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

Abstract

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.