Effects of Baduanjin on dyspnea and activity tolerance among patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Objective To explore the effects of health Qigong Buduanjin on dyspnea and activity tolerance among patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) . Methods From January to December 2015, 73 patients with stable COPD in Beijing Dongcheng District Dafangjia Community Health Service Station were selected by convenience sampling. All of the patients were divided into observation group (n=37) and control group (n=36) with the random number table. Patients of two groups all accepted drug therapy and health education. In addition, patients of control group did exercise such as walking, brisk walking, riding a bicycle, lifting dumbbell according to their habits and ability. On the basis of exercises of the control group, patients of observation group practiced health Qigong Buduanjin last 12 months. The modified version of the British Medical Research Council respiratory questionnaire (mMRC) and 6-minute walk distance (6MWT) were used to evaluated patients' dyspnea and activity tolerance before and after intervention. The number of patients who were admitted to hospital for equal or more than one time because of acute exacerbation was counted to evaluate the risk of increasing serious disease condition. Results At last, 35 patients in observation group and 31 patients in control group completed the study. After intervention, there were statistical differences in the level of mMRC, 6MWT and the risk of increasing serious disease condition between observation and control group (Z=-0.525, t=5.950, χ2=4.705; P<0.05) . Conclusions Health Qigong Buduanjin can reduce the severity of dyspnea of patients with stable COPD, improve patients' activity tolerance and reduce patients' risk of increasing serious disease condition. Key words: Pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive; Baduanjin; Dyspnea; Activity tolerance