A Randomized Controlled Study of the Effects of Baduanjin Exercise on Static Balance, Lower Limb Proprioception and Flexibility in Middle-aged and Elderly People

  • Xiangchao Li

Abstract

Objective: We designed a strict randomized controlled trial to systematically evaluate the effects of Baduanjin exercise, a kind of Chinese health qigong, on the balance function, lower limb proprioception, flexibility and cardiopulmonary function in middle-aged and elderly people. We expect to obtain objective and effective evidence to promote Baduanjin exercise. Methods: 120 volunteers, all from Huai’an, Jiangsu Province, were randomly allocated to the control group and the Baduanjin exercise training group in a 1:1 ratio. The Baduanjin exercise training group were instructed by experienced Baduanjin coaches for 20 weeks, 5 times a week, for 1 hour a day. Participants in the control group were informed to maintain their original lifestyle. Both the intervention period and the follow-up period lasted 20 weeks. Primary outcome indicators include balance function, lower limb proprioception function, flexibility, while secondary outcome include vital capacity, step test, blood pressure, cardiopulmonary function. All outcomes were evaluated at baseline, at the end of intervention, and at the end of follow-up, repectively. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed for the above outcomes. Results: 1.Of the 4 parameters for balance function, length of the track both in opened and closed eyes mode was improved apparently. There was a statistically significant (p value=0.0451, 0.007, respectively) difference post-intervention between the two groups. At the end of the follow-up, the significant (p value=0.002) difference of the length of the track in closed eyes mode between the two groups was still present. As for other parameters, no significant difference was observed at the end of the intervention or the follow-up. 2.For two parameters of right lower limb proprioception function (right lower limb ATE), no significant (p value=0.579,0.980, respectively) difference was observed between the Baduanjin training group and the control group during the intervention and follow-up period. For two parameters of left lower limb proprioception function (left lower limb ATE), no significant (p value=0.561, 0.567, respectively) difference was observed between the Baduanjin training group and the control group at the end of the intervention or the follow-up. 3.The flexibility in the Baduanjin training group was improved apparently. There was a significant (p value=0.039) difference between two groups after the 20-week intervention. No significant (p value=0.296) difference was observed between the Baduanjin training group and the control group at the end of the follow-up. 4. For step test, no significant (p value=0.655, 586, respectively) difference was observed between the Baduanjin training group and the control group at the end of the intervention or the follow-up. 5. For vital capacity, no significant (p value=0.531, 0.835, respectively) difference was observed between the Baduanjin training group and the control group at the end of the intervention or the follow-up. 6.For systolic blood pressure, no significant (p value=0.861,0.787, respectively) difference was observed between the Baduanjin training group and the control group at the end of the intervention or the follow-up. For diastolic blood pressure, no significant (p value=0.825, 0.413, respectively) difference was observed between the Baduanjin training group and the control group at the end of the intervention or the follow-up. For heart rate, no significant (p value=0.358, 0.798, respectively) difference was observed between the Baduanjin training group and the control group at the end of the intervention or the follow-up. Conclusion: 1.Baduanjin exercise training was beneficial for improving the balance function and flexibility of middle-aged and elderly people. 2. There was no significant difference on lower limb proprioception and cardiopulmonary function (including step test, vital capacity, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate) between the two groups at the end of intervention or the follow-up. 3.No adverse events were reported during the study period. Baduanjin exercise is safe and reliable.

Published
2020-07-31
How to Cite
Xiangchao Li. (2020). A Randomized Controlled Study of the Effects of Baduanjin Exercise on Static Balance, Lower Limb Proprioception and Flexibility in Middle-aged and Elderly People. Design Engineering, 886 - 900. https://doi.org/10.17762/de.vi.581
Section
Articles