Abstract
Background
Knee osteoarthritis (knee OA) is a common degenerative joint disease associated with pain, functional limitation, and balance impairment. Baduanjin, a traditional mind–body exercise involving slow, coordinated movements and breathing control, has been suggested to improve neuromuscular function. This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of adding face-to-face and online Baduanjin to structured exercise therapy on pain, function, balance, and kinesiophobia in individuals with knee OA.
Methods
Sixty-six participants aged 40–70 years with radiographic knee OA (Kellgren–Lawrence grade II–III) were randomly assigned to three groups: structured exercise plus face-to-face Baduanjin, structured exercise plus online Baduanjin, or structured exercise alone. Interventions were performed three times weekly for 12 weeks. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, week 6, and week 12 using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go Test, Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, and 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test.
Results
Both Baduanjin groups showed significant improvements in VAS, WOMAC, BBS, Timed Up and Go, kinesiophobia, and sit-to-stand performance at weeks 6 and 12 (p < 0.05). The structured exercise group improved mainly in VAS and WOMAC function scores (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
Both face-to-face and online Baduanjin approaches were associated with improvements in pain, balance, mobility, and functional outcomes when added to structured exercise therapy in individuals with knee OA. Online delivery showed trends comparable to those in clinical outcomes.
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