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

Author: Gokce Yagmur Gunes Gencer1, Sebahat Yaprak Cetin2, Duygu Sanem Kara3, Saniye Yardim4, Ayse Ayan5
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey. Electronic address: g.yagmur.g@gmail.com. <sup>2</sup> Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey. Electronic address: fzt.ycetin@gmail.com. <sup>3</sup> Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey. Electronic address: sanemkaraa7@gmail.com. <sup>4</sup> Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey. Electronic address: saniye.ftr@gmail.com. <sup>5</sup> Department of Rheumatology, Antalya Health Sciences University, Antalya, Turkey. Electronic address: drayseayan@yahoo.com.tr.
Conference/Journal: Explore (NY)
Date published: 2024 Nov 9
Other: Pages: 103078 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1016/j.explore.2024.103078. , Word Count: 225


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.

Keywords: Ankylosing spondylitis; Exercise; Qigong; Randomized controlled trial.

PMID: 39580253 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2024.103078