Effect of Baduanjin exercise on primary osteoporosis: study protocol for randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Physical Therapy
• Bone Metabolism

Background:

• Osteoporosis (OP) is a chronic disease linked to lack of exercise and multifactorial co-morbidity.
• Baduanjin (BDJ) exercise is a potential intervention for modifying osteoporosis risk factors.
• This study aims to evaluate BDJ exercise's effectiveness in improving pain and balance in OP patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide evidence on the efficacy of Baduanjin (BDJ) exercise for managing osteoporosis.
• To assess the impact of BDJ exercise on pain and balance in patients with osteoporosis.
• To explore BDJ exercise as a non-drug intervention for bone health.

Main Methods:

• A prospective randomized controlled trial involving 160 participants.
• Treatment group: 24-week BDJ exercise (30-60 min, 3x/week) plus Calcium/D3.
• Control group: Calcium/D3 only. Outcomes measured at baseline, 6 months, and 6 months post-treatment.

Main Results:

• Primary outcomes: pain (Visual Analogue Scale) and balance (Berg Balance Scale).
• Secondary outcomes: bone mineral density (BMD), specific biomarkers (P1NP, β-CTX, etc.), Timed Up and Go (TUG), Morse Fall Scale (MFS), Five-Times Sit-to-Stand (FTSST).
• Data analysis will compare changes between groups over time.

Conclusions:

• The study anticipates confirming BDJ exercise as a beneficial non-drug intervention for osteoporosis.
• Findings may support recommending BDJ exercise to prevent bone loss, falls, and fractures in OP patients.
• This research contributes to understanding complementary therapies for chronic bone conditions.