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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07306169

Baduanjin Qigong Exercise In Patients With Parkinson's Disease

This study investigates whether adding Baduanjin exercise, a gentle and easy-to-learn traditional Chinese mind-body practice, can contribute to rehabilitation in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease commonly leads to impairments in balance, walking, and overall motor function, which may affect independence and quality of life.

In this randomized controlled study, participants living in a nursing home were assigned to one of two groups:

a control group receiving standard physiotherapy, and an experimental group receiving Baduanjin exercise in addition to standard physiotherapy for 12 weeks.

Throughout the study, participants were assessed on balance, mobility, walking endurance, and motor symptoms using validated clinical tools.

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Key information

Conditions

Parkinson Disease Basal Ganglia Diseases Brain Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Movement Disorders Nervous System Diseases Neurodegenerative Diseases Parkinsonian Disorders Synucleinopathies

Age range

65 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Mudanya University

Bursa, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

This randomized controlled study is designed to evaluate the effects of incorporating Baduanjin exercise, a traditional low-intensity mind-body practice, into a standard physiotherapy program for individuals with Parkinson's disease residing in a long-term care facility. Parkinson's disease frequently results in motor impairments such as postural instability, reduced gait speed, decreased walking endurance, and limitations in functional mobility, creating a need for accessible rehabilitative approaches.

Participants who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) a control group receiving conventional physiotherapy alone, or (2) an experimental group receiving Baduanjin exercise in addition to conventional physiotherapy. The intervention lasted 12 weeks. The Baduanjin program consisted of eight simplified movements emphasizing balance, postural control, coordinated breathing, and gentle whole-body mobility. Both groups participated in supervised sessions three times per week.

Outcome measures included standardized clinical assessments of balance, functional mobility, walking endurance, and motor symptom severity. These assessments were conducted at baseline and following completion of the 12-week intervention period to record changes over time.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether integrating Baduanjin into routine physiotherapy is feasible and appropriate as a complementary rehabilitative strategy for individuals with Parkinson's disease living in long-term care settings.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Individuals aged 65 years and older residing in a nursing home
  • A diagnosis of Parkinson's disease classified as Hoehn & Yahr Stages 1-3
  • Sufficient cognitive ability to follow exercise instructions
  • Willingness to voluntarily participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

  • Severe dementia or cognitive impairment
  • Unstable cardiovascular disease
  • Significant visual or hearing loss
  • Severe osteoarthritis, recent fractures, or movement limitations
  • Inability to follow instructions in Turkish
  • Inability to continue the exercise program during the study period or withdrawal of informed consent

Treatment and study plan

Physical Therapy

Other

A modified Parkinson's rehabilitation program suitable for elderly residents was implemented. Sessions were held three times per week for 45 minutes over three months. The program included walking practice, stair climbing, sit-to-stand exercises, backward and toe walking, single-leg stance, tandem and lateral walking, turning, weight-shifting with support, and balance exercises using balls and therabands. Strengthening, gait training to improve step length and directional changes, warm-up walking, and breathing exercises were also incorporated. All sessions were conducted in small groups of 3-4 participants.

Baduanjin Exercise

Other

A modified Baduanjin program based on the traditional eight movements was applied. The session lasted 15 minutes and each movement was performed for 6-8 repetitions. Exercises included raising the arms in coordination with breathing, a bow-and-arrow movement for scapular control, gentle lateral bending, trunk rotation for postural stability, side leaning for core balance, a forward-reaching movement with bent knees to enhance flexibility, shoulder lifting and releasing for relaxation, and circular arm motions to promote upper-limb mobility and coordination. All movements were adapted to be safe and manageable for older adults.

Primary outcomes

  1. balance

    Time frame: through study completion, an average of 6 months

    The Berg Balance Scale is one of the most commonly used tests to assess an individual's balance status. It consists of 14 items, each scored from 0 to 4. Total scores between 0-20 indicate a high risk of falling, 21-40 indicate a moderate fall risk, and 41-56 indicate a low fall risk.

  2. mobility

    Time frame: through study completion, an average of 6 months

    The Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test is used to assess fall risk and mobility in older adults. The test requires a chair and a stopwatch. The patient is asked to stand up from the chair, walk 3 meters, turn, walk back, and sit down again. The time taken to complete the task is recorded as the test result. A completion time greater than 12 seconds indicates an increased risk of falling.

  3. walking capasity

    Time frame: through study completion, an average of 6 months.

    The Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is used to assess functional capacity, which is an important predictor of morbidity and mortality. The distance an individual walks in six minutes is recorded in meters. Reference values include approximately 380 m for individuals with COPD (<160 m indicates increased mortality risk), 590-640 m for adults aged 20-50 years, 540-570 m for those aged 60-70 years, and 470-530 m for individuals aged 70-80 years.

  4. parkinson degree

    Time frame: through study completion, an average of 6 months.

    The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Part III, assesses the motor examination of individuals with Parkinson's disease. During the assessment, the examiner demonstrates each movement while providing instructions and then evaluates the patient's performance. Each item is scored on a scale from 0 to 4, and all motor functions are assessed separately.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Istanbul Medipol University Hospital

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effect of Baduanjin Exercise on the Rehabilitation of Patients With Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Study

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Dec 29, 2025
Registry last updated
Dec 29, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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