Efficacy of Baduanjin Exercise for Sarcopenia in Older Adults: A 24-Week Randomized Controlled Trial

Sarcopenia, a condition characterized by a substantial reduction in muscle mass and decreased muscle function, is a common degenerative condition in older adults. Regular Baduanjin exercise (BE) is deemed an effective intervention for improving muscle function in older adults. It is a traditional Chinese practice of qigong that combines gentle exercise, breathing techniques and meditation, in the elderly population. However, randomized controlled trials on the efficacy of BE in preventing and treating sarcopenia among older adults remain limited. The aim of our study was to assess the efficacy of a systematic BE regimen based on the short physical performance battery (SPPB) in managing sarcopenia. By establishing a clear link between BE and improvements in muscle function, this study reveals valuable insights into nonpharmacological strategies for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia.

This is a 24-week randomized controlled trial involving 90 participants aged 60-77 years who were diagnosed with primary sarcopenia. The participants were randomly assigned by SAS software to either BE or a resistance training (RT) group. Both groups undertook their respective training under professional supervision from July 2022 to August 2023 in Chengdu, China. The intervention consisted of 60-minute sessions, three times a week for 24 weeks. Participants were evaluated at baseline, Week 12 (midintervention) and Week 24 (postintervention) using the primary outcome measure, SPPB, along with secondary indicators, including limb muscle mass, two-handed grip strength and other indicators, which were analysed using a generalized estimating equation (GEE) model.

Generalized estimating equations were used to assess 24-week postintervention effects. Among the entire group, which consisted of 13 males and 77 females, significant differences (p < 0.05) were noted between the BE and RT in several measures: SPPB scores (B = 1.94 [95% CI, 1.20-2.68]), balance (B = 0.76 [95% CI, 0.31-1.22]), lower limb strength (B = 0.75 [95% CI, 0.25 to 1.24]), gait speed (B = 0.41 [95% CI, 0.01-0.81]), skeletal muscle index (SMI) (B = 0.37 [95% CI, 0.25-0.50]), left leg muscle mass (B = 0.38 [95% CI, 0.23-0.52]), right leg muscle mass (B = 0.34 [95% CI, 0.17-0.51]) and right hand grip strength (B = 1.56 [95% CI, 1.13-1.99]). No significant differences were found in the muscle mass of the left arm, right arm or left handgrip strength or in the results of the 6-m walk test.

Regular BE markedly improved muscle function and increased muscle mass in older adults with sarcopenia, indicating a safe and effective exercise for sarcopenia management. BE, which was tailored using the short physical performance battery assessment, offers a valuable approach to help prevent and treat sarcopenia in older adults. Future research should investigate the long-term effects of varying BE intensities and frequencies in individuals with sarcopenia.

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100051871).