A community-based Daoyin program for health promotion: effects of the Qi and mind harmonizing method on body constitution for the health of older adults

Introduction This study assessed the potential of the Qi and Mind Harmonizing Method—a traditional Daoyin practice—as a community-based mind–body intervention to improve body constitution, cardiovascular function, sleep, and psychological wellbeing in older adults. Methods An 8-week pre-post intervention trial was conducted at community centers. Daily practice was combined with weekly 60-min group sessions. Primary outcomes included changes in body constitution. Secondary outcomes included regional body constitution scores, brachial artery blood pressure, PSQI, HRV indicators, and BSRS-5. Results After 8 weeks, 90 participants showed significant improvements in body constitution: Yang deficiency (−1.9, p = 0.002), Yin deficiency (−2.3, p < 0.001), and phlegm stasis (−2.2, p < 0.001). Improvements were observed in various body regions. Systolic pressure (−3.6 mmHg, p = 0.015), mean arterial pressure (−1.9 mmHg, p = 0.046), and pulse pressure (−2.4 mmHg, p = 0.037) decreased. Sleep quality improved (PSQI −1, p = 0.002). HRV analysis showed reduced LF, LF (%), and LF/HF ratio ( p = 0.018–0.022), and increased HF (%) ( p = 0.028). BSRS-5 scores improved from 3.9 to 3.2 ( p = 0.009), indicating better psychological wellbeing. Discussion The results may provide preliminary support for considering the integration of Daoyin into scalable public health approaches to healthy aging. Clinical trial registration Funded by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan, Republic of China; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03640169. Registered on July 20, 2018.