Publication: The effects of 12-week baduanjin intervention on balance, isometric knee strength, gait biomechanics and risks of falls among elderly
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Date
2025-04
Authors
Shihao, Xie
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Abstract
Physical function declines in older adults as they age, and failure to detect
incorrect body postures or restore balance increases the likelihood of falls. Therefore,
improving the balance function of the elderly has become an important goal in
geriatric rehabilitation. Baduanjin is one of the traditional Chinese qigong treatment
methods. Compared with other forms of exercise, it focuses more on the integration
of body and mind, and improves the physical function of the elderly and various
clinical populations. However, previous studies on Baduanjin have only used
subjective scales that indirectly assess fall risk. The effects of Baduanjin on gait
biomechanics and balance in older adults is unknown. Therefore, this study evaluated
the impact of 12 weeks of Baduanjin on the risk of falls from all aspects, including
balance, isometric knee joint strength, and gait parameters. After screening, the 42
participants were divided into groups by drawing lots through the blind box with two
kinds of paper strips: B and C. They were randomly divided into one of the following
conditions: 1. Baduanjin group (n=22), 2. control group (n=20). The intervention
period was 12 weeks, with balance, isometric knee joint strength, and gait tests
conducted in the first, sixth, and twelfth weeks, respectively. Also, after the
intervention, the biomechanical parameters of eight sections of the Baduanjin were
evaluated. Based on the research results, we conclude that compared to walking
intervention of the same intensity, the Baduanjin intervention can effectively
improve the sway path (37.62±9.73% vs 10.12±0.66%, p<0.05), sway velocity (19.06±10.73% vs 0.96±1.40%, p<0.05), sway area (31.54±11.73% vs 24.95±5.47%,
p<0.05) and sway amplitude (29.16±12.44% vs 5.63±1.69%, p<0.05) during balance
test in the coronal plane of the elderly. In addition, Baduanjin intervention can
improve the gait symmetry during early (50.00±67.08% vs 20.00±84.85%, p<0.05)
and mid stance phases (55.56±46.64% vs 11.11±82.22%, p<0.05) and maximum
strength of knee extensor (7.77±1.69% vs 3.39±1.44%, p<0.05). In conclusion,
compared to conventional walking intervention, the Baduanjin intervention is more
conducive in improving the balance and gait stability of elderly, possibly due to the
increase in lower limb muscle strength.
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