Effectiveness of Yijinjing on cognitive functions in post-stroke patients with mild cognitive impairment: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background Statistics show that every year, 5.4 million people in the world suffer a stroke. Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is one of the most common complications after stroke with a rate of 75%, which leads to decreased functions for independent living and reduced quality of life (QOL). Exercise training has been reported to be useful to improve the cognitive functions of post-stroke patients. Yijinjing, a traditional Chinese Qigong exercise characterized by an integration of mind and body in moderate exercise intensity, can improve cognitive functions of PSCI patients. This study aims to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of the Yijinjing exercise in this regard. Methods A single-blind, superiority, randomized controlled trial will be employed with evaluations at 3 and 6 months. Seventy-two PSCI patients will be recruited and randomly assigned to the Yijinjing exercise intervention group or the control group (1:1). Participants in the control group will receive routine rehabilitation therapies, including occupational therapy, physical therapy, acupuncture therapy, and health education 5 times a week for 3 months. The intervention group will receive a 12-week routine rehabilitation therapy combined with the Yijinjing exercise intervention for 40 min each session and 3 sessions a week. The primary outcome of cognition will be measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale (MoCA). Secondary outcomes include executive function, memory function, visuospatial function, sleep quality, gait and motor function, activity of daily living (ADL), and quality of life (QOL). Discussion Current evidence has reported the effectiveness of traditional Chinese exercise in improving the post-stroke population’s motor functions. This research is a randomized controlled trial that evaluates traditional Chinese exercise’s effectiveness for PSCI patients. It is expected to expand the traditional Chinese exercise scope and provide a new treatment approach for stroke populations with cognitive impairments. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900026532. Registered on 13 October 2019.

The Effect of Yijinjing on the Cognitive Function of Patients With Chronic Schizophrenia

“…Previous studies have shown that Yijinjing can improve anxiety, depression, and sleep quality for college students ( 22 ). A recent clinical trial intended to use Yijinjing to improve the cognitive impairment in post-stroke patients; however, the result is still in progress ( 20 ). To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to introduce Yijinjing to schizophrenia patients, and we found that the integration of Yijinjing exercise and conventional treatment for schizophrenia can improve negative symptoms and cognitive function in patients with chronic schizophrenia.…”

“…In the static exercise, the coach led the patients into a meditative state and taking abdominal breathing accompanied by soothing music. The whole set of Yijinjing exercises consisted of 12 postures and was described previously by Xue et al ( 20 ). In the Yijinjing exercise, the patients followed the teaching video, the coach instructed all postures to every participant in the same sequence throughout the trial, and each posture was asked to be as standard as possible based on their ability.…”

The efficacy and safety of Yijinjing exercise in the adjuvant treatment of ankylosing spondylitis

“…It harmonizes Yin and Yang, connects the body and mind, and can regulate psychological stress while improving physical discomfort. [ 13 ] In practical operation, it is easy to learn and not limited by time and space. As a kind of moderate intensity exercise, it has no complex body movements and is easy to accept for most AS patients.…”

“…The Yijinjing exercise emphasize the combination of symmetrical physical postures, meditative mind, and breathing techniques in a harmonious manner. [ 13 ] In China, Yijinjing, like Tai Chi, is believed to regulate the balance of Yin and Yang, dredge qi and blood, and prolong life. At present, it has been used in the treatment of osteoarthritis, skeletal muscle balance disorder, and other diseases.…”

Effects of robot-assisted therapy on upper limb and cognitive function in patients with stroke: study protocol of a randomized controlled study

“…Motor and cognitive dysfunction are common complications among stroke patients following stroke and they often coexist [ 6 ]. Approximately 65% of post-stroke patients live with upper limb dysfunction [ 3 ] and up to 75% exhibit cognitive impairment [ 7 – 9 ]. The prevalence of concurrent impairment ranges from 10 to 23% [ 10 ].…”