# Effect of Baduanjin exercise on sarcopenia in older adult patients: a multicenter, randomized controlled trial

**Authors:** Li Luruihui, Xiao Jing, Tian Yuan, Liang Wenming, Tan Tianyang, Ji Yuxuan, Cao Bingyan, Zhang Hanzhi, An Danqiang, Zhang Yufan, Gao Peng, Wang Yuzhe, Lin Zhuying

PMC · DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1757862 · Frontiers in Public Health · 2026-01-12

## TL;DR

This study tests if Baduanjin, a low-intensity Chinese exercise, helps older adults with muscle loss and weakness.

## Contribution

The study introduces Baduanjin as a safe and engaging alternative to high-intensity exercise for sarcopenia treatment.

## Key findings

- Baduanjin combined with health education and dietary guidance will be tested for sarcopenia improvement.
- Participants will be monitored for muscle-related outcomes before and after a 12-week intervention.
- The trial aims to provide evidence for Baduanjin's effectiveness in managing sarcopenia.

## Abstract

Sarcopenia is an age-related syndrome characterized by muscle loss and reduced muscle strength, with a high incidence rate, significantly increasing the risk of falls, fractures, and death. Baduanjin, a traditional Chinese exercise, compared with traditional rehabilitation programs, has low intensity, high safety and strong interest, and is particularly suitable for patients who cannot tolerate high-intensity exercise. This study will evaluate the therapeutic effect of Baduanjin on sarcopenia.

This trial is a multicenter randomized controlled trial that will recruit 200 participants,and is randomized (1: 1) the subjects to the intervention group (Baduanjin + health education + dietary guidance, BHD) and the control group (health education + dietary guidance, HD). After enrollment, health lectures were given to all subjects. The intervention group received 12 weeks of Baduanjin intervention, with each class lasting 70 min, once a week, and provide online guidance for home workouts four times a week, while the control group maintained their original exercise habits. Health education and dietary guidance were also provided. Observation indicators will be tested before the trial begins and during the follow-up period after the intervention ends.

This trial is a randomized controlled trial that will evaluate the intervention effect of Baduanjin on sarcopenia. According to the study of this trial, it will provide evidence for Baduanjin to improve sarcopenia.

ITMCTR2024000887.

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** muscle loss (MESH:D009135), Sarcopenia (MESH:D055948), death (MESH:D003643), fractures (MESH:D050723), falls (MESH:C537863), HD (MESH:D006816), muscle (MESH:D019042)
- **Chemicals:** Baduanjin (-)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

_Full body text omitted from this summary view._ Fetch the complete paper as Markdown: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12832935/full.md

## Figures

2 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12832935/full.md

## References

44 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12832935/full.md

---
Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12832935