Effect of Baduanjin Exercise and Resistance Band Training on Sarcopenia in the Elderly: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and function, is a major geriatric concern. This study evaluated the impact of Baduanjin, resistance band, and mixed exercise on muscle mass and physical function in elderly sarcopenic patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS Eighty sarcopenic individuals were randomly assigned to Baduanjin, resistance band, mixed exercise, or control groups (n=20 each). Interventions were conducted 3×/week for 30 minutes over 12 weeks. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM), ASM index (ASMI), handgrip strength (HGS), gait speed (GS), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) scores, and timed up-and-go test (TUGT) were measured before and after the intervention. RESULTS Before the intervention, the groups were comparable. Post-intervention within-group comparisons indicated significant improvements in ASM and ASMI in the resistance band and mixed exercise groups (P<0.05). Between-group comparisons of change scores revealed greater increases in ASM and ASMI in the resistance band group compared to the control group (P<0.05). Furthermore, post-intervention within-group comparisons shows that improvements (P<0.05) were noted in HGS, GS, TUGT, and SPPB across all exercise groups. Between-group comparisons of change scores revealed that the resistance band and mixed exercise groups demonstrated greater enhancements in HGS, GS, and TUGT compared to the control group (p<0.05). Additionally, changed balance scores in SPPB and SPPB were significantly higher in the resistance band group than in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Resistance band and mixed exercise improved muscle mass and overall physical function. Baduanjin specifically enhanced balance. These findings support tailored exercise prescriptions for sarcopenia management.