Effect of Sitting Ba-Duan-Jin Exercises on Balance and Quality of Life among Older Adults: A Preliminary Study

Purpose The aim of this study was to ascertain whether ba-duan-jin (BDJ) can improve balance and enhance the quality of life among older adults. Design This pilot study was designed as a single group pre-post comparison test. Methods Sixteen older adults were qualified and recruited for this study at local retirement communities. Assessments for pre- and postintervention among the subjects included Single-Leg Stance, Chair Rising Test, Tinetti Balance Test, Modified Falls Efficacy Scale, and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire for quality of life. Findings After 12 weeks of BDJ training, significant improvements were identified in Single-Leg Stance, Tinetti Balance Test, Modified Falls Efficacy Scale, and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (all p <.01); however not for the Chair Rising Test (p >.05). Conclusion The results indicate that BDJ can improve balance, lower extremity strength, quality of life, and decrease fear of falling among older adults. Clinical Relevance BDJ is an effective rehabilitation training method and can improve balance and motor function among older people. Rehabilitation nursing plays a key role in functional rehabilitation of older people.