In 2020, Yang, et. al., conducted study about Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which poses a significant threat to both the quality of life and overall well-being of affected individuals, with a progressive decline in lung function being a hallmark of the disease. Early-stage COPD, in particular, witnesses a rapid deterioration in lung function, emphasizing the crucial need for effective interventions to mitigate this decline. Traditional exercise regimens, such as Baduanjin, have shown promise in enhancing lung function, exercise capacity, and overall quality of life for COPD patients. However, the lack of high-quality, evidence-based medical research has hindered the confirmation of Baduanjin’s effectiveness in preventing the decline of lung function in mild COPD patients.

In a randomized controlled trial, 192 patients diagnosed with mild COPD were randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group. Both groups received basic treatment involving health education and Tiotropium bromide. The experimental group additionally underwent Baduanjin exercise training, while the control group was instructed to maintain their usual lifestyle with controlled exercise. The Baduanjin exercise regimen spanned 24 weeks, followed by a 72-week follow-up period. Primary outcomes included changes in lung function, specifically forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/predicted. Secondary outcomes encompassed the COPD assessment test, 6-minute walk test, St. George Respiratory Questionnaire, and Dyspnea Scale. Safety assessments were also incorporated into the study.

The findings from this trial aim to establish the efficacy of traditional Baduanjin exercises in preventing the deterioration of lung function in mild COPD patients. If successful, this research could introduce a simple, cost-effective, and daily pulmonary rehabilitation measure for individuals diagnosed with mild COPD. The potential implications of incorporating Baduanjin into COPD management may significantly impact the prognosis and overall well-being of patients, offering a holistic approach to enhance their respiratory health.

Reference: Yang, Y., Chen, K., Tang, W., Xie, X., Xiao, W., Xiao, J., & Wang, W. (2020). Influence of Baduanjin on lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life in patients with mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Medicine, 99(37).