The Safety of Baduanjin Exercise: A Systematic Review

Review of Baduanjin and resistance exercise for the mental health of patients with hematologic malignancies

Patients with hematological tumors experience physical and psychological stress, and negative psychological states. Baduanjin, an emerging psychological rehabilitation method combined with resistance exercise, has received widespread attention. This study reviews the current status of the application of Baduanjin combined with resistance exercise in improving the negative psychological state of patients with hematological tumors and discusses its problems and prospects. Through a literature review and comprehensive analysis, the application of Baduanjin and resistance exercise in the psychological rehabilitation of patients with hematological tumors was identified and evaluated. The results showed that Baduanjin with resistance exercise had a positive effect on improving negative psychological states of patients with hematological tumors, which can alleviate anxiety, depression, and other adverse emotions, and improve quality of life. However, there is a lack of unified and standardized exercise intervention programs for practical application, and patient participation and compliance must be improved. Baduanjin combined with resistance exercise can potentially improve the negative psychological status of patients with hematological tumors; however, it is still necessary to further standardize and improve the exercise program improving patient participation and compliance. Future studies should strengthen theoretical exploration and empirical research, providing more effective psychological rehabilitation strategies for patients with hematological tumors.

Efficacy of Qigong Baduanjin on nutritional status and quality of life in patients on haemodialysis: study protocol for a prospective randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Haemodialysis (HD) patients usually engage in a low level of physical activities, which could impact the prognosis and mortality of this group. Fitness Qigong Baduanjin, a physical exercise from traditional Chinese Medicine, is known to have benefit in chronic heart failure patients and peritoneal dialysis patients. However, researches about Baduanjin in HD patients are currently limited. So, the aim of the study is to investigate the current exercise intensity of HD patients and its influencing factors, and to explore the effects of Baduanjin on HD patients.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This prospective, non-blinded, randomised controlled trial will enrol patients with end-stage kidney disease who were stable on HD for more than 3 months. All eligible participants will be randomly divided into the intervention group undergoing Baduanjin and the control group without Baduanjin in a 1:1 ratio. The intervention group is required to perform Baduanjin two times per day, starting 30 min after breakfast and dinner, 45 min per session for a total of a 6 month, starting from 10 June 2024. Information such as laboratory biochemical examination indicators, radiological examination results and related scales and questionnaires will be collected at baseline, 1 month follow-up, 3 month follow-up and 6 month follow-up. All statistical tests are conducted through the two-tailed test, and a p-value≤0.05 will be considered statistically significant for the difference being tested. The description of quantitative indicators will be used in calculating the number of cases, mean, SD, median and IQR method. The classification indicators will be used to describe the number of cases and percentages (frequency and frequency rate).

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (V20230521). The results will be reported in a peer-reviewed journal and a relevant academic conference.

TRAIL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR2300074659.

Efficacy of Baduanjin for obesity and overweight: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), there is a significant public health issue regarding the increasing number of individuals affected by obesity and overweight on an annual basis. Therefore, it is imperative to urgently identify interventions that can effectively control and improve this condition. Baduanjin, as a medium-intensity exercise, appears a suitable approach for weight reduction among individuals with obesity. This paper aimed to provide a systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of Baduanjin in addressing obesity and overweight, with the ultimate goal of assisting individuals with obesity in finding an effective, safe, and engaging method for weight reduction.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search of multiple databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, The China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), The Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), The Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), and WanFang Database to identify relevant articles published from the inception of each database until September 2023. Specifically, we focused on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of Baduanjin on weight reduction. Data from these studies were extracted and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. In cases where there was no significant heterogeneity (I 2 < 50%, p > 0.1), we employed a fixed effects model for data synthesis; otherwise, a random effects model was selected. Funnel plots were used to assess publication bias, and the mean difference (MD) was reported as an indicator of treatment group differences.

Results

A total of 420 participants were included in 10 studies. The MD results of the experimental group when compared with the control group were -3.69 (95%CI = -4.97 to -2.40, p < 0.001) for body weight (BW), -5.42 (95%CI = -6.56 to -4.28, p < 0.001) for body mass index (BMI), -1.36 (95%CI = -1.76 to -0.96, p < 0.001) for waist circumference (WC), -3.40 (95%CI = -4.43 to -2.37, p < 0.001) for hip circumference (HC), and -0.03 (95%CI = -0.04 to -0.02, p > 0.1) for the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). All of the values in the experimental group showed significant difference. The results of the Egger's test (t = 1.43, p = 0.190) suggest that there was no substantial bias present within the data analysis process. The safety profile revealed no adverse events reported across all 10 studies.

Conclusion

Baduanjin could be effective in reducing weight, and the practice of Baduanjin has the potential to regulate BW, BMI, WC, HC, and WHR. However, further well-designed RCTs are still necessary to provide more robust evidence in the future.

Systematic review registration

http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42024513789.

Effects of Baduanjin practice on emotional, attention and cognitive function in acupuncturists: protocol for a clinical randomized controlled neuroimaging trial

Background

In Chinese medicine, the mental focus and emotional stability of acupuncturists are key to optimal clinical outcomes. Many renowned acupuncturists utilize Traditional Chinese Qigong practices to enhance their concentration and emotional regulation abilities. Nevertheless, the existing literature lacks comprehensive evidence addressing this matter.

Methods

This study will enroll 99 acupuncturists and randomly allocate them to one of three groups: Baduanjin, aerobic exercise, or a waiting-list control. The Baduanjin group will undertake 24 weeks of training, with three one-hour sessions weekly. The aerobic group will engage in brisk walking for the same duration and frequency. The control group will not receive any specific training. Assessments of emotion regulation, attention, cognitive functions, finger sensation, and athletic ability will be conducted at baseline (-1 week), mid-intervention (12 weeks), and post-intervention (24 weeks). Additionally, 20 participants from each group will undergo fMRI scans before and after the intervention to explore brain functional and structural changes relating to emotion, attention, cognition, motor skills, and sensory perception.

Discussion

This study aims to contribute valuable insights into the effectiveness of Qigong practice, specifically Baduanjin, in enhancing emotional regulation, attention, and cognitive functions in acupuncturists and to investigate the neuroimaging mechanisms behind these effects.

Ethics and dissemination

Approved by the Sichuan Regional Ethics Review Committee on Traditional Chinese Medicine (No. 2023KL - 118) and adhering to the Declaration of Helsinki. Results will be shared through policy briefs, workshops, peer-reviewed journals, and conferences.Clinical trial registrationwww.chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR2300076447.

Effect of Baduanjin exercise on executive function in older adults with cognitive frailty: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effectiveness of Baduanjin exercise on executive function in community-dwelling older adults with cognitive frailty.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Community residential centers.

SUBJECTS

120 eligible older adults.

INTERVENTIONS

Baduanjin training group received supervised Baduanjin training, 60 min sessions three times per week for 24 weeks. The control group did not receive any exercise intervention.

MAIN MEASURES

Primary outcome was executive function, assessed using Clock Drawing Test. Secondary outcomes included the subcomponents of executive function (working memory, inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility), attention and cognitive frailty (global cognitive function, physical frailty) assessed using Verbal Fluency Test, Trail Making Test-A/B, Stroop Test, Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Edmonton Frailty Scale, respectively, at baseline and 24 weeks after intervention.

RESULTS

After the 24-week intervention, the scores of Clock Drawing Test and Verbal Fluency Test, the Trail Making Test-B time and the Card correct numbers of Stroop Test in Baduanjin training group showed significant improvement compared with control group (all P < 0.05) with small to moderate effect sizes and the significant interaction effect of group by time in the Clock Drawing Test and Trail Making Test-B test (P = 0.003 and P = 0.043); cognitive frailty variables, including Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Edmonton Frail Scale scores, also showed significant improvement (P = 0.002 and P = 0.004) with a moderate effect sizes and a significant interaction effect (P < 0.001, P = 0.013). No adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSION

Regular Baduanjin training may be an effective and safe intervention to improve cognitive frailty and executive function in community-dwelling older adults with cognitive frailty.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2100050857. Data of registration: 8/5/2020, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj = 133037.

Facilitators and barriers of attending BaDuanJin experienced by breast cancer survivors during chemotherapy

PURPOSE

This study aimed to identify facilitators and barriers to adherence to a Baduanjin program experienced by breast cancer survivors (BCSs) during chemotherapy.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews with 10 BCSs in an interprofessional BaDuanJin program were conducted to understand their experiences, including the facilitators and barriers concerning exercise. Content analysis was performed following the behaviour change wheel (BCW).

RESULTS

The following five domains emerged from the analysis: 1) Capacity: Recovery of upper limb function, symptom relief, and emotional release are facilitators; periodic treatment and related symptoms and negative emotions are barriers; 2) Motivation: Reflection on health, positive belief, and weight control are facilitators; a doubtful attitude is a barrier; 3) Opportunity: Recuperating at home is a facilitator; 4) Intervention: Facilitators include simple and gentle exercise at home, comprehensive tutoring by an interprofessional team, treating exercise as a task occurring at a fixed time, and peer support. The hindrances are work and home duties prior to exercise and a lack of group activities; and 5) Policy: Social media promotion and less support from physicians are facilitators and barriers, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Identifying facilitators and barriers leads to improved support from health professionals, which is required to provide effective strategies to increase adherence to BaDuanJin exercise.

Baduanjin is Better Balance Training Compared to Walking: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Center of Gravity Trajectories

BACKGROUND

 It has already been demonstrated by previous studies that Baduanjin training can improve the body's balance. However, its biomechanical mechanism remains unknown. Center of gravity (COG) trajectory analysis is an essential biomechanical test to explore the balance ability of the human body. Previous studies have not used the COG trajectory analysis technique to research Baduanjin training. The study utilizes COG trajectory analysis to analyze the trajectory of COG during Baduanjin training and compare it with that of walking, which is a common exercise for improving balance and aerobic ability, to determine if Baduanjin exercises affect the COG more than walking.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 Eight healthy female college students performed the walking and the eight forms of Baduanjin, a total of nine motions. The lower body kinematics were captured by the Vicon Motion Capture and Analysis System, while the kinetic data were acquired by the Kistler 3D Force Platform. The data were imported into Visual 3D to process the trajectory of the COG displacement amplitude, velocity, and acceleration of each motion. The COG horizontal envelope areas were calculated by Origin 9.0 Software (Origin Lab, Northampton, Massachusetts, USA) .

RESULTS

Specific motions of Baduanjin provided significantly higher COG displacement amplitude, velocities, and acceleration training than walking. The F2 and F5 motions could provide a larger COG horizontal envelope area than walking. On the x-axis, F2 provided a greater COG displacement amplitude than walking, F1, F2, and F5 provided greater velocities, while all the motions provided greater accelerations. On the y-axis, all the motions except F2 provided greater COG displacement velocities and accelerations than walking. On the z-axis, F1-7 provided a greater COG displacement amplitude than walking, all the motions provided greater velocities, while all the motions except F2 provided greater accelerations.

CONCLUSION

Baduanjin training provides a more intense COG perturbation than walking, which may be a more challenging balance training than walking.

Baduanjin Mind-Body Exercise for Cancer-Related Fatigue: Protocol for a Remotely Delivered Randomized Wait-List Controlled Feasibility Study

BACKGROUND

People living with a cancer diagnosis often experience cancer-related fatigue (CRF). Between 9% and 45% of people report CRF as moderate to severe, negatively impacting their quality-of-life (QOL). The evidence-base for managing CRF recommends exercise-related therapies over pharmaceutical interventions. One such exercise-like therapy is Baduanjin mind-body exercise (MBE), which has additional benefits. A remotely delivered program may further benefit people with CRF. The primary objective of this pilot will test study feasibility of a remotely delivered Baduanjin MBE exercise program for people living with CRF.

METHODS

This is a randomized wait-list controlled pilot study and will take place in Sydney, Australia. Subject to informed consent, 40 adults with moderate CRF levels and receiving or previously received adjuvant chemotherapy, will undertake a home-based 8-week Baduanjin MBE program supported by online resources and instructors. The primary feasibility outcomes are recruitment, enrollment, retention, and adherence rates; and safety as measured by tolerance and adverse-event frequency. Clinical outcomes (eg, changes in CRF, QOL, and participant perceptions) are assessed at pre-intervention, week 1, week 4, week 8, and post-intervention. Analyses follows the Intent-to-Treat (all participants as per randomization) and per-protocol (participants adhering to the protocol). Missing data will be imputed from previous data entries and regression models may be tested to predict missing outcomes.

DISCUSSION

To our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating the feasibility and effects of Baduanjin MBE on CRF using a remote delivery method. These feasibility data will inform a fully powered future trial investigating evidence of effect on CRF and QOL.Trial registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR 12623000177651).Ringgold ID: 651498 Chinese Medicine Centre.

The effect of Baduanjin exercise on the physical and mental health of college students: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Around the world, college students physical and mental health is deteriorating. Finding practical ways to enhance college students health is crucial. One of the traditional Chinese Qigong exercises is Baduanjin, which is possibly one of the most efficient workout techniques out there. However, it is unknown how Baduanjin practice may affect college students health. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Qigong Baduanjin on the physical and mental health of female college freshmen.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 78 female college students were recruited and randomly divided into Baduanjin group or control group. Participants in the control group were told to keep their original habits of life and exercise. The Baduanjin exercise group received 12 weeks of Baduanjin exercise, 3 days a week and 1 hour a day. After the 12 week randomized controlled trial, the physical and mental health indexes of female students in Baduanjin group and control group were evaluated, including physical shape, physical function, physical fitness and scl-90 self-assessment scale.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, at the end of the 12 week intervention, the weight, body mass index, diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, somatization score, obsessive-compulsive disorder score, interpersonal sensitivity score, depression score, anxiety score and phobic anxiety score of Baduanjin group decreased significantly. Compared with the control group, the vital capacity, vital capacity index, Stand test, Genchi test, Stand on 1 leg with closed eyes, standing bends and squats of the Baduanjin group have been significantly improved.

CONCLUSION

Compared with usual activities, Qigong Baduanjin exercise has advantages in improving female college students body shape (weight and body mass index), cardiovascular and respiratory lung function, flexibility, balance ability, muscle endurance and mental health.

Effects of Baduanjin exercise on the physical function of middle-aged and elderly people: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Chinese mind-body exercise-Baduanjin has received increasing attention for health promotion among middle-aged and older adults in China, but there is a lack of high-quality evidence on its effectiveness. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the effects of Baduanjin on physical function in middle-aged and older adults.

METHODS

Seven electronic databases were searched for articles published before 22 June 2021 with the keywords Baduanjin exercise combined with physical-function-related outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed in the included studies, and data were analyzed using Review Manager software V5.3.

RESULTS

Fifteen articles, including 14 randomized controlled trials, were included in this study. The results of the meta-analysis showed that Baduanjin significantly improved muscle strength (grip strength: SMD = 0.63, 95% CI 0.22 to 1.04, p = 0.003), balance ability (timed up-and-go test score: MD = -2.21, 95% CI -3.91 to -0.51, p = 0.01; one-leg stand test score: MD = 3.75, 95% CI 1.96 to 5.55, p < 0.0001; Berg balance scale score: MD = 4.16, 95% CI 2.49 to 5.83, p < 0.00001; strengthening Romberg's test result: SMD = 1.02, 95% CI 0.17 to 1.86, p = 0.02); and cardiorespiratory fitness (diastolic blood pressure: MD = -3.62, 95% CI -3.95 to -3.30, p < 0.00001; resting heart rate: MD = -1.30, 95% CI -1.57 to -1.03, p < 0.00001; step test: MD = 4.25, 95% CI 0.76 to 7.74, p = 0.02). No adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Baduanjin exercise may be an effective intervention to improve physical function in the middle-aged and elderly population. However, more RCTs with larger sample sizes and more rigorous research designs are needed in the future to confirm the results.

Effectiveness of mind-body exercise via Baduanjin on physical and psychological outcomes in patients with pulmonary ground-glass nodules: A non-randomized controlled pilot study

BACKGROUND

With the increasing incidence and mortality of lung cancer, ground-glass nodules (GGNs) have become an ongoing public health concern. In clinical practice, the physical and psychological distress of GGN patients is easy to overlook during the follow-up after diagnosis. Such patients typically have limited medical options and few of these options involve mind-body exercises.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the effectiveness of the mind-body exercise Baduanjin on physical and psychological outcomes among GGN patients.

DESIGN

We conducted a prospective, non-randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03420885).

SETTING

This trial was conducted at three medical sites, both located in Shanghai, China, between April 2017 and January 2020.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with GGN.

INTERVENTION

Sixty GGN participants were divided into a health education control group only receiving health education (n = 30) and a Baduanjin intervention group receiving health education plus a Baduanjin training program (n = 30). Both groups were treated for 16 weeks.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Outcomes were assessed at baseline and week 16. The primary outcomes included pulmonary function (FVC, FVC%, FEV₁, FEV₁/FVC, PEF) and psychological condition (SAS score, SDS score). The secondary outcome was quality of life (SF-36).

RESULTS

Compared with the health education control group, the Baduanjin intervention group had significant improvements in pulmonary function (FVC, FVC%, FEV₁), psychological outcomes (SAS score, SDS score), and quality of life (SF-36). The significant differences in pre-intervention and post-intervention between groups were as follows: FVC (MD = 0.21, 95%CI: 0.10 to 0.33, P = 0), FVC% (MD = 6.90, 95%CI: 3.10 to 10.70, P = 0.001), FEV₁ (MD = 0.18, 95%CI: 0.07 to 0.29, P = 0.001); SAS score (MD = -4.90, 95%CI: -8.28 to -1.52, P = 0.005), SDS score (MD = -5.83, 95%CI: -9.46 to -2.21, P = 0.002); physical component summary (PCS) of SF-36 (MD = 5.03, 95%CI: 2.54 to 7.51, P = 0), mental component summary (MCS) of SF-36 (MD = 5.78, 95%CI: 2.64 to 8.92, P = 0.001). Linear regression analysis was performed to study the influence of confounder variables on the improvements of primary outcomes, and no significant change was found. Moreover, Pearson correlation coefficient analysis demonstrated that ameliorations in lung function (FVC, FVC%, FEV₁, FEV₁/FVC, and PEF) were significantly associated with a decrease in anxious symptoms and depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSION

GGN patients in the Baduanjin intervention group showed greater benefits in pulmonary function and psychological outcomes than those in the health education control group, and the effectiveness was stable. The findings support Baduanjin as an effective, safe, enjoyable, and promising complementary intervention for management of GGN in patients with physical and psychological distress.

Remotely monitored Baduanjin exercise in moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients (BROCADE): A study protocol

BACKGROUND

Baduanjin is a traditional Chinese exercise regimen used to treat various chronic illnesses and is associated with both psychological and physical benefits. However, its benefits for patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are unclear. This study aims to assess the efficacy, safety, and underlying mechanisms of Baduanjin exercise in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD (BROCADE) by remote monitoring.

METHODS

This study protocol describes a multicenter, open-label, prospective randomized computed tomography. A total of 150 individuals who meet the inclusion criteria after the screening and consent processes will take part in the study. All participants will be provided routine medication and lifestyle interventions. They will be randomly assigned to a control group, a classical pulmonary rehabilitation group, or a Baduanjin group, which will undergo remotely monitored Baduanjin exercises for a cumulative duration of 1 hour per day, three times per week for 12 weeks. The participants will be followed for 24 weeks. The primary outcomes will be a 6-minutes walking distance and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire index. The secondary outcomes will be lung function, cross-sectional area of the pectoralis major and subcutaneous fat, modified Medical Research Council score, COPD assessment test questionnaire results, extremity muscle strength, and quality of life. Any adverse events that may occur will be monitored and recorded.

RESULTS

This study is ongoing and will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication once completed.

CONCLUSION

A novel neutrophil-related inflammatory mechanism will potentially be identified. In addition, the study results will provide a safe, effective, simple and operational Baduanjin exercise protocol for moderate-to-severe COPD patients aimed at improving prognosis and quality of life.

The effect of Baduanjin exercise on health-related physical fitness of college students: A randomized controlled trial

Background

The continuous decline in the physical fitness of college students has become a serious social problem worldwide. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the effective method improving college students' physique. Previous studies have shown that Baduanjin exercise is beneficial in improving sleeping quality, mental health, body flexibility, and body physique. However, the evidence is unclear whether Baduanjin exercise can be recommended as an effective exercise to promote health-related physical fitness of college students.

Methods

A total of 130 college students were recruited and randomly allocated to either the Baduanjin training or the control group at a ratio of 1:1. The students in the Baduanjin training group received a 12-week supervised Baduanjin exercise training intervention with a frequency of 1 h each day and 4 days per week, while those in the control group did not receive any specific exercise intervention and were informed to maintain their original lifestyle for 12 weeks. The outcomes of health-related physical fitness involving measurements of body flexibility, muscular strength, cardiopulmonary fitness, and body endurance were measured at baseline and after the 12-week intervention period. Mixed linear model was used to analyze the effect of the Baduanjin exercise intervention.

Results

Mixed linear model analyses showed that the Baduanjin training group had a significant increase in the composite scores of health-related physical fitness compared to the control group from baseline to 12-week post-intervention with a medium effect size (d = 0.68, P = 0.006). Moreover, there were significant improvements in vital capacity, physical flexibility, 800/1,000 m endurance running, and body composition (measured by body mass index (BMI), fat mass and body fat ratio) at end of 12-week intervention in the Baduanjin training group. No adverse events were observed in this trial.

Conclusion

Regular Baduanjin training may be an effective, safe exercise form to promote the health-related physical fitness of young adults.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-IOR-17013011. http://www.chictr.ogr.cn.

Efficacy of traditional Chinese exercises in patients with post-COVID-19 chronic fatigue syndrome: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Some patients develop long-term symptoms after Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is one of the main symptoms. CFS is characterized by fatigue lasting for more than 6 months accompanied by sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression, which causes a certain degree of harm to both physiological and psychological aspects of the individual. Traditional Chinese exercises (TCEs) are an ancient Chinese therapy and has recently been reported to be effective for CFS. Therefore, we will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis aiming to accurately evaluate the efficacy of TCEs on post-COVID-19 CFS and provide an alternative treatment for post-COVID-19 CFS.

METHODS

Seven databases (PubMed, Ovid Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biology Medicine (CBM), and Wanfang) will be searched from establishment to August 2022, and we will only include randomized controlled trials of TCEs for post-COVID-19 CFS. Two reviews will independently include the research according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Review Manager 5.2 software will be used to analyze the accepted literature, and the relative risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) will be used as effect indicators for the outcome indicator dichotomous variables. For continuous variables, weighted mean difference (MD) and 95% CI will be used as effect indicators. The heterogeneity test will be assessed using the I2 statistic and Q statistic. The PEDro scale was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included studies. Subgroup analysis was performed according to different TCEs, age, gender, and duration of CFS.

RESULTS

This systematic review and meta-analysis will evaluate the efficacy of TCEs in post-COVID-19 CFS.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study will provide reliable evidence for the effects of TCEs for post-COVID-19 CFS on patients' fatigue, anxiety, depression, sleep, and quality of life.

A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of Baduanjin exercise on older adults with sarcopenia in China

Background

Accompanied by the decline of physiological functions, the decrease of physical activity, and comorbidities, older adults are susceptible to sarcopenia because of accelerated loss of muscle mass. Resistance training is recommended by different clinical practice guidelines. However, most older adults have difficulty in taking recommended high-load resistance training programs, and there are limited exercise options form them. Baduanjin, a traditional Chinese mind-body exercise with relatively low intensity and simple movements, has the potential benefits of improving physical functions and may be feasible in treating sarcopenia and preventing its adverse health outcomes in older patients. With the emergence of the concept of gut-muscle axis, this study aims to determine the efficacy of Baduanjin exercise on Chinese older adults with sarcopenia and explore its underlying mechanism.

Methods

This is a 24-week, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Individuals aged 60 to 84 years old will be screened for sarcopenia. 90 participants with sarcopenia will be enrolled and randomly assigned (1:1) into the Baduanjin exercise or resistance training group, and 20 participants without sarcopenia will be set as the non-sarcopenia control group. The primary outcome is the scores of Short Physical Performance Battery. The secondary outcomes are body composition, handgrip strength, walking speed, global cognitive function, and incidence of falls. These outcomes will be assessed at baseline, the 12th week and the 24th week. While stool samples from participants will be collected at baseline and the 24th week for analyzing the abundance of gut microbiome. Data will be analyzed in an intention-to-treat protocol.

Discussion

The results of this study will determine whether Baduanjin exercise can be an alternative non-pharmacological approach for older adults with sarcopenia. If they can show positive significance, it will promote Baduanjin exercise in clinical practice among these patients and inform further research involving exercise interventions on the optimal types, timing, and intensity to ameliorate sarcopenia for elderly people.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry; Registration number: ChiCTR2100051871; Prospectively registered on October 8th, 2021.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-022-03778-9.

Baduanjin exercise for balance function in community-dwelling older adults with cognitive frailty: a randomized controlled trial protocol

Background

Balance function provides a physiological link between the physical and cognitive function, and is a potential predictor for cognitive frailty. As a gentle mind–body exercise, Baduanjin can develop flexibility and co-ordination, thus would be is helpful for the improvement of balance function. This trial will evaluate the effect of Baduanjin on balance function in older adults with CF.

Methods/design

A total of 72 community-dwelling older adults with CF will be recruited and randomly allocated (1:1) into the Baduanjin exercise group or usual physical activity control group. All participants will undergo a health education program on nutrition and diet-related knowledge for 6 sessions (30 min per session) during the intervention period. Moreover, participants in the Baduanjin exercise group will receive a 24-week Baduanjin training course of 60 min per session and 3 sessions per week, while those in the usual physical activity control group will be required to maintain their original physical activity. Primary and secondary outcomes will be measured at baseline and after the 24-week intervention period. A mixed linear model will be constructed to analyse the intervention effects.

Discussion

This protocol presents an objective design of a randomized, single-blind trial that will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese mind–body exercise Baduanjin training on the balance ability of community-dwelling older adults with cognitive frailty. If the results are as expected, this trial will provide evidence of the effect of Baduanjin exercise on balance in an older community-based population.

Trial registration

This trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry with code ChiCTR2100050857 and was approved on 5 September 2021.

An exercise prescription for patients with lung cancer improves the quality of life, depression, and anxiety

Introduction

Lung cancer has the highest rates of morbidity and mortality among all cancers. Patients with lung cancer inevitably confront psychosocial discomforts and progressively experience depression and anxiety that potentially impact the clinical outcomes [e.g., quality of life (QoL)]. These mental disorders in patients with lung cancer may effectively be alleviated with prescribed Chinese traditional mind-body exercises. This study aimed to determine the effect of the exercise prescription containing Chinese traditional mind-body exercise on QoL, depression, and anxiety in patients with lung cancer.

Methods

In this study, 52 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) recruited from the China-Japan Friendship Hospital were divided into two groups, namely, the experimental group (N = 26) and the control group (N = 26). The experimental group was treated with an 8-week exercise prescription containing aerobic and resistance training. The control group received the usual care during the study period. The QoL, depression, and anxiety were separately investigated using EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-LC13, the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) at baseline and post-intervention. The scores of questionnaires were analyzed using the paired sample and independent sample t-tests to explore the intragroup and intergroup differences, respectively.

Results

The EORTC QLQ-C30 scores for physical functioning, role functioning, emotional functioning, and global QoL in the experimental group at post-intervention were significantly higher than those at baseline. The EORTC QLQ-C30 scores for fatigue, pain, dyspnea, and insomnia in the experimental group at post-intervention were significantly lower than those at the baseline. The SDS scores (baseline: 57.74 ± 8.77 vs. post-intervention: 51.42 ± 7.31, p < 0.05) and the SAS scores (baseline: 56.63 ± 9.39 vs. post-intervention: 49.16 ± 7.83, p < 0.05) in the experimental group at post-intervention were significantly lower than those at baseline.

Conclusions

The 8-week exercise prescription containing moderate-intensity Baduanjin (5 days per week) can effectively alleviate QoL, depression, and anxiety in patients with NSCLC. Our exercise prescription is an effective supportive treatment for lung cancer patients with depression and anxiety.

Clinical trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900025121).

Effects of an 8-week Baduanjin intervention combined with low-carbohydrates diet among overweight people who struggle with drug addiction

Background

Prior studies have consistently revealed that a combination of physical activity with caloric restriction results in a reduction in body weight in the general population. Both overweight and drug abuse are risk factors for poor physiological health, and poor mental health has been associated with drug abuse and unhealthy body mass index (BMI). However, the effects of low-carbohydrates diet (LC) combined with mind-body exercise intervention on improving anthropometric characteristics, lipid metabolism, quality of life, and craving among overweight people who struggle with drug addiction have yet to be clarified.

Methods

Fifty-four eligible male patients were randomly assigned to the control group (CON; n = 18), the Baduanjin intervention group (BA, 60 min × 5 times/week, 8 weeks; n = 18), and the Baduanjin combined with LC intervention group (LC; n = 18). We compared the anthropometric characteristics, blood biochemical parameters, quality of life, and drug craving responses between the three groups at baseline (week 0), week 4, and week 8.

Results

After repeated measurements in the general linear model, both the BA and LC groups exerted significant effects on decreasing waist circumference, BMI, body weight, hip circumference, body fat percentage, total cholesterol level, and triglyceride level (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the HDL-C level observed among the BA and LC groups at 8 weeks (P > 0.05); however, there was an overall upwards trend. A significant change in trends in the quality of life scale score was determined in the three groups (P < 0.001). The three groups showed reductions in visual analog scale score distribution over time (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Either Baduanjin or an 8-week Baduanjin combined with LC can significantly reduce anthropometric characteristics and body composition, enhance the quality of life, and reduce craving in overweight/obese patients. Baduanjin combined with LC is particularly effective in improving lipid metabolism.

Baduanjin exercise in the treatment of hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

As a therapy to prevent and treat hypertension, exercise is widely used in clinical practice. But due to the lack of documentary evidence, Baduanjin as a relaxed and convenient mode of exercise is not currently recommended by professional health organizations to treat hypertension. The purpose of this article is to examine the efficacy of Baduanjin as an antihypertensive exercise therapy.

Methods

Our systematic retrieved of the entire relevant literatures in 12 databases. Finally, 28 eligible trials involving Baduanjin intervention in hypertension were included. After the quality assessment and bias risk assessment of the included trials, we analyzed the blood pressure values before and after the intervention, and performed meta-analysis on the random effect results. In order to explore the factors influencing the decrease of blood pressure, we also performed a subgroup analysis of the results.

Results

Participants (n = 2121) were adults (61.74 ± 5.85years of age, mean ± SD), with baseline blood pressure (systolic blood pressure (SBP) = 150.7 ± 9.2 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) = 93.2 ± 8.8 mmHg). Baduanjin was practiced 7.5 ± 3.8 sessions / week for 28.2 ± 12.8 min /session for 16.7 ± 9.2 weeks. Overall, Baduanjin resulted in SBP (-9.3 mmHg, d = -1.49, 95%CI: -1.73 to -1.13) and DBP (-6.3 mmHg, d = -1.20, 95%CI: -1.51 to -0.88) vs. the control group (p < 0.001). After a subgroup analysis of age, we found that SBP heterogeneity was significantly reduced in the elderly group.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that Baduanjin can effectively reduce blood pressure (i.e., 9.3 mmHg and 6.3 mmHg of SBP and DBP reductions, respectively), and reduce the incidence rate of cardiovascular disease in hypertensive patients. In addition, we will be more likely to recommend that the elderly exercise Baduanjin.

Baduanjin’s impact on quality of life and sleep quality in breast cancer survivors receiving aromatase inhibitor therapy: a randomized controlled trial

Purpose

The aim of the current study is to investigate the impact of Baduanjin, a traditional Chinese exercise, on quality of life and sleep quality in breast cancer survivors receiving aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy.

Methods

A total of 72 breast cancer survivors who had received AI treatment for more3 than 6 months were enrolled in the current study using non-probability consecutive sampling procedure. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to a 12-week Baduanjin exercise program or to a wait-list control group. The Baduanjin exercise group performed two 90-min supervised sessions per week. The primary outcomes were changes in quality of life measured by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and in sleep quality evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

Results

A total of 68 participants completed the trial (Baduanjin exercise group: n = 33; control group: n = 35). Baseline values for quality of life did not differ between groups. Both global quality of life and physical functioning scores increased significantly by 12.39 (P < 0.001) and 8.48 (P < 0.001) in the Baduanjin exercise group compared with those in the control. Overall PSQI score also decreased by 4.85 (P < 0.001) in the Baduanjin exercise group, whereas it increased by 0.34 in the control group.

Conclusion

Baduanjin exercise training led to improvement in the quality of life and sleep quality of breast cancer patients undergoing AI therapy.

Effects of Nonpharmacological Interventions on Balance Function in Patients with Osteoporosis or Osteopenia: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of nonpharmacological interventions in improving balance function of patients with osteoporosis or osteopenia using network meta-analysis (NMA).

METHODS

We searched seven databases (PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, CKNI, Wanfang Data, VIP, and CBM) for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to August 31, 2020. Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Time Up and Go Test (TUGT) were used as outcome measures. Two researchers independently screened studies, collected data from the studies, and estimated risk of study bias. Divergence in the evaluation process was settled by consulting a third researcher. We used Stata 15.1 software for network meta-analysis (NMA).

RESULTS

We identified 10 eligible RCTs, with a total of 737 patients and four intervention methods, including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) exercises, pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs), strength training, and balance and strength training. The results revealed that all nonpharmacological interventions could improve balance function, but the effect of balance and strength training was better than other interventions.

CONCLUSION

Exercise can significantly improve the balance function of patients with osteoporosis and osteopenia, and balance combined with strength training has the best effect, followed by TCM exercises.