quality is assessed using the Brief Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (B-PSQI).
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