Abstract
Background and purpose:
Around the world, college students physical and mental health is deteriorating. Finding practical ways to enhance college students health is crucial. One of the traditional Chinese Qigong exercises is Baduanjin, which is possibly one of the most efficient workout techniques out there. However, it is unknown how Baduanjin practice may affect college students health. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Qigong Baduanjin on the physical and mental health of female college freshmen.
Materials and methods:
A total of 78 female college students were recruited and randomly divided into Baduanjin group or control group. Participants in the control group were told to keep their original habits of life and exercise. The Baduanjin exercise group received 12 weeks of Baduanjin exercise, 3 days a week and 1 hour a day. After the 12 week randomized controlled trial, the physical and mental health indexes of female students in Baduanjin group and control group were evaluated, including physical shape, physical function, physical fitness and scl-90 self-assessment scale.
Results:
Compared with the control group, at the end of the 12 week intervention, the weight, body mass index, diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, somatization score, obsessive-compulsive disorder score, interpersonal sensitivity score, depression score, anxiety score and phobic anxiety score of Baduanjin group decreased significantly. Compared with the control group, the vital capacity, vital capacity index, Stand test, Genchi test, Stand on 1 leg with closed eyes, standing bends and squats of the Baduanjin group have been significantly improved.
Conclusion:
Compared with usual activities, Qigong Baduanjin exercise has advantages in improving female college students body shape (weight and body mass index), cardiovascular and respiratory lung function, flexibility, balance ability, muscle endurance and mental health.
Keywords: a randomized controlled trial, Baduanjin, mental health, physical health, students
1. Introduction
Entering college marks the start of a student autonomous existence, which has significantly altered the physical, psychological, and social relationships of students compared to earlier times.[1] Students future lives and health may be impacted by the lifestyle and behaviors they establish while attending college.[2] The global economy is currently growing quickly, students competition pressure has gradually increased, their lifestyles have changed, and their levels of physical activity and health are declining globally.[3] In the United States, 40% of college students fail to meet the standard of daily physical activities, which leads to a decline in physical health.[4] The number of sick students in Russian universities is currently increasing.[5–6] Researchers classified female students as a high-risk healthy population, who are usually diagnosed with different diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, scoliosis, and respiratory diseases.[7] Russian researchers believe that one of the main reasons for the poor health of female students is the lack of physical activity.[8,9] Insufficient physical activity has been shown to be associated with increased risk of weight gain, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and heart disease.[10] Therefore, there is a chance that college students would develop chronic illnesses in the future, which will be expensive for the family and society.[11–13] College students mental health issues are particularly severe due to their changing living conditions and mounting academic pressure, and they are becoming a major global public health concern.[14,15] A study found that among American college students, the incidence rate of depression (DEP) was 17.3%, the incidence rate of panic disorder was 4.1%, the incidence rate of anxiety (ANX) disorder was 7.0%, and the suicide thought accounted for 6.3%.[16] The psychological health problems of Russian college students, such as ANX and DEP, are also particularly serious.[17] Serious mental health problems may lead to college students dropping out of school, committing suicide or other dangerous behaviors.[18] However, college students with mental health problems have not received enough attention from universities and society.[19] We need to find an effective way to promote their physical and mental health.[20] A study has proved that insufficient physical activity of college students can reduce their physical and mental health.[21] Therefore, strengthening physical exercise and physical activity may have a positive impact on college students psychological distress.[22] Baduanjin is one of the most popular versions of Qigong in China, which is believed to have a history of at least 800 years.[23] The exercise intensity and sequence of Baduanjin conform to the laws of human kinematics and physiology. It belongs to aerobic exercise and is safe and reliable.[24] The characteristics of the Baduanjin Movement are mainly reflected in several aspects, such as softness, combination of movement and stillness, combination of spirit and form, and the presence of Qi. Unlike traditional aerobic exercise or resistance exercise training, which only focuses on the body, Qigong Baduanjin aims to integrate the body and soul and achieve the coordinated development of the body, mind and soul.[25] However, it is unknown how Qigong Baduanjin practice may affect college students health. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Qigong Baduanjin on the physical and mental health of female college freshmen.
2. Materials and method
2.1. Study design
This is a randomized, parallel, controlled experiment conducted from February 2019 to May 2019. As shown in Figures 1, 78 qualified subjects were randomly assigned to Baduanjin group or control group. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Sports medicine School of Anshan Normal University.
Figure 1.
Total 83 participants were recruited. Due to health problems, 5 participants were excluded, and only 78 participants were randomly divided into the Baduanjin qigong group and the control group, with 39 participants in each group. Five participants in the Baduanjin qigong group were excluded because they failed to complete 12 wk of Baduanjin qigong exercise. After the test, there were 34 people left in the Baduanjin qigong group and 39 people left in the control group.
The students in the Baduanjin group completed 12 weeks of Baduanjin exercises, while the students in the control group were asked to maintain their current lifestyle during the study. At the baseline and at the end of the 12-week intervention, the subjects body shape, physical function, physical fitness, somatization (SOM), obsession, interpersonal sensitivity (INT), DEP, ANX, hostility, fear ANX, paranoia, and psychosis were assessed.
2.2. Participant
39 participants in the Qigong group and 39 participants in the control group completed the entire 12-week experimental study. Participants were recruited through the campus poster from December 9 to December 19, 2018.
The inclusion criteria are:
18 to 20 years old.
Freshman.
The participant has not practiced Baduanjin or other qigong or Tai Chi before.
Those with exercise contraindications, musculoskeletal diseases, and severe cardiovascular diseases are not allowed to participate in this study.
All participants signed an informed consent form before the start of the study.
2.3. Intervention
2.3.1. Control group.
Participants in the control group were told to maintain their original lifestyle during the 12-week intervention period during the study.
2.3.2. Qigong Baduanjin group.
From February 2019 to May 2019, the Qigong Baduanjin course was 12 weeks, 3 days a week, and 1 hour a day. Each lesson includes 10 minutes of warm-up, 40 minutes of Qigong Baduanjin exercises and 10 minutes of cooling time. A coach who has been in Qigong Baduanjin teaching for 7 years teaches students Baduanjin. The Qigong Baduanjin exercise program is formulated on the basis of the Qigong Baduanjin program issued by the China Sports Bureau, including 8 individual poses.
Hold the sky with both hands to adjust the triple focus.
Bow left and right like shooting eagles.
To regulate the spleen and stomach must be single lifted.
Look back to treat damaged organs.
Shake your head and tail to get rid of psychological pressure.
Climbing feet with both hands to strengthen the kidney and waist.
Grow fists to increase strength.
Behind the 7 tiptoes to eliminate all diseases.
As a baseline and outcomes survey, 2 measurements and surveys were performed on all subjects. The research assistant collected and input the data of this research, but the research assistant did not know the group assignments during the whole research process.
2.4. Randomization and blinding
The random number is randomly generated by the software, printed out, put in an opaque envelope, and opened when each subject agrees to participate. This task is performed by research assistants who are not involved in the recruitment to ensure that the assigned numbers are hidden. Participants were randomly divided into Qigong Baduanjin group or control group at a ratio of 1:1. After evaluating their baseline measurements, the study leader contacted qualified participants by phone to inform them of the next tasks. Although it is impossible to prevent the participant from meeting the Qigong Baduanjin coach, the participant and the Baduanjin coach still have no knowledge of the evaluation results.
2.5. Measures
Measurement of body shape was as follows: the indices of body shape measured included body height, weight, body mass index (BMI), chest circumference.
The measurement of physical function is as follows: The measured indicators include blood pressure, vital capacity (VC), VC index (the ratio of VC to body weight), Stange test and Genchi test.
The VC of the lungs describes not only the level of functionality of the external respiratory system but also the power and control of the respiratory muscles. Using a dry portable SPP (ZhongTiTongFang, China) spirometer, the VC of the lungs was measured. The patient inhales and exhales after taking 1 to 2 deep breaths. Next, he takes his deepest breath while holding the mouthpiece in his mouth and evenly exhales the most air into the spirometer. You shouldn’t hurry or force the individual to exhale. The exhale should last 4 to 8 seconds at most. During the study of the tidal volume, the examinee must hold the spirometer by the body so as not to impede the free exit of air from the device. The scale of the spirometer determines VC in liters. The measurement of VC is carried out 3 times, and the arithmetic mean is calculated.
VC index = VC (mL)/body weight (kg)
Hypoxic tests make it possible to assess the adaptation of a person to hypoxia and hypoxemia. Genchi test - registration of breath holding time after maximum expiration. The subject is asked to take a deep breath, then exhale as much as possible, hold his breath, holding his nose and mouth. The time of holding the breath between inhalation and exhalation is recorded. Stange test records the time of holding the breath during a deep breath. The subject is asked to inhale, exhale, then inhale at the level of 85% to 95% of the maximum. By closing your mouth and holding your nose, you exhale. The breath holding time is recorded.
The physical fitness was measured as follows: the measured indicators include balance (Stand on 1 leg with closed eyes), flexibility (standing bending), leg strength (squatting), and abdominal muscle strength (Sit-ups) tests. Stand on 1 leg with closed eyes: The technique of the test is as follows, standing on the left leg without shoes, bend the right one, put the foot on the knee, hands along the body, close your eyes. The duration of maintaining balance is recorded. Carry out without preliminary preparation, the best result of 3 attempts is taken into account with an interval of 1 to 2 minutes. Standing bending: The participant stood on the measuring table with her feet together, her toes spaced about 5 cm apart, and her toes flush with the edge of the measuring table while the test was being conducted. The arms are then progressively extended along the ruler with the upper torso arched forward until they cease moving. Squatting: Count how many squats the person does in the span of 30 seconds. This physical fitness exam assesses the stamina and strength of the legs. Sit-ups: Before the test, the mat is set up at the testing location. When the subject is ready, they can lie down with their legs bent. Click on the stopwatch, the test will start, the test will end in 1 minute, and the number of completions will be recorded. Note: Feet should be on the mat.
Mental health was measured using the symptom checklist-90 (SCL90) scale.[26] SOM, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OS), INT, DEP, ANX, hostility, phobia (PHOB), paranoia, and psychosis are among the 9 basic symptom disorders that are assessed. The SCL scale, which has a total of 90 points, evaluates the signs of alterations in people mental health. Each of the 90 questions is scored on a 5-point scale (0–4), with 0 representing “not at all” and 4 representing “extremely strong.”
2.6. Statistical analysis
Software tools from IBM, Chicago, IL, called SPSS 21.0 were used for the analyses. Two-sided P values of <.05 were used to determine statistical significance. Continuous variables were reported as mean and standard deviation for normal distribution in the descriptive analysis of the sample, and as median and interquartile range for non-normal distribution. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was used to assess normality. In situations involving non-normal distribution, the proper transformations were used. The proportions of categorical variables were given together with their standard errors. The t test or Mann–Whitney test was used to compare baseline characteristics between groups, while Pearson chi-squared or Fisher exact test was used to compare baseline characteristics for categorical variables. A t test or nonparametric test was employed for continuous variables and Pearson chi-squared or Fisher exact test for categorical variables to compare the primary or secondary outcomes between groups.
3. Results
3.1. Characteristics and participants
Figure 1 depicts how participants moved through the study. The sample included 83 participants between the ages of 18 and 20, with an average age of 19.2 years because the trial disqualified 5 persons with potential cardiovascular system problems. These 78 individuals are in good health, do not have any skeletal or cardiovascular conditions that would limit their ability to exercise, and do not regularly engage in Qigong or other forms of similar physical activity. Due to their dislike of routine and group approaches, 2 participants left the Qigong Baduanjin intervention. Without explanation, 3 individuals left the Qigong Baduanjin intervention. The completion rate for the physical measurement and questionnaire survey was 100% for the control group and 86.8% for the Qigong Baduanjin group (Fig. 1).
At baseline, there was no significant difference between the Baduanjin group and the control group in terms of demographic characteristics, body shape indicators, physical function indicators, physical fitness indicators and mental health indicators (Tables 1).
Table 1.
Comparison of demographic characteristics, physical and mental health between Baduanjin group and control group at baseline.
| Characteristics and parameters | Control group | Baduanjin group | P | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mean | SD | Mean | SD | ||
| Age (yr) | 19.16 | 1.05 | 19.23 | 0.98 | .52 |
| Height, cm | 165.45 | 5.37 | 165.50 | 7.13 | .81 |
| Weight, kg | 57.40 | 12.33 | 56.18 | 10.25 | .63 |
| Chest circumference, cm | 87.95 | 8.22 | 86.80 | 8.41 | .45 |
| Chest excursion, cm | 6.20 | 1.06 | 6.35 | 2.28 | .53 |
| BMI, kg/m2 | 21.03 | 3.87 | 20.71 | 3.43 | .78 |
| Diastolic blood pressure, mm Hg | 77.50 | 3.51 | 76.50 | 3.04 | .44 |
| Systolic blood pressure, mm Hg | 122.70 | 5.89 | 119.60 | 7.08 | .51 |
| VC, mL | 2832.00 | 148.00 | 2745.12 | 169.43 | .39 |
| VC index, mL/kg | 50.89 | 3.02 | 49.45 | 3.89 | .63 |
| Stange test, s | 29.85 | 2.76 | 28.15 | 1.41 | .43 |
| Genchi test, s | 21.71 | 1.50 | 20.30 | 1.16 | .42 |
| Stand on 1 leg with closed eyes, s | 15.32 | 10.52 | 17.51 | 8.73 | .43 |
| Standing bends, cm | 5.49 | 1.21 | 4.11 | 0.78 | .25 |
| Squats, beats | 18.44 | 1.25 | 18.87 | 2.43 | .64 |
| Sit-ups, beats | 29.49 | 3.70 | 28.92 | 4.23 | .41 |
| Somatization–SOM | 0.77 | 0.64 | 0.76 | 0.52 | .79 |
| Obsessive-compulsive—OS | 1.10 | 0.56 | 1.09 | 0.46 | .64 |
| Interpersonal sensitivity—INT | 1.08 | 0.54 | 1.11 | 0.45 | .60 |
| Depression—DEP | 0.87 | 0.51 | 0.86 | 0.48 | .56 |
| Anxiety—ANX | 0.76 | 0.49 | 0.74 | 0.58 | .47 |
| Hostility—HOS | 0.53 | 0.35 | 0.52 | 0.32 | .68 |
| Phobic anxiety—PHOB | 0.55 | 0.26 | 0.55 | 0.34 | .62 |
| Paranoid thinking—PAR | 0.67 | 0.37 | 0.66 | 0.42 | .71 |
| Psychoticism—PSY | 0.44 | 0.25 | 0.44 | 0.33 | .44 |
BMI = body mass index, SD = standard deviation, VC = vital capacity.
*Significant difference between Baduanjin group and control group (P < .05).
3.2. Comparison of body shape indices
After 12 weeks of randomized controlled trial, in the Baduanjin group there were no significant changes in height and chest circumference. Compared with the control group, the weight and BMI of the Baduanjin group decreased, which was statistically significant (weight: control group 58.21 ± 11.32, Baduanjin 54.08 ± 9.26, P < .05; BMI: control group 22.68 ± 4.56, baduanjin 19.59 ± 3.65, P < .05). Compared with the control group, other body shape indexes of Baduanjin group had no significant difference (P > .05) (Table 2).
Table 2.
Comparison of body shape indices.
| Characteristic | Baseline | Follow-up | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baduanjin group | Control group | Baduanjin group | Control group | |||||
| Mean | SD | Mean | SD | Mean | SD | Mean | SD | |
| Height, cm | 165.50 | 7.13 | 165.45 | 5.37 | 166.65 | 6.54 | 166.12 | 6.43 |
| Weight, kg | 56.18 | 10.25 | 57.40 | 12.33 | 54.08* | 9.26 | 58.21 | 11.32 |
| Chest circumference, cm | 86.80 | 8.41 | 87.95 | 8.22 | 88.15 | 7.41 | 87.83 | 7.59 |
| Chest excursion, cm | 6.35 | 2.28 | 6.20 | 1.06 | 6.23 | 1.45 | 6.45 | 1.76 |
| BMI, kg/m2 | 20.71 | 3.43 | 21.03 | 3.87 | 19.59* | 3.65 | 22.68 | 4.56 |
BMI = body mass index, SD = standard deviation.
Significant difference between Baduanjin group and control group (P < .05).
3.3. Comparison of body function index
After 12 weeks of randomized controlled trial, compared with the control group, VC (Control group 2987.13 ± 115.45, Baduanjin group 3415.66 ± 136.67), VC index (Control group 51.25 ± 4.27, Baduanjin group 63.35 ± 4.27), Stange test (Control group 32.15 ± 2.14, Baduanjin group 42.56 ± 2.71) and Genchi test (Control group 23.68 ± 2.45, Baduanjin group 29.45 ± 1.19) of the Baduanjin group increased, which was statistically significant (P < .05). The Diastolic blood pressure (Control group 75.42 ± 2.56, Baduanjin 70.14 ± 3.34) and Systolic blood pressure (control group 119.58 ± 5.63, Baduanjin group 109.36 ± 4.12) of participants in Baduanjin group decreased significantly (Table 3).
Table 3.
Comparison of body function index.
| Characteristic | Baseline | Follow-up | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baduanjin group | Control group | Baduanjin group | Control group | |||||
| Mean | SD | Mean | SD | Mean | SD | Mean | SD | |
| Diastolic blood pressure, mm Hg | 76.50 | 3.04 | 77.50 | 3.51 | 70.14* | 3.34 | 75.42 | 2.56 |
| Systolic blood pressure, mm Hg | 119.60 | 7.08 | 122.70 | 5.89 | 109.36* | 4.12 | 119.58 | 5.63 |
| VC, mL | 2745.12 | 169.43 | 2832.00 | 148.00 | 3415.66* | 136.67 | 2987.13 | 115.45 |
| VC index, mL/kg | 49.45 | 3.89 | 50.89 | 3.02 | 63.35* | 4.27 | 51.25 | 4.27 |
| Stange test, s | 28.15 | 1.41 | 29.85 | 2.76 | 42.56* | 2.71 | 32.15 | 2.14 |
| Genchi test, s | 20.30 | 1.16 | 21.71 | 1.50 | 29.45* | 1.19 | 23.68 | 2.45 |
SD = standard deviation, VC = vital capacity.
Significant difference between Baduanjin group and control group (P < .05).
3.4. Comparison of physical fitness index
After 12 weeks of randomized controlled trial, by comparing the physical fitness indicators of the subjects, it was found that the results of Stand on 1 leg with closed eyes (Control group 18.68 ± 8.75, Baduanjin group 28.31 ± 7.32), Standing bends (Control group 7.17 ± 0.58, Baduanjin group 11.67 ± 1.13) and Squats (Control group 23.68 ± 2.45, Baduanjin 29.45 ± 1.19) of the Baduanjin group were significantly improved (P < .05). However, the control group did not show such changes (Table 4).
Table 4.
Comparison of physical fitness index.
| Characteristic | Baseline | Follow-up | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baduanjin group | Control | Baduanjin group | Control | |||||
| Mean | SD | Mean | SD | Mean | SD | Mean | SD | |
| Stand on 1 leg with closed eyes, s | 17.51 | 8.73 | 15.32 | 10.52 | 28.31* | 7.32 | 18.68 | 8.75 |
| Standing bends, cm | 4.11 | 0.78 | 5.49 | 1.21 | 11.67* | 1.13 | 7.17 | 0.58 |
| Squats, beats | 18.87 | 2.43 | 18.44 | 1.25 | 24.37* | 1.56 | 18.25 | 1.78 |
| Sit-ups, beats | 28.92 | 4.23 | 29.49 | 3.70 | 32.57 | 2.43 | 31.34 | 1.53 |
SD = standard deviation.
Significant difference between Baduanjin group and control group (P < .05).
3.5. Compare the scores of symptom checklist-90 (SCL90)
After 12 weeks of randomized controlled trial, by comparing the SCL90 score results, SOM (Control group 0.75 ± 0.56, Baduanjin group 0.55 ± 0.42), OS (Control group 1.05 ± 0.57, Baduanjin group 0.78 ± 0.03), INT(Control group 1.03 ± 0.60, Baduanjin group 0.95 ± 0.53), DEP (Control group 085 ± 0.38, Baduanjin group 0.52 ± 0.32), ANX (Control group 0.73 ± 038, Baduanjin group 0.58 ± 0.45) and PHOB (Control group 0.51 ± 0.30, Baduanjin group 0.32 ± 0.24) in Qigong Baduanjin group were significantly reduced compared with the control group (P < .05). However, the control group did not show such changes (Table 5).
Table 5.
Compare the scores of symptom checklist-90 (SCL90).
| Characteristic | Baseline | Follow-up | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baduanjin group | Control | Baduanjin group | Control | |||||
| Mean | SD | Mean | SD | Mean | SD | Mean | SD | |
| Somatization–SOM | 0.76 | 0.52 | 0.77 | 0.64 | 0.55* | 0.42 | 0.75 | 0.56 |
| Obsessive-compulsive - OS | 1.09 | 0.46 | 1.10 | 0.56 | 0.78* | 0.33 | 1.05 | 0.57 |
| Interpersonal sensitivity—INT | 1.11 | 0.45 | 1.08 | 0.54 | 0.95* | 0.53 | 1.03 | 0.60 |
| Depression—DEP | 0.86 | 0.48 | 0.87 | 0.51 | 0.52* | 0.32 | 0.85 | 0.38 |
| Anxiety—ANX | 0.74 | 0.58 | 0.76 | 0.49 | 0.58* | 0.45 | 0.73 | 0.38 |
| Hostility—HOS | 0.52 | 0.32 | 0.53 | 0.35 | 0.51 | 0.31 | 0.52 | 0.22 |
| Phobic anxiety—PHOB | 0.55 | 0.34 | 0.55 | 0.26 | 0.32* | 0.24 | 0.51 | 0.30 |
| Paranoid thinking—PAR | 0.66 | 0.42 | 0.67 | 0.37 | 0.64 | 0.27 | 0.63 | 0.42 |
| Psychoticism—PSY | 0.44 | 0.33 | 0.44 | 0.25 | 0.43 | 0.41 | 0.45 | 0.33 |
SD = standard deviation.
Significant difference between Baduanjin group and control group (P < .05).
4. Discussion
Baduanjin is a Qigong exercise method originated from ancient China, with a long history and profound cultural heritage. Qigong Baduanjin is a set of simple, easy to learn and effective health preserving exercises, which aims to regulate qi and blood, dredge meridians, enhance physique and prevent diseases.[23] The movement design of Qigong Baduanjin is simple and clear, which is suitable for people of all ages and physical conditions. In modern society, qigong Baduanjin, as a simple and practical method of health preservation, has been loved and concerned by more and more people.[24] In this randomized controlled trial of the effects of Qigong Baduanjin on the physical and mental health of students, compared with the control group, at the end of the 12 week intervention, the weight, BMI, diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, SOM score, obsessive-compulsive disorder score, INT score, DEP score, ANX score and phobic ANX score of Baduanjin group decreased significantly. Compared with the control group, the VC, VC index, Stand test, Genchi test, Stand on 1 leg with closed eyes, Standing bonds, Squats and Sit ups of the Baduanjin group have been significantly improved. This shows that compared with other exercises, Baduanjin exercise has advantages in improving female college students body shape (weight and BMI), cardiovascular and respiratory functions, flexibility, balance ability, muscle endurance and mental health.
Weight and height are key overall indicators reflecting human development. These indicators will be affected by many factors, such as target gender, living conditions, age and physical exercise.[27] Our research results show that compared with the control group, the weight and BMI of female students in the Qigong Baduanjin group decreased significantly, which indicates that 12 weeks of Baduanjin exercise can significantly reduce the weight and BMI of female students. A previous study by Liu T et al also supports this result.[28] They recruited 40 middle-aged female obese diabetes patients, aged 57.2 ± 5.4 years, and randomly divided them into control group and exercise group. The Qigong Baduanjin group had 24 weeks of Qigong Baduanjin intervention, exercising for 90 minutes every day for 6 days every week, while the control group did not have any exercise. The results showed that the waist circumference, waist hip ratio, BMI and blood sugar of obese women in the Qigong Baduanjin group were significantly lower than those 24 weeks ago. The study concluded that long-term Qigong Baduanjin exercise could reduce some obesity and blood sugar indicators of obese women with diabetes. A previous study by Jin J et al also believed that Qigong Baduanjin can effectively improve body shape.[29] They recruited 90 patients with metabolic syndrome and randomly divided them into test group and control group, with 45 patients in each group. The routine drug treatment of the patients in the 2 groups remained unchanged. On this basis, the patients in the Baduanjin group were treated with Qigong Baduanjin exercise intervention, while the patients in the control group were given the original daily activities. The results showed that after 3 months of Qigong Baduanjin intervention, the weight and abdominal circumference of patients in Baduanjin group decreased significantly compared with those before intervention (P < .05), while the weight and abdominal circumference of the control group did not improve significantly (P > .05). The study concluded that Qigong Baduanjin exercise can reduce the weight and abdominal circumference of patients with metabolic syndrome. One study shows that Baduanjin exercise can increase the secretion of catechol glue hormones and enhance the lipolysis of adipose tissue.[30] Long term regular Baduanjin exercise can improve the basic metabolic rate in a quiet state, increase energy consumption, and affect energy intake.[31] Another study confirmed that Baduanjin exercise would increase the oxidation of fat, increase the muscle weight, reduce the percentage of body fat, and prevent fat accumulation.[32] Qigong Baduanjin belongs to aerobic exercise, and its intensity and sequence of exercise conform to the laws of human kinematics, which is safe and reliable.[33] The characteristics of Baduanjin Movement are mainly embodied in the aspects of tenderness, the combination of movement and stillness, the combination of spirit and shape, and the existence of qi.[34] Long time practice of Qigong Baduanjin can increase the oxidation of fat, increase muscle weight, reduce the percentage of body fat, and prevent fat accumulation.[35] Therefore, Qigong Baduanjin exercise can change body type indicators, such as weight and BMI.
Baduanjin exercise is a kind of traditional Qigong used in China. Not only is Qigong Baduanjin simple to learn, but it also calls very little mental effort. In China, it is regarded as a well-liked kind of group exercise to boost health.[36] A healthy individual is defined by traditional Chinese medicine as having a balanced and coordinated body and soul.[37] The advantage of regular Baduanjin exercise is to make the spirit and breath more harmonious and unified by regulating the breath, strengthen the cardiovascular system and respiratory system functions, and make the body more flexible and the body and mind more coordinated.[38] Our research shows that Baduanjin exercise can significantly improve the blood pressure, VC, VC index, Stange test and Genchi test of students who perform Baduanjin exercise. This shows that practicing Baduanjin exercise for 12 weeks can change cardiovascular and pulmonary functions. A previous study by Ma C et al supports this result.[39] They recruited 136 patients with chronic heart failure and evaluated the effects of Baduanjin elastic band on the exercise ability, physical function, upper and lower limb muscle strength, quality of life (QoL) and exercise self-efficacy of patients with chronic heart failure. 136 patients with chronic heart failure were randomly assigned to exercise group or control group. The patients with chronic heart failure in the exercise group received community care of Baduanjin elastic band and chronic heart failure, while the control group received community care of chronic heart failure. The duration of the intervention was 24 weeks. The study concluded that Baduanjin combined with elastic band exercise can improve the physical function, QoL and exercise self-efficacy of patients with chronic heart failure at home, and Baduanjin may be a supplementary exercise mode to improve the cardiovascular system function of patients with chronic heart failure. A previous study by Zheng L et al also supports this result.[40] They recruited 67 elderly patients with hypertension and asthenia, and evaluated the effect of Qigong Baduanjin on elderly patients with hypertension and asthenia. 67 elderly patients with hypertension and asthenia were randomly divided into intervention group (33 cases) and control group (34 cases). The patients in the control group received routine treatment and health education, and the patients in the intervention group received Qigong Baduanjin intervention on the basis of routine treatment and health education for 12 weeks. The results showed that after 12 weeks of intervention, the asthenia score, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < .05). The study concluded that Baduanjin Qigong can improve the debilitating condition of elderly patients with hypertension accompanied by debility, reduce blood pressure and improve the QoL. Both this study and the above studies show that Qigong Baduanjin exercise can improve human body functions, such as cardiovascular and pulmonary functions. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that insufficient body qi will cause ischemic heart disease, and stagnation of blood circulation will block the meridians, thus reducing the function of cardiovascular system and respiratory system.[41] Qigong Baduanjin is an exercise method that combines breathing, physical exercise, and meditation. In qigong practice, practitioners are usually required to take deep breaths, that is, slowly and deeply inhale, and then slowly and thoroughly exhale.[24] This deep breathing exercise helps to improve VC, strengthen the strength of Muscles of respiration, and improve the efficiency of oxygen intake. The body movements and breathing techniques in qigong practice can promote blood circulation in the lungs, which helps improve the function of the respiratory system and immunity.[25] Baduanjin exercise can strengthen the blood circulation of the internal organs, thus promoting the circulation of qi (“qi” means vitality). If the circulation of qi is smooth, the function of human cardiovascular system will be improved.[42] When practicing Qigong Baduanjin, subjects use a unified way of movement and breathing techniques to stimulate the cardiovascular system and enhance the strength of respiratory muscles, which is also the reason why Baduanjin exercise can improve the cardiovascular and pulmonary functions of the human body.[43] During the practice of Qigong Baduanjin, the human body increases the deep breathing diaphragm, increases the chest volume, and then reduces the heart pressure, has a certain massage effect on the heart, and enhances the blood circulation function.[44] During the practice of Qigong Baduanjin, the chest cavity of the human body increases and decreases regularly, stimulating the respiratory muscles, strengthening the strength of the respiratory muscles, enhancing the endurance and flexibility of the respiratory muscles, so as to improve the functional level of the respiratory muscles, and thus improve the function of the respiratory system.[45] Therefore, practicing Baduanjin can improve the cardiovascular function and respiratory system function of the human body.
The results of this study showed that the performance of Baduanjin group in standing with eyes closed, standing bent and squatting was significantly improved compared with the control group (P < .05). This shows that Qigong Baduanjin can significantly improve the balance, flexibility and muscle endurance of the human body. The results of this study showed that the performance of Baduanjin group in standing with eyes closed, standing bends and squatting was significantly improved compared with the control group (P < .05). This shows that Qigong Baduanjin can significantly improve the balance and muscle endurance of the human body. The previous research of Su Y et al supports this result.[46] Their research concluded that 8 weeks of Qigong Baduanjin exercise has a positive impact on the physical quality and physical function of female students. Previous studies by Zhou L et al also support this result.[47] Their research results showed that compared with the conventional treatment group, the lower limb muscle strength and balance ability of patients in the Qigong Baduanjin group were significantly improved. Previous studies by Li M et al also support this result.[48] Their research concluded that Qigong Baduanjin exercise is more effective than traditional exercise methods in improving college students cardiopulmonary function, flexibility and muscle strength. Body flexibility, balance and muscle strength play an important role in physical health. The increase of body flexibility can improve speed, physical strength and body coordination.[49] In the first 4 movements of Qigong Baduanjin, the spine can be extended and rotated up and down, left and right. This can not only stretch the muscles, ligaments and joints around the trunk and upper limb joints, but also train the small joints and muscles between the vertebrae in the spine, thus increasing the flexibility, flexibility and stability of the practitioner body.[50] In the last 4 movements of Qigong Baduanjin, the lower limb muscle strength and endurance have been fully exercised, which will improve the muscle strength and endurance of the practitioner. Research shows that lower limb strength is positively related to balance ability, which is also the reason why Baduanjin exercise can improve the balance ability of the human body.[51] Therefore, the exercise of Baduanjin can improve the flexibility, balance and flexibility of the human body.
Baduanjin exercise can be described as the combination of Chinese philosophy and traditional Chinese medicine.[52] The key point of practice is considered to be the adjustment of human spirit. Therefore, when practicing Baduanjin exercise, you need to eliminate distractions and concentrate on a certain area of your body to feel the silkiness of the 8 section brocade movement.[53] By practicing Qigong Baduanjin, we can dispel distractions, obtain spiritual nourishment and improve mental health. The results of this study showed that after 12 weeks of randomized controlled trial, the scores of SOM, OS, INT, DEP, ANX, and PHOB in Qigong Baduanjin group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < .05). The previous research of Jing L et al supports this result.[54] Their research concluded that Qigong Baduanjin combined with cognitive behavioral therapy can significantly improve the physical and psychological conditions of the elderly at home. A previous study by Bai Z et al supports this result.[55] They evaluated the effect of Qigong Baduanjin exercise on the psychological problems (such as DEP, ANX and sleep quality) of lung cancer patients. They recruited 52 patients with lung cancer and randomly divided them into control group (n = 26) and Baduanjin group (n = 26). The Baduanjin group received comprehensive intervention of health education and health Qigong Baduanjin, while the sham control group received only health education intervention. The DEP and anxiety symptoms and sleep quality of patients before and after intervention were investigated with Self Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Self Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The results showed that the DEP scores and ANX scores of patients in Baduanjin group were significantly lower than those in the control group. The study concluded that Qigong Baduanjin exercise can alleviate the DEP, ANX and other mental health problems of lung cancer patients. Most movements of Qigong Baduanjin should be gentle, calm and smooth. When practicing Qigong Baduanjin, it is important to relax the body and keep the mind calm. Must imagine yourself as flowing water or clouds. In the process of practicing Qigong Baduanjin, you should integrate your spirit and exercise to achieve a harmonious balance of body and mind.[56] Traditional Chinese medicine believes that when the qi and blood in the body cannot work normally, people will show negative emotions and mental disorders, such as stress and DEP.[57] The practice of Qigong Baduanjin can stimulate the movement of qi and blood in the human body, so that they can return to normal work, thus relieving people negative emotions and mental disorders. Traditional Chinese medicine also believes that human chest and abdomen organs are related to emotion and spirit.[58] When the internal organs of the machine cannot work normally, people will also show negative emotions and mental disorders. When the practitioner practices the Baduanjin movement, the chest and abdominal organs are stretched, which has a certain massage effect on the chest and abdominal organs.[59] Massage can promote the blood circulation and metabolism of chest and abdomen organs, and restore them to normal functions, thus solving mental health problems.[60] Therefore, Qigong Baduanjin has positive effects on the mental, emotional, and social functions of the practitioners
5. Conclusion
In this study, we carefully designed a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of college female students practicing Qigong Baduanjin. Compared with the control group, at the end of the 12 week intervention, the weight, BMI, diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, SOM score, obsessive-compulsive disorder score, INT score, DEP score, ANX score and phobic ANX score of Baduanjin group decreased significantly. Compared with the control group, the VC, Stange test and Genchi test, Standing bends and Squats of the Baduanjin group have been significantly improved. Therefore, the Qigong Baduanjin exercise seems to be an effective means to improve the physical and mental health of college students.
6. Limitations of the study
We acknowledge that this randomized controlled trial study has some limitations. First of all, because the sample size for this randomized controlled trial was so small, it is necessary to expand the sample size in future research. Second, the amount and type of daily exercise in the control group were not restricted, despite the long-term regular practice of qigong or Taijiquan being excluded. Therefore, it possible that the participants in both groups engaged in frequent physical activity like skating, basketball, jogging, or football, which could have an impact on the differences between the comparison groups. Third, only 12 weeks of Qigong Baduanjin exercise are included in this randomized controlled trial intervention, which may not be long enough to demonstrate all of the beneficial effects of Qigong Baduanjin. Future research should include longer Qigong Baduanjin exercise intervention time.
Author contributions
Conceptualization: Xin Jiang.
Data curation: Yaqun Zhang, Xin Jiang.
Formal analysis: Xin Jiang.
Investigation: Yaqun Zhang, Xin Jiang.
Methodology: Yaqun Zhang, Xin Jiang.
Software: Yaqun Zhang, Xin Jiang.
Writing – original draft: Yaqun Zhang, Xin Jiang.
Writing – review & editing: Yaqun Zhang, Xin Jiang.
Abbreviations:
- ANX
- anxiety
- BMI
- body mass index
- DEP
- depression
- INT
- interpersonal sensitivity
- OS
- obsessive-compulsive disorder
- PA
- physical activity
- PAR
- paranoia
- PHOB
- phobia
- QoL
- quality of life
- SCL90
- symptom checklist-90
- SOM
- somatization
- VC
- vital capacity
The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are not publicly available, but are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.
This study was supported by the Youth Project of the Liaoning Social Science Federation (2023lslqnkt-004) and the Key Project of Philosophy and Social Sciences in Anshan City (as20232041).
How to cite this article: Zhang Y, Jiang X. The effect of Baduanjin exercise on the physical and mental health of college students: A randomized controlled trial. Medicine 2023;102:34(e34897).
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