Traditional Chinese sports intervene in sarcopenia and its complications in the elderly: a meta-analysis on improving muscle strength, mass, and physical function

• Traditional Chinese sports significantly improve muscle strength, mass, and physical function in elderly patients with sarcopenia and its complications. • Yijinjing is most effective for enhancing handgrip strength and sit-to-stand test performance, while Baduanjin is optimal for improving appendicular skeletal muscle mass index and timed up-and-go test performance. • Tai Chi and Baduanjin both significantly improve gait speed, with specific intervention parameters. • Personalized exercise prescriptions based on target outcomes are recommended for clinical practice.