Effects of Baduanjin Qigong in Individuals With Schizophrenia: A Preliminary Quasi-Experimental Pilot Study

The current quasi-experimental study explored the effects of Baduanjin qigong on body mass index (BMI) and five metabolic indexes in people with schizophrenia. Inclusion criteria were body mass index >25 kg/m² or metabolic syndrome. Twenty-two service users were recruited from a psychiatric center and were assigned to the experimental group (EG) or control group (CG) using blocked randomization. The EG performed Baduanjin qigong lasting 1 hour for 12 weeks three times per week, whereas the CG received routine care. Generalized estimating equations showed that the EG achieved a greater decrease in BMI and waist circumference (WC) than the CG post-intervention. Baduanjin qigong may provide an effective nonpharmacological approach to reducing BMI and WC in people with schizophrenia. This study showed that performing Baduanjin qigong for 12 weeks is a feasible and effective strategy for improving the body shape of individuals with chronic schizophrenia, thus providing results that can serve as a reference for health professionals working in psychiatry departments. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62(4), 41-48.].