Effect of health Baduanjin Qigong for mild to moderate Parkinson's disease.

Aim: The present study investigated the effectiveness of Baduanjin Qigong on symptoms related to gait, functional mobility and sleep in Parkinson disease (PD) patients.

Methods: A total of 100 patients (age 67.53 ± 8.56 years, range 55-80 years) with mild to moderate PD were randomly assigned to two groups. Participants in the Baduanjin Qigong group (BQG) received a Baduanjin Qigong program, consisting of four 45-min sessions each week and daily walking 30 min for 6 months. Participants in the control group were carried out daily walking for 30 min. Pre- and post-intervention testing was carried out to assess sleep quality, fatigue, functional mobility and gait performance in these participants.

Results: After the 6-month Baduanjin Qigong intervention, the BQG showed sleep quality improvements in the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale score (P = 0.049), Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale-2 (PDSS-2) total score (P = 0.039), Motor Symptoms at Night (PDSS-2) score (P = 0.039), PD Symptoms at Night (PDSS-2) score (P = 0.029), Disturbed Sleep (PDSS-2) score (P = 0.037). The BQG showing functional mobility capacity greater improvements in the Berg Balance Scale (P = 0.041) and 6-minute walk test (P = 0.042), and greater decrease in the Timed Up & Go (s; P = 0.046). The BQG showing gait function increased in the gait speed (m/s; P = 0.011). However, this was not the case for the control group, which remained at the same level as pretest performance.

Conclusions: BQG improved the gait performance, functional mobility and sleep quality in older adults with PD at the 6-month follow up. It is as an alternative home exercise program for older adults in rehabilitation for PD. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 911-919.