Qigong improves sleep quality in older adults with PD

AIM: 

The present study investigated the effectiveness of Baduanjin Qigong on symptoms related to gait, functional mobility and sleep in Parkinson disease (PD) patients.

METHODS: 

A total of 100 patients with mild to moderate PD were randomly assigned to two groups. Participants in the Baduanjin Qigong group (BQG) received a Baduanjin Qigong program, consisting of four 45-min sessions each week and daily walking 30min for 6 months. Participants in the control group were carried out daily walking for 30min. Pre- and post-intervention testing was carried out to assess sleep quality, fatigue, functional mobility and gait performance in these participants. Click to learn how Chinese medicine treats Parkinson's Disease (PD).

RESULTS: 

After the 6-month Baduanjin Qigong intervention, the BQG showed sleep quality improvements in the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale score, Parkinson’s Disease Sleep Scale-2 (PDSS-2) total score, Motor Symptoms at Night (PDSS-2) score, PD Symptoms at Night (PDSS-2) score, Disturbed Sleep (PDSS-2) score. The BQG showing functional mobility capacity greater improvements in the Berg Balance Scale and 6-minute walk test, and greater decrease in the Timed Up & Go. The BQG showing gait function increased in the gait speed. However, this was not the case for the control group, which remained at the same level as pretest performance.

CONCLUSIONS: 

BQG improved the gait performance, functional mobility and sleep quality in older adults with PD at the 6-month follow up. It is as an alternative home exercise program for older adults in rehabilitation for PD.