Baduanjin Qigong Improves Balance, Leg Strength, and Mobility in Individuals With Chronic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Background Effective and sustainable exercise training methods for improving balance poststroke are needed. Objective To evaluate the effect of Baduanjin Qigong for improving balance after stroke. Methods This was a single-blinded randomized controlled study in which only the assessor was blinded. Fifty-eight people with chronic stroke (mean age: 62.5 ± 11.8 years) were randomly assigned to the experimental (n = 29) or control group (n = 29). The experimental group underwent 8 weeks of supervised Baduanjin training (3 sessions per week). This was followed by home-based practice of the same exercises 3 days a week for another 8 weeks. The control group underwent 2 sessions of supervised conventional fitness training in the first week, followed by home-based exercise practice 3 days a week until the end of week 16. All outcomes were measured at baseline, week 8, and week 16. Results Significantly greater improvements in the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest), composite equilibrium score (Sensory Organization Test), 5 Times Sit to Stand, and Timed Up and Go test were detected at week 8 in the experimental group than in the control group ( P < .017). Further improvement in the Mini-BESTest was observed from week 8 to 16 in the experimental group ( P < .001). Other outcomes (Limit of Stability, Fall-Efficacy Scale, Modified Barthel Index, Stroke-Specific Quality of Life) showed no significant results. Conclusion Baduanjin is effective in improving balance, leg strength, and mobility and is a safe and sustainable form of home-based exercise for people with chronic stroke.

Yijinjing Qigong intervention shows strong evidence on clinical effectiveness and electroencephalography signal features for early poststroke depression: A randomized, controlled trial

“…Previous studies on the rehabilitation of patients after stroke patients through traditional Chinese exercise have shown that they can enhance the ability of patients to control their trunk as well as leg strength and mobility. Traditional Chinese exercise can also improve the function of respiratory muscles and significantly improve patients’ cognition and quality of life ( Zhang et al, 2016 ; Yuen et al, 2021 ). Meanwhile, in another study on poststroke mind–body problems, acupuncture combined with YYJQE revealed superior improvement effects on the motor function scores and self-rated depression scale scores.…”

The effects of Baduanjin exercise vs. brisk walking on physical fitness and cognition in middle-aged patients with schizophrenia: A randomized controlled trial

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Effects of teach-back health education (TBHE) based on WeChat mini-programs in preventing falls at home for urban older adults in China: a randomized controlled trial

“…Considering the Baduanjin or Eight-Section Brocades as an example, it consists of eight individual movements and is one of the traditional Chinese Qigong exercise therapies characterized by symmetrical body postures and movements, breathing control, a meditative state of mind, and mental focus [ 25 ]. Baduanjin could effectively improve balance, leg muscle strength, mobility, and fall prevention [ 26 ]. The TBHE intervention process was as follows: (a) The gaps in theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the fall-related lifestyle of older adults was assessed.…”