Exploring the Role of Baduanjin on Lumbar and Hip Mobility Index in Obese People Based on Infrared Thermography and Meridian Point Specificity

This study aimed to explore whether Baduanjin, a traditional fitness practice, can improve waist and hip mobility in obese individuals. Based on the TCM theory that "acupoints have unique effects," researchers hypothesized that Baduanjin might regulate muscle function by stimulating key abdominal and lumbar acupoints (such as Shenque and Guanyuan), thereby enhancing body flexibility.

The study recruited 60 overweight adults (BMI >28) from Beijing and Suzhou, randomly dividing them into two groups: one practiced Baduanjin 4 times a week for 8 weeks, while the other received no additional exercise. Using an infrared thermography device (similar to a "body temperature camera"), researchers measured temperature changes at abdominal and lumbar acupoints. They also evaluated waist mobility through forward bending, backward extension, and lateral flexion tests.

After 8 weeks, the Baduanjin group showed three significant improvements compared to the control group:

Enhanced flexibility: Waist and hip range of motion increased, such as reaching further during sit-and-reach tests.

Higher acupoint temperature: Skin temperature around Shenque, Guanyuan, and other acupoints rose, possibly indicating improved local blood circulation.

Better functional scores: Scores reflecting daily activity comfort and joint health significantly improved, while the control group showed no change.

In conclusion, Baduanjin may benefit obese individuals by "activating" abdominal and lumbar acupoints to optimize muscle function and mobility. Further research is needed to validate the underlying mechanisms.

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Key information

Conditions

Obesity and Overweight Body Weight Nutrition Disorders Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases Obesity Overnutrition Overweight Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Guang'anmen Hospital

Beijin, 100053, China

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

Participants with scores of 72 or above on the HEFESCM-36 scale of the China Association of Chinese Medicine, and meeting the following criteria:

Aged between 18 and 60 years; Able to independently participate in activities required for the physical study; Body mass index (BMI) >28; No musculoskeletal diseases or radiculopathy within one year prior to the trial; No receipt of physical therapy or surgical treatment within one year prior to the trial; Education level of high school or above; Proficient in using the WeChat check-in program; No mental illnesses and with normal learning and communication abilities; Agree to and voluntarily sign the informed consent form for trial participation.

Exclusion criteria

Participants with confirmed specific etiologies, such as lumbar disc herniation, lumbar fracture, etc.; Individuals with 神经根 compression symptoms, such as sciatica, lumbar disc herniation, etc.; Cases with bacterial or aseptic inflammatory diseases, such as fever, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.; Subjects with other organ pathologies, such as kidney stones, typhlitis, appendicitis, etc.; Pregnant women; Individuals taking medications for mental disorders; Participants engaging in aerobic exercise >3 times/week or anaerobic exercise >4 times/week.

Treatment and study plan

The Baduanjin intervention was designed following traditional Chinese health preservation principles and conducted under the guidance of certified instructors. The training sessions were led by nation

Behavioral

The Baduanjin group received training guided by national-level social sports instructors certified by the Institute of Sports Medicine, General Administration of Sport of China. The intervention consisted of Baduanjin training 4 times per week for 8 consecutive weeks, with a total duration (including warm-up and breaks) of ≥30 minutes per session. The training protocol included 16 minutes of Baduanjin exercise, a 2-minute break, and an additional 16 minutes of Baduanjin exercise.

Primary outcomes

Infrared Thermography

Time frame: 10min

Used for detecting human body surface temperature

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Chengdu Sport University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2023
Primary completion: 2023
Study completion: 2024
First posted: Jun 25, 2025
Registry last updated: Jun 25, 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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