The effects of baduanjin qigong exercise via telerehabilitation in ankylosing spondylitis: A randomized controlled study.

Background And Purpose: Baduanjin qigong exercises have previously been reported to improve Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) symptoms. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of 12-week Baduanjin qigong exercises in patients with AS.

Method: Fifty-nine patients with AS aged 18-64 were included in the study. The participants were divided into two groups. The intervention group performed Baduanjin qigong online exercise program, control group received home exercises for 45 min twice a week for 12 weeks. Before and after the 12-week exercise program, patients were evaluated using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI)-Functional Index (BASFI)-Metrology Index (BASMI), chest expansion measurement, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (ASQoL).

Results: When the groups were compared after the intervention, there was a significant difference in favor of the intervention group in the BASMI (p: 0.00-0.04), FSS (p:0.01), and chest expansion (p:0.04). Also, the delta values of the groups were compared; the intervention group was found to be superior in terms of PSQI (p:0.01), BASFI (p:0.00), and BASMI (p:0.04).

Conclusion: Baduanjin qigong should be added to rehabilitation programs as a complementary method to improve fatigue levels, chest expansion, flexibility, functionality, and quality of life in patients with AS.