The Effects of Baduanjin Qigong on Postural Stability, Proprioception, and Symptoms of Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Knee osteoarthritis is a common disease affecting a large number of old individuals worldwide. This study aimed to explore the effects of Baduanjin Qigong in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Fifty participants with knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 25) or a control group (n = 25). Participants in the experimental group received Baduanjin Qigong training for 12 weeks, with three sessions per week lasting 40 min per session. Participants in the control group did not receive any additional physical training. All of participants completed outcome (proprioception, postural stability, and functional ability) assessments at three time points (baseline, Week 8, 12). Results: Proprioception and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index function were statistically improved at eighth and 12th week of the intervention in the Baduanjin Qigong group (p < 0.05), while the control group did not have any significant changes. For postural stability at the anterior-posterior direction with eyes closed, Baduanjin Qigong group showed significant improvement compared to controls after the 12 weeks of intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Regular Baduanjin Qigong practice helped the improvement of knee joint proprioception and postural stability, and reduction of pain, stiffness, and functional impairments of old adults with knee osteoarthritis. Well-designed randomized controlled trials with long-term assessment are needed. The trial was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-IOR-16010042). URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/hvshowproject. aspx?id=10550.

Baduanjin exercise for patients with knee osteoarthritis

“…[ 19 ] With the publication of several trials for KOA, evidences have certificated that Baduanjin has a good clinical effect. [ 18 ] Although Baduanjin is a common method in managing KOA, there is still a lack of systematic review to summarize the efficiency of Baduanjin in treating KOA. Hereby, regardless of blinding, the purpose of the study is to systematically review current available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that only use Baduanjin to treat patients with KOA to assess its efficacy and safety.…”

“…Baduanjin is a traditional Chinese mind-body exercise routine which combines rhythmic breathing, gentle movement, as well as meditation. As a common type of palliative low-impact and aerobic exercise, Baduanjin exercises could produce beneficial effects for KOA individuals by improving the pain, stiffness, balance ability, muscle strength, mobility, sleep quality, and cardiopulmonary function, [ 17 , 18 ] and relieving psychological problems such as tension, depression, and anxiety. [ 19 ] With the publication of several trials for KOA, evidences have certificated that Baduanjin has a good clinical effect.…”

The Safety of Baduanjin Exercise: A Systematic Review

“…Three studies used walking as a control [ 34 , 42 , 54 ], and other control measures used in single studies were muscle relaxation training [ 30 ], reading [ 6 ], physical therapy [ 19 ], and an aerobic exercise [ 43 ]. Twenty-seven studies used non-interventional controls, including usual care [ 4 , 17 , 18 , 20 , 25 – 27 , 29 , 31 – 33 , 35 – 37 , 40 , 41 , 44 – 47 , 50 – 53 , 55 – 57 ]. Further details of the characteristics of the studies are presented in Table 1 .…”

“…The most commonly reported AE related to Baduanjin exercise was muscle ache [ 44 , 52 ], which is consistent with previous observations in other exercise studies [ 61 – 65 ]. Notably, some Baduanjin exercises entail a semi-squat position, for example, “Session 2, Open the Arms as an Archer Shooting Both Left- and Right-Handed”; “Session 5, Sway the Head and Shake the Tail”; and “Session 7, Grip the Palms to Improve Strength” [ 25 ]. In such sessions, participants are required to coordinately move upper limbs and trunks while in a semi-squat position, which may greatly improve muscle strength, particularly that of the lower extremities.…”

The effectiveness of Baduanjin exercise for hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…Results from clinical and epidemiological studies have suggested that the long-term practice of EB may improve physical fitness and mental health, and have a positive impact on conditions such as ischemic stroke, knee osteoarthritis, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hypertension [14][15][16][17][18][19]. However, systematic summaries of the latest evidence regarding the impact of EB on blood pressure, including relevant subgroup differences have not yet been conducted.…”