Effects of Mind-Body Exercise on Body Constitution and Circadian Rhythm in People with Suboptimal Health Status

Sep 29, 2026

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Suboptimal health status (SHS) is a transitional condition between health and disease marked by reduced vitality, physiological function, and adaptability, often with nonspecific symptoms that are not detected in routine hospital exams. SHS is associated with traditional Chinese medicine constitutions and higher risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, while circadian rhythm may serve as a health biomarker. This randomized controlled trial tested 12-week Baduanjin training on constitution and circadian rhythm outcomes.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time23 min

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Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

J Chin MedAssoc Original article Effects of mind-body exercise on body constitution and circadian rhythm in people with suboptimal health status Yen-Ying Kunga,b,* , Yuh-Chiang Shenc, Jia-Yi Lid, Yao-Kai Kaoe,f, Terry B. J. Kuoe,g,h, Cheryl C. H. Yange,g,h,i aInstitute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; bCenter for Traditional Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; cNational Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; dDepartment of Health and Leisure Management, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, Hsinchu, Taiwan, ROC; eInstitute of Brain Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; fYou Dong Chinese Medicine Clinic, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; gTsaotun Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Nantou, Taiwan, ROC; hSleep Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; iDepartment of Education and Research, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC Abstract Background: Suboptimal health status (SHS) is a dynamic state in which people have not been diagnosed with a disease but tend to develop diseases. People with SHS are more prone to conditions such as cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Suitable interventions in people with SHS can prevent disease development. SHS is correlated with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)-based constitutions, including Yang-Xu (yang deficiency), Yin-Xu (yin deficiency), and stasis types. The circadian rhythm is a potential biomarker of health and metabolism. Baduanjin exercise, a kind of mind-body exercise, has been regarded to adjust body constitution and metabolism, but few studies have evaluated the effects of Baduanjin exercise on body constitution and circadian rhythms. Therefore, this randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of Baduanjin exercise on body constitution and circadian rhythms in people with SHS. Methods: Seventy-six participants with SHS were divided into the Baduanjin exercise and control groups (watching a Baduanjin video), with the interventions lasting 12 weeks. The Body Constitution Questionnaire (BCQ), SHS Questionnaire-25 (SHSQ-25), and actigraphy for circadian rhythm measurement were conducted. Results: The scores of SHSQ-25, Yang-Xu, Yin-Xu, and BCQ stasis decreased significantly after 12 weeks in the Baduanjin exercise group, but not in the control group. Interdaily stability of the circadian rhythm increased significantly in the Baduanjin exercise group but not in the control group. Conclusion: This is the first report of improved health status, modulated body constitution, and increased interdaily stability of the circadian rhythm in participants with SHS who practiced Baduanjin exercise. Keywords: Baduanjin exercise; Circadian rhythm; Constitution; Mind-body exercise; Suboptimal health status 1. INTRODUCTION Suboptimal health status (SHS) is an intermediate status between being healthy and unhealthy. SHS is characterized by a decline in vitality, physiological function, and capacity for adaptation, which are undetectable during hospital examinations. 1,2 People with SHS often exhibit nonspecific symptoms, such as fatigue, chest tightness, insomnia, irritability or short * Address correspondence. Dr. Yen-Ying Kung, Center for Traditional Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, 201, Section 2, Shi-Pai Road, Taipei 112, Taiwan, [ROC. E-mail address: yykung@vghtpe.gov.tw](ROC. E-mail address: yykung@vghtpe.gov.tw) (Y.-Y. Kung). Author contributions: Dr. Yen-Ying Kung and Dr. Yuh-Chiang Shen contributed equally first authors. Conflicts of interest: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest related to the subject matter or materials discussed in this article. Journal of Chinese Medical Association. (2024) 87: 94-102. Received August 11, 2023; accepted September 23, 2023. doi: 10. 1097/JCMA.0000000000

FAQs

What is suboptimal health status (SHS) in this study?

SHS is an intermediate, dynamic state where individuals have not been diagnosed with disease but tend to develop it, showing declines in vitality, physiological function, and adaptation capacity.

How was Baduanjin exercise evaluated in participants with SHS?

Seventy-six participants were assigned to a Baduanjin exercise group or a control group watching a Baduanjin video, with interventions lasting 12 weeks and outcomes assessed using questionnaires and actigraphy.

What effects did Baduanjin exercise have on body constitution and circadian rhythm?

After 12 weeks, SHSQ-25 scores and constitution-related measures (Yang-Xu, Yin-Xu, and stasis types) decreased significantly in the exercise group but not in controls. Interdaily stability of circadian rhythm increased significantly in the exercise group but not in the control group.

Sep 29, 2026

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