A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Baduanjin Qigong for Health Benefits: Randomized Controlled Trials

Development of a Qigong Used for Insomnia Therapy (QUIT) Program for Improving Sleep Quality and Blood Pressure in Chinese Women With Menopause: Pre-Post Pilot Test of Feasibility

Background

Around 20%-50% of Chinese menopausal women experience insomnia, which is associated with elevated blood pressure (BP). Despite this, the population remains understudied. Qigong, a simple form of Chinese exercise, has been shown to improve insomnia and BP but has not been explicitly used to address menopausal symptoms in Chinese women. This study aims to test the feasibility of a Qigong-based intervention in enhancing sleep quality and BP control in this population.

Objective

This study aimed to develop and pilot test the feasibility of a culturally sensitive Qigong Used for Insomnia Therapy (QUIT) intervention in improving sleep quality and BP among Chinese menopausal women.

Methods

From August 2023 to May 2024, this study used a 1-group pretest-posttest design (N=22) to evaluate the QUIT intervention. The intervention consisted of a 10-minute Qigong demonstration video, a 10-minute practice and return demonstration and a 5-minute insomnia counseling session at baseline. Participants were instructed to engage in daily 10-minute Qigong practice for 1 month. Outcome measures, including sleep quality and BP, were assessed at baseline and at the 1-month follow-up. Data on demographics were collected via self-reported questionnaires. At the end of the study, participants were interviewed using semistructured questions to assess their perception of the intervention's feasibility. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis, with interviews transcribed and coded independently by the principal investigator and research assistant. Categories related to feasibility, adherence, and barriers were identified. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS 27.0 (IBM Corp), using descriptive statistics and paired sample t tests to assess changes in sleep quality and BP, with statistical significance set at .05.

Results

The mean age of participants was 53.78 (SD 8.79, range 42-74) years. Most participants lived with relatives or friends (20/22, 91%), were employed (16/22, 73%), were married (19/22, 86%), and had at least high school education (19/22, 86%). The mean 23-item Sleep Quality Scale score significantly improved from 18.59 (SD 11.41) at baseline to 15.64 (SD 9.65; mean difference 2.96, SD 7.04; t21=1.97, P=.03) after 1 month, indicating better sleep quality (the 23-item Sleep Quality Scale was reversely scored). There was a trend toward reduced systolic BP from 115.47 (SD 14.95) at baseline to 113.59 (SD 13.93; mean difference -0.89, SD 1.64; t21=-1.15, P=.26) after 1 month. Diastolic BP also improved from 74.69 (SD 10.81) at baseline to 71.41 (SD 16.82) at 1 month (mean difference -3.28, SD 4.04; t21=-0.81, P=.43).

Conclusions

The QUIT intervention was culturally sensitive, low-cost, and easy to implement. It showed significant improvements in sleep quality and trends toward reduced BP in Chinese menopausal women. Further investigation is recommended to further test the QUIT intervention to establish a robust program across different states. Once validated, the QUIT intervention may be implemented in various clinical settings to help Chinese menopausal women achieve optimal sleep quality and BP management.

Effects of Health Qigong on Cervical Spondylosis: A Systematic Review

AIM

Exercise therapy is a widely utilized intervention for the prevention and rehabilitation of cervical spondylosis. As a distinctive form of traditional exercise therapy in China, Health Qigong has been empirically validated to exert beneficial effects across 17 physiological systems, with particularly pronounced efficacy in addressing musculoskeletal disorders. This systematic review aims to critically evaluate the impact of Health Qigong on cervical spondylosis.

METHODS

According to the literature search principles, works published from the publication date to November 2024 were searched. The databases used were the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCOhost (SPORTDiscus). The study quality was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. The search process was documented using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA)2020.

RESULTS

A total of 10 studies were selected from an initial pool of 702 studies, comprising 656 participants. The PEDro scores of the 10 studies ranaed from seven to eight. The findings indicate that Health Qigong exerts its therapeutic effects on cervical spondylosis primarily in four key areas: alleviating neck pain, improving cervical dysfunction, restoring cervical curvature, and enhancing cervical mobility. Specifically, for pain relief, the Visual Analog Scale(VAS) scores showed a mean reduction of 2.8 to 4.15 points, while the Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores significantly decreased from 6.10 to 1.4. And after intervention, the prevalence of abnormal cervical curvature decreased by 10.97%, cervical range of motion (CROM) improved by 19.78° to 67.4° on average. Furthermore, according to the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Diagnostic and Treatment Criteria, five studies reported an overall effectiveness rate exceeding 90%, with a maximum of 97.14%. Short-term intervention outcomes indicated that Ba Duan Jin showed a recurrence rate of 0%, whereas interventions using Yi Jin Jing and Wu Qin Xi exhibited recurrence rates ranging from 11.2% to 13.33%.

CONCLUSION

As an exercise-based intervention, Health Qigong not only helps alleviate cervical spondylosis-related pain and improve cervical dysfunction but also promotes the restoration of cervical curvature and enhances cervical mobility, thereby addressing limitations in neck function. However, current research exhibits certain limitations and research gaps in areas such as populations, cervical spondylosis classification, intervention design, and outcome assessment criteria.Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop more targeted intervention strategies, establish standardized outcome evaluation systems, and conduct in-depth mechanistic studies to further validate the clinical efficacy and practical application of Health Qigong in the management of cervical spondylosis.

Effectiveness of Mind-Body Exercise in Older Adults With Sarcopenia and Frailty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Mind-body exercise (MBE) has shown promise in mitigating the effects of sarcopenia and frailty in older adults. Nevertheless, its effectiveness in enhancing muscle function and physical performance in this population has not been well established. This study aimed to investigate the effects of MBE on older adults with sarcopenia and frailty, to offer evidence-based exercise recommendations.

METHODS

A comprehensive search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted through multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang, and Chinese Scientific Journals Full-Text Database (VIP), supplemented by manual reference searches from inception until February 2024. The eligible RCTs compared MBE with passive or active exercise controls, focusing on muscle function and physical performance in older adults aged 60 years or above. Subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate the types, duration, and frequency of MBE.

RESULTS

Nine eligible RCTs with 1838 participants were included in this study. MBE demonstrated significant improvements compared with passive control, particularly in grip strength (WMD [weighted mean difference] = 0.99; 95% CI [95% confidence interval] = 0.06, 1.92; I2 = 3%, p = 0.04), Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) (WMD = -4.04; 95% CI = -5.54, -2.53; I2 = 12%, p < 0.01), and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores (WMD = 3.63; 95% CI = 0.38, 6.87; I2 = 0%, p = 0.03). Even when compared to active exercise training, improvements were still observed in TUGT and BBS (p < 0.001), with a trend toward improved grip strength (WMD = -2.20; 95% CI = -4.35, -0.04; p = 0.05). No positive effect on muscle mass was observed. Subgroup analysis indicated that MBE performed more than 5 times a week for a short or medium duration (4-24 weeks) could improve grip strength (p < 0.05). Moderate-frequency intervention over a short period in this population yielded greater improvements in gait speed and Chair Rise Test completion time (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

MBE can enhance muscle function and physical performance to some extent in older adults with sarcopenia and frailty, whether they are compared with passive or active exercise training. However, positive effects on muscle mass have not been observed. Future studies are warranted to compare it with well-designed active exercise training programs that match the exercise volume, to draw more definitive conclusions to support the notion that MBE yields comparable effects.

The effects of baduanjin qigong exercise via telerehabilitation in ankylosing spondylitis: A randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Baduanjin qigong exercises have previously been reported to improve Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) symptoms. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of 12-week Baduanjin qigong exercises in patients with AS.

METHOD

Fifty-nine patients with AS aged 18-64 were included in the study. The participants were divided into two groups. The intervention group performed Baduanjin qigong online exercise program, control group received home exercises for 45 min twice a week for 12 weeks. Before and after the 12-week exercise program, patients were evaluated using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI)-Functional Index (BASFI)-Metrology Index (BASMI), chest expansion measurement, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (ASQoL).

RESULTS

When the groups were compared after the intervention, there was a significant difference in favor of the intervention group in the BASMI (p: 0.00-0.04), FSS (p:0.01), and chest expansion (p:0.04). Also, the delta values of the groups were compared; the intervention group was found to be superior in terms of PSQI (p:0.01), BASFI (p:0.00), and BASMI (p:0.04).

CONCLUSION

Baduanjin qigong should be added to rehabilitation programs as a complementary method to improve fatigue levels, chest expansion, flexibility, functionality, and quality of life in patients with AS.

Impact of Baduanjin Qigong Exercise on Fatigue in Patients with Lung Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Patients report fatigue as the most distressing symptom associated with cancer and treatment. Baduanjin has beneficial effects on reducing fatigue. However, no relevant randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of Baduanjin exercise with routine exercise in patients with lung cancer and fatigue have been reported. Methods: This blinded trial aimed to compare the effect of Baduanjin versus routine exercise on fatigue for patients with lung cancer. Participants in the intervention group received Baduanjin training and performed Baduanjin every week, while those in the control group performed routine exercise at the same frequency. Results: A total of 73 patients were analyzed. After the intervention, patients in the Baduanjin group experienced significant improvement in fatigue and pain (p < 0.05), while no significant difference in Edmonton Symptom Assessment System items were observed among patients in the exercise group. Conclusion: Our study showed that Baduanjin was a better exercise than routine activity in relieving their fatigue.

Effects of Baduanjin exercise on cancer-related fatigue in patients with prostate cancer treated with androgen deprivation therapy in Shanghai, China: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most common and painful symptoms in patients with prostate cancer (PCa). Moreover, PCa patients who receive the androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) are more likely to develop CRF. Baduanjin exercise has been shown to improve CRF in some cancers. However, such effects have not been verified in patients with PCa treated with the ADT. So, this study was designed as a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to explore the effects of Baduanjin exercise on CRF in PCa patients treated with the ADT.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This study will be a single-centre, assessor and statistician blinded, RCT consisting of a 12 week intervention and 12 week follow-up. Patients with PCa who meet the inclusion criteria will be recruited from Shanghai Hudong Hospital. Participants will be randomly assigned to Baduanjin exercise group (n=42) and the control group (n=42), performing 12 weeks of Baduanjin exercise or reeiving the standard care. The primary outcome will be the clinical effect of Baduanjin exercise on CRF in PCa patients, which will be measured using the Piper Fatigue Self-Assessment (PFS) scale, a multidimensional measure of CRF using three different dimensions: somatic, emotional and cognitive. The secondary outcome will be the clinical effect of the Baduanjin exercise on the patient's level of fatigue, sleep, depression and life quality at the time, which will be assessed by the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate (FACT-P).

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study has been approved by Shanghai Hudong Hospital Ethics Committee, Shanghai province (2022 SHHDKY08). The trial results will be submitted to conferences and peer-reviewed journals.

TRAIL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR2300074293.

The superiority trial of Baduanjin training on patients chronic low back pain: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

CNSLBP accounts for 85% of all LBP cases and impairs physical health, quality of life, and work productivity, posing a significant health and economic burden. Baduanjin (BDJ) exercises are traditional Chinese Qi Gong mind-body exercises that have been practiced for over 1,000 years. However, the standard BDJ protocol established by the State Sports General Administration does not stimulate core muscles, limiting the effectiveness of low back pain rehabilitation. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the original BDJ protocol.

METHODS

This 24-week single-center, single-blind, parallel-group randomized control superiority trial will allocate 100 patients into two groups (control and intervention) at a 1:1 ratio. The patients in the control group will perform the standard BDJ protocol established by the State Sports General Administration. The patients in the patients in the control group will perform the standard BDJ protocol established by the State Sports General Administration. The intervention group will perform intervention. The primary outcomes will be Quebec back pain disability scale. Secondary outcomes will include visual analog scale pain scores, Surface electromyography. The assessments of the tests will be performed at four time points. Adverse events will be recorded faithfully during the study.

DISCUSSION

This randomized control trial is the first to compare a standard BDJ protocol and an optimized protocol in patients with CNSLBP. This study can help guide rehabilitation programs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2200065618, Registered on 10 Nov. 2022. This protocol is the first version 1, which was approved on 26 Aug 2022.

A trend of Tai Chi in osteoporosis research: A bibliometric analysis

BACKGROUND

Tai chi has been used to treat different forms of osteoporosis and increase bone density without the use of pharmaceuticals.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to use bibliometric analysis to methodically examine trends and hotspots of tai chi treatment for osteoporosis in order to generate references for further investigation.

METHODS

The articles on Tai Chi to treat osteoporosis was obtained from China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang, Web of Science (WOS) and PubMed between inception and November 8,2023. The annual publication volume, authors, institutions, and keywords, along with co-citation, clustering, and burst analysis, were analyzed using CiteSpace.

RESULTS

Totally, 328 publications were included. The number of annual publications has been rising rapidly in recent years. Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and Shanghai University of Sport are two of the best universities for Tai Chi treatment in osteoporosis. This area of research is dominated by Zhou, Y; Yu, DH; Pence, BC and Qin,L. Core authors and core institutions having a relatively low level of collaboration indicates that there may be limited interaction and cooperation between these key players in the field. China had the highest volume of publications, followed by the United States. Furthermore, the majority of the study subjects and influence mechanism are the focus of current research in this field.

CONCLUSION

Tai Chi in osteoporosis research field is in a stage of stable development. Universities and higher education institutions are the leading institutions in this field. China and the United States emerging as high productivity nations. The study of Tai Chi in osteoporosis not only focuses on the applicable population, effects and intervention methods, but also gradually shifts to the mechanism study such as "secretion of beneficial factors", "physical exercise load" and "oxidative stress status".

The effect of Baduanjin on the insomnia of older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Baduanjin is a traditional Chinese regimen involving flowing movements, breath control, and strengthening to benefit health and well-being. We investigated the effectiveness of Baduanjin for older adults with insomnia.

METHODS

We assessed eight databases for methodological quality according to the Cochrane Handbook for Evaluation of Interventions, and analyzed by Stata 16.0 software.

RESULTS

Participants (N = 789) of ten studies were included. The meta-analysis showed that Baduanjin was effective for older adults with insomnia as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)[WMD =-2.20, 95 %CI (-2.87, -1.74), P = 0.000], and 12 weeks or more of treatment effect was superior to <12 weeks. Moreover, there were significant differences in all dimensions of the PSQI between experimental and control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Baduanjin is a complementary therapy option for older adults with insomnia. However, high-quality research is still needed to investigate the optimal exercise intensity, duration and frequency for older adults with insomnia.

Effectiveness of community-based Baduanjin exercise intervention for older adults with varying frailty status: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Due to poorer exercise tolerance, it may be challenging for frail older adults to engage in moderate- or vigorous-intensity exercise. While low-intensity exercise interventions may be more feasible, its effectiveness for such population group remains unclear. We examined the effectiveness and implementation of community-based Baduanjin Qigong, a low-intensity exercise program in older adults with varying frailty status.

METHODS

A two-arm, multicenter assessor-blind parallel group randomized controlled trial was conducted at three local senior activity centers. Fifty-six community-dwelling older adults with low handgrip strength were randomly allocated to either the intervention (IG) or wait-list control (CG) group. The IG underwent a supervised 16-week Baduanjin exercise program at a frequency of 2-3 × 60 min sessions/week. The CG was instructed to maintain their usual activity and received a monthly health education talk. The primary outcome measures were knee extension strength, vital exhaustion, and fear of falling. Secondary outcome measures include physiological falls risk, handgrip strength, gait speed, timed up and go test, 30-second sit-to-stand, quality of life, depression, and frailty. All outcome measures were assessed at baseline and 4-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Overall, there were no statistically significant differences in all outcome measures between CG and IG at 4-month follow-up. However, in exploratory compliance analysis, a statistically significant group x time interaction was found for vital exhaustion (B = -3.65, 95% CI [-7.13, -0.16], p = .047) among participants with at least 75% attendance. In post-hoc within-group comparisons, IG showed improved vital exhaustion by 4.31 points (95% CI [1.41, 7.20], d = 0.60). The average participant attendance rate was 81.3%. No major adverse events occurred, and all participants reported positive experiences with the exercise intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that Baduanjin is a safe, feasible, and acceptable exercise program that can be successfully implemented in community settings for older adults with varying frailty status. With good adherence, Baduanjin exercise could potentially be effective in alleviating vital exhaustion. However, the effectiveness of Baduanjin on physical performance, psychological measures and frailty in community-dwelling older adults remains equivocal.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04549103. Registered September 16, 2020.

Efficacy of Mind-body Exercise to Reduce Sleep Disturbance and Depression Among Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Mind-body exercise is a promising non-pharmacological approach for managing sleep disturbance and depression that are prevalent among older adults, but its efficacy remains inconclusive across the studies. This study aimed to systematically evaluate and quantify the overall effectiveness of mind-body exercises on sleep disturbance and depression in older adults.

METHODS

We searched eight databases to identify relevant articles from their inception to April 2024. Experimental studies that evaluate the effects of mind-body movement therapy on sleep disturbance and depression in older adults were included. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool version 2.0 was used to appraise included studies. The pairwise meta-analysis was performed through the software Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Version 3.0. Moreover, subgroup analysis was utilized to understand the effect size on each form of mind-body exercise and to determine the source of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

A total of 27 studies were eligible and synthesized. The mind-body exercise appears statistically significant in reducing sleep disturbance (SMD = -0.60, 95% CI: 0.76 ∼ 0.44) and depression (SMD = -0.56, 95% CI: 0.75 ∼ 0.36) among older adults. Each form of mind-body exercise, including pilates, yoga, qigong, and tai-chi, effectively decreases sleep disturbance and depression, but there were no significant differences in the effects between these practices.

CONCLUSION

The cumulative evidence concludes that older adults who participated in mind-body exercise programs showed potential improvements in sleep disturbance and depression. This finding may serve as evidence for professionals to use this approach as a non-pharmacological approach to help older adults in the community and long-term care facilities who are having sleep disturbance and depression. More clinical trials are needed for an in-depth meta-analysis that can rank and compare the efficacy of each mind-body exercise practice.

Effect of Tai Chi Compared to Running on Drug Cravings, Attention Bias, and Physical Fitness in Men with Methamphetamine Use Disorder

BACKGROUND

Methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) is a global health problem. Studies have shown Tai Chi is a potential treatment for MUD. We aimed to explore the effectiveness of Tai Chi in improving drug cravings, attention bias, and physical fitness in men with MUD compared with aerobic exercise.

METHODS

A total of forty-eight participants (mean age 39.1 ± 8.7 years) were randomly assigned to either the Tai Chi group (TC) or the running group (RG). The TC performed 60 min of moderate-intensity (65-75% HRmax) Tai Chi exercise three times a week. The RG performed 60 min of moderate-intensity (65-75% HRmax) running on a treadmill three times a week. Before and after the intervention, drug cravings, attention bias, and physical fitness were evaluated.

RESULTS

After 12 weeks, we found the TC significantly improved in attention bias (F (1, 43) = 6.023, p = 0.019, d = -0.42) and reaction time (F (1, 43) = 6.181, p = 0.017, d = -0.72). No significant improvement was found in other variables in the TC, compared to the RG (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The 12-week Tai Chi intervention improved attention bias and reaction time, compared to RG. Tai Chi exercise might be a potential auxiliary method for the rehabilitation for men with MUD.

Acupuncture in Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Complementary Approach for Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are increasingly prevalent in clinical settings. With the continuous improvement of people's living standards, the gradual acceleration of the pace of life, and the deterioration of the living environment in recent years, the incidence of CVDs is increasing annually. The prevalence of CVDs among individuals aged 50 and above is notably elevated, posing a significant risk to patients' well-being and lives. At this juncture, numerous clinical treatment choices are available for managing CVDs, with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy standing out as a practical, safe, and reliable option. Over the recent years, there has been growing acknowledgement among both medical professionals and patients. With the expanding integration of TCM in the treatment of various clinical conditions, the use of TCM in managing CVDs has gained significant attention within the medical community, potentially emerging as an efficacious approach for addressing cardiovascular diseases. This article conducts a comprehensive review of the TCM approach, particularly acupuncture, as a supplementary treatment for CVDs, highlighting its ability to effectively lower blood pressure, decrease coronary artery events, mitigate arrhythmias, and enhance cardiac function when used alongside conventional medication. The review underscores the promise of acupuncture in enhancing cardiovascular health, although variations in research methodologies necessitate standardized applications.

Effect of modified Baduanjin exercise on nutritional status in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

As a traditional Chinese fitness technique, Baduanjin is a low- to medium-intensity aerobic exercise that has a common regulatory effect on both body and mind and is also an important means of disease prevention and treatment. However, the role of Baduanjin in improving patients' nutritional status and promoting tumor recovery remains to be confirmed.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of the modified Baduanjin exercise on the nutritional status of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

DESIGN

This is a randomized controlled trial.

SETTING(S)

The participants were recruited from patients in the Radiotherapy Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University in China.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 121 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma were randomly divided into the control group and the Baduanjin group. Finally, 106 patients completed the study (53 cases each in the control group and the Baduanjin group) with the intervention time from the beginning to the end of radiotherapy.

METHODS

The control group received conventional care (health education and regular conventional exercise), and the Baduanjin exercise group received health education and regularly improved Baduanjin exercise, with the intervention time from the beginning to the end of the radiotherapy. Patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA) was evaluated before, during (15 times), and at the end of radiotherapy as the main evaluation index to compare nutritional status between the two groups.

RESULTS

From August 2022 to December 2022, 121 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma were randomly divided into the control group and the Baduanjin group. During the intervention, 15 patients withdrew from the study, leading to 53 of 59 patients in the control group and 53 of 62 patients in the Baduanjin group. After the intervention, the PG-SGA score, radioactive oral mucositis, and oropharyngeal pain score were lower (P < 0.05), whereas anorexia scores, the levels of hemoglobin, albumin, prealbumin, and total protein were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Modified Baduanjin exercise can improve the nutritional status of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and deserves further clinical application.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry under the registration number ChiCTR2200064519, registered on August 27, 2022. The public research topic is the construction and intervention research based on Internet + nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Effects of Liuzijue Qigong Posture on Aerodynamics of Phonation in Healthy Volunteers

OBJECTIVES

To verify the possible function of Liuzijue Qigong (LQG), a kind of traditional Chinese health exercise, in improving phonation.

METHODS

A total of 30 healthy volunteers (10 males, 20 females) without voice disorders were included. The subjects were asked to have phonation tasks at the sitting and LQG postures. Aerodynamic, electroglottographic, and acoustic parameters were measured. Expiratory Volume (FVC); Subglottic Pressure at comfortable phonation (SGP), Glottal Resistance (GR), Glottal Efficiency (GE); Contact Quotient (CQ), Mean Flow (MF), Fundamental frequency (F0), Mean Sound Pressure Level (SPL); Phonation Threshold Pressure (PTP); and Maximum Phonation Time (MPT) were measured and analyzed.

RESULTS

In total subjects, the analysis showed a significant increase in FVC (P = 0.020), SGP (P = 0.043), F0 (P = 0.021), and PTP (P = 0.000) at the LQG posture when compared with the sitting posture, and there is no difference in CQ, MF, SPL, GR, GE, and MPT.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed LQG posture increased the respiratory support and glottal closure, while induced the respiratory system and vocal system in coordination to improve phonation. It is logical to postulate that LQG has potential in the management of voice disorders with glottal closure insufficiency.

Effects of Baduanjin exercise on cognitive frailty, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation in older adults with cognitive frailty: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation play an important role in the pathogenesis process of cognitive frailty (CF). Regular Baduanjin exercise could improve cognitive frailty in older adults, but it is unclear whether the effect of Baduanjin exercise on improving CF is mediated by modulating circulating oxidative stress and inflammatory process.

Method

A total of 102 community-dwelling older adults with CF were recruited and randomly allocated into a 24-week Baduanjin exercise training group or no specific exercise intervention control group at an equal rate. Cognitive function and physical frailty index were assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS), as well as the oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines were measured at baseline and after intervention.

Result

After 24 weeks of intervention, the increased MoCA score (2.51 ± 0.32 points, p < 0.001) and the decreased EFS scores (1.94 ± 0.20 points, p = 0.012) in the Baduanjin group were significantly higher than those in the control group. Serum antioxidant SOD levels were increased by 10.03 ± 4.73 U/mL (p < 0.001), and the prooxidative MDA and 8-iso-PGF2α levels were decreased by -1.08 ± 0.80 nmol/mL (p = 0.030) and -86.61 ± 15.03 ng/L (p < 0.001) in the Baduanjin training group; while inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, IL-2 and IL-4 levels were increased (1.08 ± 0.33 pg./mL, p = 0.034, 2.74 ± 0.75 pg./mL, p = 0.04 and 1.48 ± 0.35 pg./mL, p = 0.042). In addition, a mediation effect that Baduanjin training improved cognitive ability mediated by an increase of circulating IFN-γ and IL-2 levels were observed in this study.

Conclusion

Regular Baduanjin exercise training could improve the cognitive frailty of the community-dwelling older adults with CF, and modulate oxidative stress and inflammatory processes by reducing circulating pro-oxidative MDA and 8-iso-PGF2α levels and increasing anti-oxidative SOD levels, as well as impacting inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-4 levels. Nevertheless, the mechanism of Baduanjin exercise mediating oxidative stress and inflammatory processes should be cautious to be explained.

Clinical trial registration

http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx, ChiCTR1800020341.

Feasibility and acceptability of a home-based virtual group exercise program in global Asian adult population: Baseline characteristics of a cohort study

BACKGROUND

To determine the potential influence of a home-based virtual group exercise on people's long-term overall health consequences in global Asian population.

METHODS

We recruited 1021 participants from more than 7 regions across the globe including Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, United States, Canada, Europe, and other regions. All the participants attended the virtual group Qigong exercise 60-minute bi-weekly with instructors for 6 months from June 2022 to December 2022. The physical, mental, and social well-being and other variables were measured via online questionnaires.

RESULTS

The majority were 51 to 65 (50.6%) years old, female (90.2%), married (68.5%), and came from Taiwan (48.9%). Older adults had higher scores on measures of overall health and exercise adherence, and lower scores on measures of sleep quality and depressive symptoms compared with younger counterparts (P < .05). Most of them (95.3%) acknowledged that the improvement of health status was their motivating factor for exercise. Eighty nine percent of the participants believed that social media played an important role in this exercise program.

CONCLUSION

This study will suggest such approach has great potential to reduce health disparities and can be implemented to underserved population who has limited recourses to join in-person exercise program.

Views of Hong Kong Chinese medicine practitioners on the application of the "Chinese Medicine Anti-epidemic Plans" prepared by the Chinese medicine expert group of central authorities: a focus group study

BACKGROUND

Drawing on the extensive utilization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to combat COVID-19 in Mainland China, experts designed a series of TCM anti-epidemic strategies. This study aims to understand Hong Kong CM practitioners' application of and opinions on the "Chinese Medicine Anti-epidemic Plans."

METHODS

Online focus group interviews were conducted, and purposive sampling was employed to invite 22 CM practitioners to voluntarily participate in three interview sessions. The interviews were audio recorded, then transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were analyzed using template analysis.

RESULTS

Three themes were derived: (1) facilitators of the "Chinese Medicine Anti-epidemic Plans," (2) barriers of the "Chinese Medicine Anti-epidemic Plans," and (3) expectations on improving the "Chinese Medicine Anti-epidemic Plans." The participants could obtain relevant information from various sources, which highlights the value of the plans for TCM medicinal cuisine and non-pharmacologic therapies and guiding junior CM practitioners, supplementing Western medicine interventions, and managing Chinese herb reserves in clinics. However, the barriers included the lack of a specialized platform for timely information release, defective plan content, limited reference value to experienced CM practitioners, and lack of applicability to Hong Kong. The expectations of the CM practitioners for improving the plans were identified based on the barriers.

CONCLUSIONS

To enhance the implementation of the anti-epidemic plans, CM practitioners in Hong Kong expect to utilize a specific CM platform and refine the plans to ensure that they are realistic, focused, comprehensive, and tailored to the local context.

Multicomponent Intervention on Improving the Cognitive Ability of Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

This pilot randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the feasibility and potential outcomes of an innovative 16-session multicomponent intervention model to improve cognitive abilities in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) by promoting healthy lifestyle, cognitive skills, tai chi and mindfulness practices. This study was a multicentre, randomized controlled, two-arm, parallel-group, unblinded trial in Hong Kong. 57 Chinese older adults with MCI recruited from three local elderly centers were randomly assigned to either the control or intervention group. The study results support the feasibility and efficacy of the multicomponent intervention, and recommend future larger-scale randomized control trials.

Health benefits of short Taichi Qigong exercise (STQE) to University Students' core strength, lower limb explosive force, cardiopulmonary endurance, and anxiety: A Quasi experiment research

BACKGROUND

College students' physical fitness has declined over the past decades. Taichi Qigong exercise offers numerous health benefits and could serve as a suitable option for them. Traditional programs, however, are time-consuming and necessitate long-term commitments. Therefore, a more cost-effective intervention is needed.

METHODS

The study enrolled a total of 31 students who actively participated in a 5-week STQE program, consisting of three 60-minute sessions per week. Physical and mental health assessments included the Plank test, vital capacity measurement, 1000/800 m run test, standing jump, and the Zung Self-Rating Scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS.

RESULTS

Following the STQE intervention, participants showed improvement in core strength (28.1 seconds in the Plank test, P = .025) and lower limb explosive force (6.52 cm in the standing jump test, P = .011), accompanied by a decrease in anxiety levels (a reduction of 3.41 in the Zung Self-Rating Scale, P = .039). However, no significant improvements were observed in cardiopulmonary endurance, as evidenced by a non-significant increase of 237.84 mL in vital capacity (P = .134) and a non-significant reduction of 1.6 seconds in the 1000/800 m run test (P = .764).

CONCLUSION

The study suggests that the STQE program effectively improves core strength, lower limb explosive force, and reduces anxiety levels among university students.

Effects of different Chinese traditional exercises on sleep quality and mental health of adults: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of traditional Chinese exercises on sleep quality and mental health in adults with different health statuses. METHOD   : This review was registered a priori (CRD42023382188) and executed according to PRISMA statement guidelines. We searched the databases CNKI, China Biology Medicine disc (CBM), Wangfang, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase from the date of database creation to March 2023. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted the data, evaluated the methodological quality of the included literature, and then used Revman 5.4 and Stata 17.0 for the corresponding statistical analysis and graphing.

RESULTS

Thirty-four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, with a total sample of 2563 adults (1276 in the experimental group and 1287 in the control group). The meta-analysis results showed that traditional Chinese exercise significantly improved sleep quality in different groups [WMD =  - 1.58, 95% CI =  - 2.17, - 1.00, P < 0.00001] and that Badaanjin was better than Taijiquan in improving sleep quality. For mental health, traditional Chinese exercise had good effects on anxiety [WMD =  - 1.66, 95% CI =  - 2.64, - 0.69, P = 0.0009] and depression [WMD =  - 1.67, 95% CI =  - 3.23, - 0.11, P = 0.04].

CONCLUSION

Traditional Chinese exercises can improve the quality of sleep and mental health in different groups of people and are highly recommended for good health effects.

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.

A Content Analysis of African Americans' Experience of Engaging in Qigong Exercise Intervention in a Community Setting

Introduction: Although an increasing number of African Americans 50 years of age and older practice qigong, a mind-body exercise, to manage their health conditions, little is known about their perceptions and experiences of engaging in and learning qigong exercise. This study aimed to explore the subjective perceptions of the health benefits, engagement, adherence, and learning of qigong exercise in African Americans 45-85 years of age as a foundation for promoting this approach for African Americans' physical and psychological health. Methods: Fifteen African Americans were enrolled in a 1-h qigong exercise program twice a week for 8 weeks (a total of 16 sessions) in the activity center of a local church. Participants were interviewed after the intervention to explore their perceptions of learning and practicing qigong exercise. Interviews were conducted in person, audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using content analysis. Results: Five themes emerged: (1) Perceived benefits of practicing qigong, (2) helpful strategies for qigong learning, (3) facilitators for home qigong practice, (4) motivators for qigong exercise adherence, and (5) recommending qigong to others. qigong exercise was perceived to be effective for balance, flexibility, muscle strength, sleep quality, emotion regulation, and stress management. Nearly 75% of participants reported home qigong practice at least twice a week. Conclusions: Middle-age and older African Americans' responses provide insights on health benefits associated with practicing qigong exercise, adherence, home practice, and learning, which may serve as the first step to promoting the use of qigong exercise in this population and may be adopted to similar exercise interventions with minority older adults in the future.

Effects of Mind-Body Qigong Exercise on Overall Health, Fatigue/Sleep, and Cognition in Older Chinese Immigrants in the US: An Intervention Study with Control

Background

Culturally relevant exercises may help improve health and address disparities faced by older immigrants due to language and cultural barriers. Few studies have focused on such exercise interventions among older Chinese immigrants at US daycare centers.

Methods

We conducted a 10-week nonrandomized controlled trial in older Chinese immigrants in Philadelphia, US. The intervention group practiced Chinese Qigong (Baduanjin) 5 days a week guided by trained research assistants and video instructions. The control group maintained their usual daily activities. We collected self-report assessments on overall health, sleep, and fatigue and implemented two computerized cognitive tests measuring psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) and memory twice, preintervention and postintervention. Repeated measures general linear model (GLM) and paired samples t-tests were used for data analyses.

Results

Eighty-eight older adults (Qigong, n = 53; control, n = 35) with an average age of 78.13 (SD = 5.05) were included. Groups showed no significant differences at baseline evaluation. After the 10-week exercise, the intervention group showed significant improvements in overall health (p=0.032), fatigue (p < 0.001), and cognitive functions including memory (p=0.01), response speed (p=0.002), and response time (p=0.012) on the PVT, as well as marginally significant benefits in sleep (p=0.058). Between-group comparisons identified significant group-by-time interactions in health (p=0.024), sleep (p=0.004), fatigue (p=0.004), and memory (p=0.004).

Conclusion

We revealed significant positive effects of Qigong in older Chinese immigrants across multiple health domains. Findings highlight the potential of a culturally relevant exercise in addressing health disparities.

Effects of Different Mind-body Exercises in Managing Chronic Pain of Older Adults: A Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Trials

INTRODUCTION

Mind-body exercises (MBEs) were shown to be effective in managing chronic pain among older adults in several recent studies. However, the differences in the effects of different MBEs remained unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects of different MBEs in managing chronic pain in older adults.

METHODS

Eight databases were searched for studies published between 2012 and 2023, and 14 studies were included in this systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA). The NMA was performed using R and Metainsight.

RESULTS

Results showed that tai chi and yoga were effective in alleviating chronic pain, but their effects were not superior to traditional physical exercises and other MBEs. In addition, none of the MBEs were shown to be effective in mitigating chronic pain-related disabilities.

CONCLUSION

Tai chi and yoga can be used for relieving chronic pain in older adults; however, MBE programs alone were not sufficient to mitigate chronic pain-related disabilities.

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.

Traditional Chinese exercises on pain and disability in middle-aged and elderly patients with lumbar disc herniation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

Traditional Chinese exercises (TCEs) have played a significant role in treating various diseases. However, there is limited research assessing the efficacy of TCEs in treating Lumbar disc herniation (LDH). This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of four commonly used TCEs (Baduanjin, Yijinjing, Taichi, and Wuqinxi) on pain and disability in elderly patients with LDH.

Objectives

To assess the quality of relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to provide evidence support for the treatment of LDH.

Methods

RCTs were identified through eight databases. Meta-analysis and trial sequence analysis (TSA) were conducted using RevMan 5.4, Stata 17.0, and TSA 0.9.

Results

A total of 22 RCTs, involving 1931 patients, were included in the analysis. TCEs exhibited a superior effectiveness in treating LDH compared to the control group. However, the TSA analysis suggested the possibility of false positives, indicating the need for more high-quality RCT evidence. Nevertheless, TCEs showed reliable results in significantly improving the VAS score and JOA score of LDH patients.

Conclusion

Current evidence indicates that the four TCEs have advantages in treating LDH in middle-aged and elderly individuals. However, considering the limitations of this study, we need to exercise caution in drawing conclusions, and further research is required to validate these findings.

Systematic Review Registration

http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier [CRD42023431633].

Effects of neuromuscular and proprioceptive training on self-reported wellness and health scores and knee sensorimotor characteristics in active seniors

INTRODUCTION

Athletes regularly engage in comprehensive neuromuscular and proprioceptive training (NPT) to prevent musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries. NPT exercises such as movement technique, agility, balance, and posture as well as yoga-based stretching and slow/deep breathing have shown added benefits in psychological and other well-being. This study aimed to examine the effects of NPT on knee sensorimotor characteristics and multi-domain wellness and health scores in active seniors.

METHODS

Twenty seniors participated in the NPT intervention (15-20min session twice a week for 10 weeks) while the control group did not receive any intervention. All participants completed surveys (general health, frailty, anxiety, stress, mindfulness, optimism, and sleep quality) and laboratory testing before and after intervention. Laboratory testing included frailty tests (grip strength, 4-m walk speed, and calcaneal ultrasound-based bone density) and knee sensorimotor characteristics (peak force, visual-motor reaction time, and force steadiness).

RESULTS

There was significant increase in general mental health (Short Form 36 Mental Health; p = 0.005) and decrease in stress (Perceived Stress Scale; p = 0.010) and sleep disturbances (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; p = 0.019) post-intervention while no significant changes were observed in the control group (p = 0.310-0.654). Peak knee forces in all directions and some visual-motor reaction time and force steadiness were significantly improved post-intervention only in the experimental group (p = 0.001-0.038).

CONCLUSION

A simple, yet, comprehensive NPT has potential to improve MSK health as well as various domains of well-being among active seniors.

Efficacy of Baduanjin for treatment of fatigue: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies have suggested that Baduanjin, a traditional Chinese exercise, can alleviate fatigue symptoms in patients with various illnesses. The aim of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of Baduanjin in reducing fatigue symptoms.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using several databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Medline, China Biology Medicine disc, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang, from inception to June 2023. Relevant studies reporting on the effects of Baduanjin on fatigue symptoms were included. A random-effects meta-analysis model with standardized mean differences was used to estimate the treatment effects. Moderator analyses were conducted using continuous variables and meta-regression. This review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (identifier CRD42023411532). Grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluations framework was used to assess the certainty of evidence.

RESULTS

Ten randomized controlled trials with patients diagnosed with 9 different diseases were included in the meta-analysis. The Baduanjin intervention groups showed significant improvements in total fatigue intensity (standard mean difference = -0.49, 95% confidence interval = -0.69 to -0.30, P = .000; I2 = 56%, P = .009). The statistically significant differences in the subgroup analyses, including intervention durations, age of participants, fatigue types, and practice location, remained unchanged. Meta-regression showed that practice place might have significant effect on the results. The certainty of the evidence was moderate for participants 55-year younger or in hospital training. However, fatigue, different groups, participants 55-year or older, training at home, and different fatigue types had lower evidence certainty.

CONCLUSION

Baduanjin can effectively alleviate fatigue symptoms with relatively flexible requirements. However, studies investigating the same disease types and including non-Chinese populations are scarce. Therefore, further studies with long-term interventions, larger sample sizes, and well-designed methodologies are warranted.

The neurobiological effects of mind-body exercise: a systematic review and meta-analysis of neuroimaging studies

The neurobiological effects of mind-body exercise on brain activation, functional neural connections and structural changes in the brain remain elusive. This systematic review and coordinate-based meta-analysis investigated the changes in resting-state and task-based brain activation, as well as structural brain changes before and after mind-body exercise compared to waitlist or active controls based on published structural or functional magnetic resonance imaging randomized controlled trials or cross-sectional studies. Electronic database search and manual search in relevant publications yielded 34 empirical studies with low-to-moderate risk of bias (assessed by Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials or Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies) that fulfilled the inclusion criteria, with 26 studies included in the narrative synthesis and 8 studies included in the meta-analysis. Coordinate-based meta-analysis showed that, while mind-body exercise enhanced the activation of the left anterior cingulate cortex within the default mode network (DMN), it induced more deactivation in the left supramarginal gyrus within the ventral attention network (uncorrected ps < 0.05). Meta-regression with duration of mind-body practice as a factor showed that, the activation of right inferior parietal gyrus within the DMN showed a positive association with increasing years of practice (voxel-corrected p < 0.005). Although mind-body exercise is shown to selectively modulate brain functional networks supporting attentional control and self-awareness, the overall certainty of evidence is limited by small number of studies. Further investigations are needed to understand the effects of both short-term and long-term mind-body exercise on structural changes in the brain.PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021248984.

Acute effect of breathing exercises on muscle tension and executive function under psychological stress

Introduction

Intensive and long-lasting office work is a common cause of muscular and mental disorders due to workplace stressors. Mindful and slow breathing exercises decrease psychological stress and improve mental health, whereas fast breathing increases neuronal excitability. This study aimed to explore the influence of 5 min of mindful breathing (MINDFUL), slow breathing (SLOW), fast breathing (FAST), and listening to music (MUSIC) on muscle tension and executive function during an intensive psychological task.

Methods

Forty-eight participants (24 men and 24 women) were enrolled. Muscle tension was recorded using surface electromyography, and executive function was assessed using the Stroop Color and Word Test (Stroop Test). The respiration rate (RR), oxygen saturation (SpO₂), end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO₂), and the subjects' preferred method were also recorded. During the experiment, participants performed a one-time baseline test (watching a neutral video for 5 min) and then completed 5 min of MUSIC, MINDFUL, SLOW, and FAST in a random sequence. The Stroop Test was performed after each intervention, including the baseline test, and was followed by a 5 min rest before performing the next intervention.

Results

None of the methods significantly influenced muscular activity and performance of the Stroop Test in both men and women, based on the average 5 min values. However, at the fifth minute, men's accuracy rate in the Stroop Test was significantly higher after SLOW than after MUSIC and FAST, and the reaction time after the SLOW was the shortest. SpO₂ was significantly higher during SLOW than during MUSIC, and RR was relatively lower after SLOW than after MUSIC. Most men preferred SLOW, and most women preferred MUSIC, whereas FAST was the most unfavorable method for both men and women.

Conclusion

Brief breathing exercises did not substantially affect muscle tension under psychological stress. SLOW demonstrated greater potential for sustaining executive function in men, possibly via its superior respiration efficiency on SpO₂ and inhibition of RR.

Multiform-based Baduanjin exercise prevention and treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

In this study, we will combine the traditional Baduanjin with Yijin Jing and Wuqinxi to create an optimized Baduanjin exercise program with three different forms (vertical, sitting, and horizontal) to adapt to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients in vairous stages of the disease. The purpose of this study is to explore and compare the therapeutic effects of this multi-form Baduanjin, traditional Baduanjin, and resistance training on lung function and limb motor function in IPF patients. The goal of this study is to prove a novel optimal exercise prescription strategy of Baduanjin exercise for improving and protecting lung function in IPF patients.

METHODS/DESIGN

A single-blind and randomized controlled trial is used to conduct this study, while the randomization list will be generated using a computerized random number generator and opaque sealed envelopes with group allocation will be prepared. It will be strictly followed to blind the outcome assessors. and until the experiment's conclusion, participants won't know which group they are enrolled in. Patients between the ages of 35 and 80 who have stable diseases and have not regularly practiced Baduanjin exercise in the past will be included. They are divvied up into the following five groups at random: (1) The conventional care group (control group, CG), (2) The traditional Baduanjin exercise group (TG), (3) The modified Baduanjin exercise group (IG), (4) The resistance exercise group (RG) (5) The modified Baduanjin exercise combined with resistance exercise group (IRG). Those CG participants only received the usual treatment, while TC, IG, and RG participants exercised 1 h twice a day for 3 months. MRG participants will have a 3-month intervention with 1 h of Modified Baduanjin Exercise and 1 H of Resistance Training for each day. Every week, all groups underwent will supervis one-day training, with the exception of the control group. The Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT), HRCT, and 6MWT are the main outcome variables. The St. George Respiratory Questionnaire and mMRC are used as secondary outcome measures.

DISCUSSION

This study may produce a new Baduanjin exercise prescription that is user-friendly, simple to execute, more targeted, and adaptable. Because it consists of three forms, including vertical, sitting, and horizontal, it is more adaptable to the various disease stages and actual situations of IPF patients and may compensate for the shortcomings of conventional pulmonary rehabilitation and traditional Baduanjin.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2200055559 . Registered on 12 January 2022.

Culturally tailored group Qigong exercise in older Chinese immigrants: A feasibility study

BACKGROUND

Culturally tailored group exercise bridges health disparities among new immigrants, particularly older adults. We designed a Chinese Qigong (Baduanjin) exercise intervention testing the feasibility and acceptability among older Chinese at a senior daycare center in Philadelphia, PA, US.

METHODS

10-week Qigong group in-person exercise was delivered 5 days a week, using a 12-minute video tutorial under trained research assistants' guidance. Daily attendance and attrition was recorded. Participants completed baseline self-report assessments on physical and mental health, and two computerized cognitive tests, the psychomotor vigilance test and a memory test.

RESULTS

53 older adults participated (mean age: 78, female: 88.7%). Average daily attendance was 65.28%. Stratification analysis on age groups <80 and ≥80 shows no significant differences on key variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Recruitment for Baduanjin Qigong exercise was feasible in senior daycare centers, and older adults could easily learn and safely follow exercise movements. Preliminarily findings call for further research.

Effects of Baduanjin exercise on quality-of-life and exercise capacity in patients with heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Exercise training is an efficient non-pharmacological intervention for patients with heart failure (HF). This study aimed to objectively evaluate the effects of Baduanjin exercise on the quality of life (QOL) and exercise capacity in patients with HF.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang data were searched from the date of their inception until 30 September 2022. All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of Baduanjin exercise on QOL and exercise capacity in patients with HF were selected. The primary outcomes were QOL, assessed using the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ), and exercise capacity, evaluated using the 6-min walking test (6-MWT). A meta-analysis was performed by comparing the MLHFQ domain scores. Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 14.0, were used for the data analysis.

RESULTS

Baduanjin exercise showed a favourable improvement of the overall QOL (mean difference = -8.25; 95% confidence interval: -13.62 to -2.89; P = 0.003) and exercise capacity (mean difference = 118.49; 95% confidence interval: 52.57 to 184.41; P = 0.0004). Meta-analyses of the MLHFQ domain score indicated that Baduanjin exercise significantly improved the patients' physical (mean difference = -2.83; 95% confidence interval: -3.76, -1.90; P < 0.00001), emotional (mean difference = -2.52; 95% confidence interval: -3.67 to -1.37; P < 0.0001), and general QOL (mean difference = -2.61; 95% confidence interval: -5.17 to -0.06; P = 0.05), based on the decrease in the MLHFQ domain score. Marked statistical heterogeneity (I2> 70%) was observed for all the QOL and exercise capacity outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Baduanjin exercise is a safe, feasible, and acceptable intervention that can improve the QOL and exercise capacity in patients with HF. However, more RCTs with rigorous research designs are needed to assist in the rehabilitation of such patients.

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.

The effect of Bafa Wubu of Tai Chi on college students' anxiety and depression: A randomized, controlled pilot study

Objective: This pilot study aimed to explore the mechanism of the effects of Bafa Wubu of Tai Chi (BWTC) on anxiety and depression in college students using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI). Methods: Eighteen college students (5 males and 13 females) with anxiety and depression met the study criteria and were randomly divided into an experimental group (aged 24.20 ± 4.07 years) and a control group (aged 22.50 ± 5.95). The experimental group received an eight-week BWTC intervention five times/week for 60 min/session. The control group maintained normal daily life without any exercise intervention. These students were assessed using RS-fMRI scans, the self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), and the self-rating depression scale (SDS). Spearman correlation analysis was used, and statistical significance was defined as a two-sided p-value of <0.05. Results: After the intervention, the SAS and SDS scores of the BWTC group significantly reduced (p = 0.002; p = 0.001). Compared with the control group, the fALFF values of the right middle frontal gyrus, orbital part (Frontal_Mid_Orb_R) (p = 0.043), right inferior occipital gyrus (Occipital_Inf_R) (p = 0.003), and right middle temporal gyrus of the temporal pole (Temporal_Pole_Mid_R) (p = 0.003) in the BWTC group increased significantly; the fALFF values of the left middle frontal gyrus (Frontal_Mid_L) (p = 0.001) and right supplementary motor area (Supp_Motor_Area_R) (p = 0.010) in BWTC group decreased significantly. The fALFF values of Frontal_Mid_Orb_R were significantly positively correlated with the SDS score (r = 0.852, p = 0.015) and the fALFF values of Frontal_Mid_L were significantly negatively correlated with the SAS score (r = -0.797, p = 0.032). Conclusion: In this pilot study with college students, BWTC alleviated anxiety and depression, potentially through modulating activity in the Frontal_Mid_L and Frontal_Mid_Orb_R, respectively.

Baduanjin improves neck pain and functional movement in middle-aged and elderly people: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Neck pain (NP), one of the most common musculoskeletal diseases, exercises a great influence on the daily life of individuals, especially the elderly. Baduanjin is a traditional Qigong therapy from China, but there is no evidence for its use in the treatment of neck pain in middle-aged and elderly people.

OBJECTIVE

We hope to summarize the efficacy evidence of Baduanjin in the treatment of middle-aged and elderly patients with neck pain (NP) for the first time, conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis, and provide basic evidence-based evidence for clinical practice.

METHODS

Two researchers collectively searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, China Biology Medicine disk (Sino-Med), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang database, and China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP). The search time is set from initial to 27 September 2022, to find out RCT articles that may meet the criteria. The risk bias assessment tool Cochrane was applied to assess the methodological quality of involved studies. RevMan 5.3 was used for the meta-analysis with a mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI), and the model type was a random effects model. The VAS scores of the intervention and control groups were extracted and the results of the meta-analysis were presented using a forest plot.

RESULTS

In total, 13 randomized controlled trials were meta-analyzed, including 840 patients. The results turned out that the VAS score in the intervention group was below the control group, which was statistically significant [MD = -1.15, 95% CI (-1.39, -0.92) and P < 0. 001]. The result of general efficiency suggests that the Baduanjin group was better than the control group [RR = 1.19, 95% CI (1.10, 1.29), P < 0.001].

CONCLUSION

The existing results seem to show that Baduanjin is safe and has a trend of positive benefits in the treatment of neck pain in middle-aged and elderly people. However, considering the limitations of this study, we need to be cautious in our conclusions, and more studies are needed to verify it in future.

Sleep disorders as a prospective intervention target to prevent drug relapse

Objective

The high rate of relapse has become the primary obstacle of drug rehabilitation. In this study, we explored the relationship between sleep disorders and relapse inclination in substance users, as well as the potential mediating mechanisms and corresponding interventions.

Methods

A total of 392 male substance users were recruited to complete the questionnaires on sleep disorders, quality of life and relapse inclination. On account of this, 60 participants with sleep disorders were randomly screened and allocated to the intervention and control groups. The former received 12 weeks of Health Qigong aimed at treating sleep disorders, whereas the latter performed their regular production work.

Results

Sleep disorders had a positive effect on relapse inclination, quality of life was a potential mediator of this relationship, and 12-week Health Qigong designed to treat sleep disorders improved not only their sleep quality but also their overall quality of life, which in turn reduce the tendency to relapse.

Conclusion

Current research not only explores the high-risk factors influencing relapse, but also develops customized intervention strategies, which have theoretical and practical implications for decreasing relapse and increasing abstinence.

Traditional Baduanjin exercise through the eyes of patients with chronic heart failure: A qualitative content analysis study

Objective

Baduanjin (eight silken movements) is a traditional Chinese exercise that can be used as cardiac rehabilitation therapy for patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) especially when other forms of rehabilitation are scarce or unaffordable. This study explores the experiences of Chinese patients with CHF who undertook Baduanjin exercise at home as part of a pilot trial in Guangzhou, China.

Methods

We conducted seven qualitative interviews with participants who had participated in the intervention arm of a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) (n = 8). For data collection, we used a semi-structured interview guide with both open-ended, and follow-up questions. We audio recorded the interviews, transcribed them verbatim, and then analyzed them with content analysis.

Results

Participants' experiences of doing Baduanjin were classified into three categories: (1) improving practice (2) factors facilitating good exercise adherence, and (3) feeling good. Participants reported that the exercises were easy but that the correct Baduanjin execution and coordination between the mind, movements, and breathing were only achievable through practice. In addition, the training benefits which they perceived were the predominant motivation for patients to keep practicing. Finally, trust in Baduanjin, personal attitudes toward health, flexibility in practice times, as well as social support helped the participants to achieve good adherence to home-based training.

Conclusion

This study's findings indicate that Baduanjin could be a cardiac rehabilitation exercise modality for patients with CHF in China, especially in a home-based setting.

Baduanjin exercise modulates the hippocampal subregion structure in community-dwelling older adults with cognitive frailty

Background

Regular Baduanjin exercise intervention was proven to be beneficial in improving the cognitive ability and physical performance of older adults with different health conditions but was unclear to influence the structural plasticity of the hippocampus. This study aimed to explore the modulation of hippocampal subregions as a mechanism by which Baduanjin exercise improves cognitive frailty in older adults.

Methods

A total of 102 community-dwelling older adults with cognitive frailty were recruited and randomly allocated to the Baduanjin exercise training group and usual physical activity control group. The participants in the Baduanjin exercise training group participated in a 24-week Baduanjin exercise intervention program with an exercise frequency of 60 min per day, 3 days per week. Cognitive ability and physical frailty were assessed, and MRI scans were performed on all participants at baseline and after 24 weeks of intervention. The structural MRI data were processed with MRIConvert (version 2.0 Rev. 235) and FreeSurfer (version 6.0.0) software. Data analyses were performed using the independent sample t tests/Mann-Whitney U tests with the Bonferroni correction, mixed linear model, correlation, or mediation analysis by the SPSS 24.0 software (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, United States).

Results

After 24 weeks of intervention, a statistically significant increase was found for the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores (p = 0.002) with a large effect size (Cohen's d = 0.94) and the significant interaction effect (P _{goup × time} < 0.05), Memory Quotient (MQ) scores (p = 0.019) with a medium effect size (Cohen's d = 0.688) and the significant interaction effect (P _{goup × time} < 0.05), and other parameters of WMS-RC test including pictures (p = 0.042), recognition (p = 0.017), and association (p = 0.045) test with a medium effect size (Cohens' d = 0.592, 0.703, and 0.581) for the Baduanjin training group, while significant decrease for the Edmonton Frailty Scale (EFS) score (p = 0.022), with a medium effect size (Cohen's d = -0.659) and the significant interaction effect (P _{goup × time} < 0.05) for the Baduanjin training group. The differences in the left parasubiculum, Hippocampal Amygdala Transition Area (HATA), right Cornu Ammonis Subfield 1 (CA1) and presubiculum volumes from baseline to 24 weeks after intervention in the Baduanjin training group were significantly greater than those in the control group (p < 0.05/12). Further analysis showed that the changes in right CA1 volume were positively correlated with the changes in MoCA and MQ scores (r = 0.510, p = 0.015; r = 0.484, p = 0.022;), the changes in right presubiculum and left parasubiculum volumes were positively correlated with the changes in MQ (r = 0.435, p = 0.043) and picture test scores (r = 0.509, p = 0.016), respectively, and the changes in left parasubiculum and HATA volumes were negatively correlated with the changes in EFS scores (r = -0.534, p = 0.011; r = -0.575, p = 0.005) in the Baduanjin training group, even after adjusting for age, sex, years of education and marital status; furthermore, the volume changes in left parasubiculum and left HATA significantly mediated the Baduanjin exercise training-induced decrease in the EFS scores (β = 0.376, 95% CI 0.024 ~ 0.947; β = 0.484, 95% CI 0.091 ~ 0.995); the changes of left parasubiculum and right CA1 significantly mediated the Baduanjin exercise training-induced increase in the picture and MO scores (β = -0.83, 95% CI-1.95 ~ -0.002; β = -2.44, 95% CI-5.99 ~ -0.32).

Conclusion

A 24-week Baduanjin exercise intervention effectively improved cognitive ability and reduced physical frailty in community-dwelling older adults with cognitive frailty, and the mechanism might be associated with modulating the structural plasticity of the hippocampal subregion.

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.

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.

Effects of qigong exercise on the physical and mental health of college students: a systematic review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Physical and mental health problems are becoming more serious among college students due to lifestyle changes and increased academic stress. Qigong exercise has been regarded as a potentially effective intervention to improve the physical and mental health of college students.

METHODS

Eleven databases were searched from their respective inception dates to April 2022. Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Physical and psychological conditions, including limb muscle strength, flexibility, cardiorespiratory endurance, vital capacity, blood pressure and heart rate, as well as depression, anxiety and mood, were evaluated. The risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane Collaboration tool.

RESULTS

Sixteen randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. Significant improvements in cardiorespiratory endurance (MD = 3.83, 95% CI: 0.99 to 6.67, P = 0.008) and flexibility (MD = 3.01, 95% CI: 1.21 to 4.81, P = 0.001) were observed. We also observed that Qigong exercise significantly reduced depression and anxiety symptoms (SMD=-0.89, 95% CI: -1.17 to -0.61, P < 0.00001; SMD=-0.78, 95% CI: -1.31 to -0.25, P = 0.004). Nevertheless, no significant effects on muscle strength, vital capacity, blood pressure, heart rate or mood were found.

CONCLUSION

Qigong exercise was advantageous for college students in terms of improving flexibility and cardiorespiratory endurance and alleviating depression and anxiety to some extent. However, due to the limited number of eligible trials and the low methodological quality, more well-designed RCTs are needed in the future.

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.

Qigong for mental health and sleep quality in postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Menopause is one of the stages in a woman's life that affects her psychological health, the most frequent being anxiety and depression. In addition, another problem related to this stage is the lack of sleep that causes a decrease in the quality of sleep. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to analyze the effectiveness of a Qigong exercise program on sleep quality, anxiety, and depression in Spanish postmenopausal women.

METHODS

A total of 125 women were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG) (n = 63) that carried out a Qigong exercise program for 12 weeks, or a control group (CG) (n = 62), which did not perform any type of intervention. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and anxiety and depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

RESULTS

Women who underwent an intervention program experienced significant improvements for all measured variables, except for the use of sleeping medication and daytime dysfunctions that did not show any significant effect with respect to the group and group × time interaction.

CONCLUSIONS

After an intervention based on a BaDuanJin Qigong exercise program for 12 weeks, improvements were observed in sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, the total score of the PSQI, anxiety and depression in postmenopausal Spanish women.

Updated Meta-Analysis Assessing Effects of Baduanjin on Cardiopulmonary Functions of Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

Background

Baduanjin is a kind of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, but its effect on the cardiac rehabilitation (CR) of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) is controversial. Furthermore, the small sample size of a single study and the inconsistent selection of evaluation indicators among different studies all promote the necessity of conducting a meta-analysis.

Objective

This meta-analysis aims to explore whether Baduanjin can effectively improve the cardiopulmonary function in patients with CHD and to assess the extrapolation of the results.

Methods

Both English and Chinese databases were used for literature retrieval. The Cochrane Collaboration tool was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included literature. A weighted mean difference and a 95% confidence interval were used to assess the effects of Baduanjin on cardiopulmonary function based on multiple CR indicators. Cochran's Q and I² tests were used for the heterogeneity test. A funnel plot and an Egger test were used to evaluate publication bias.

Results

After literature retrieval, a total of 12 literature papers were included in this meta-analysis, but their methodological quality was unsatisfactory. By comparing differences between CHD patients with and without Baduanjin, we found that levels of 6MWT, LVEF, NT-proBNP, VO₂, peak VO₂, MVV, and VE, AT were significantly improved in the experimental group, but heterogeneity exists among included studies. Results of subgroup analyses were consistent with combined estimates and suggested a significant effect of Baduanjin on LVEF. The Egger test indicated no significant publication bias.

Conclusion

Baduanjin is beneficial to CR in CHD patients, but multiple region-based high-quality studies are necessary to verify the results.

The Effects of Mind-Body Exercises on Chronic Spinal Pain Outcomes: A Synthesis Based on 72 Meta-Analyses

An umbrella review of systematic reviews with a meta-analysis was developed to summarize the evidence on the effectiveness of qigong, tai chi, and yoga in chronic spinal pain outcomes. The CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed and SPORTDiscus databases were searched. Pain, psychological factors, and quality of life (QOL) were the outcomes of interest. The methodological quality of the reviews was evaluated using the AMSTAR-2 tool. The overlap was calculated using the corrected covered area. A total of 72 meta-analyses drawn from 20 systematic reviews were included and often were rated at a critically low quality. The effects of qigong on chronic low back and neck pain (CLBP and CNP, respectively) were inconsistent, although it improved the physical component of QOL after 12 weeks for CNP. Tai chi was superior to the controls in reducing CLBP; no reviews of interest were found on CNP. Yoga was superior to multiple controls in reducing CLBP, but no relevant effects on depression or QOL were found. QOL, anxiety, depression, and general mood improved with yoga for CNP. Inconsistencies arose related to yoga and CNP. Our findings mainly supported the potential effects of yoga and tai chi on pain-related outcomes, psychological factors, and QOL in populations with CLBP and NP. Clinical and methodological considerations were discussed.

The Effectiveness of a Hybrid Exercise Program on the Physical Fitness of Frail Elderly

BACKGROUND

Frailty is a serious physical disorder affecting the elderly all over the world. However, the frail elderly have low physical fitness, which limits the effectiveness of current exercise programs. Inspired by this, we attempted to integrate Baduanjin and strength and endurance exercises into an exercise program to improve the physical fitness and alleviate frailty among the elderly. Additionally, to achieve the goals of personalized medicine, machine learning simulations were performed to predict post-intervention frailty.

METHODS

A total of 171 frail elderly individuals completed the experiment, including a Baduanjin group (BDJ), a strength and endurance training group (SE), and a combination of Baduanjin and strength and endurance training group (BDJSE), which lasted for 24 weeks. Physical fitness was evaluated by 10-meter maximum walk speed (10 m MWS), grip strength, the timed up-and-go test (TUGT), and the 6 min walk test (6 min WT). A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square test, and two-way repeated-measures ANOVA were carried out to analyze the experimental data. In addition, nine machine learning models were utilized to predict the frailty status after the intervention.

RESULTS

In 10 m MWS and TUGT, there was a significant interactive influence between group and time. When comparing the BDJ group and the SE group, participants in the BDJSE group demonstrated the maximum gains in 10 m MWS and TUGT after 24 weeks of intervention. The stacking model surpassed other algorithms in performance. The accuracy and precision rates were 75.5% and 77.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The hybrid exercise program that combined Baduanjin with strength and endurance training proved more effective at improving fitness and reversing frailty in elderly individuals. Based on the stacking model, it is possible to predict whether an elderly person will exhibit reversed frailty following an exercise program.

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.