Effects of Qigong Exercises on Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Follow-up Study

Abstract

Qigong, a traditional Chinese exercise routine, has been used as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD) in many studies, and the results have confirmed its effectiveness in reducing the symptoms of PD. However, no study has yet investigated the long-term effects and benefits of Qigong practices in improving the symptoms of PD. The purpose of this follow-up evaluation was to investigate the long-term effects of Qigong practices in improving the symptoms of PD. In this randomized controlled trial (RCT), patients in the moderate stage of PD (N = 15), who had been practicing Qigong exercises, agreed to participate in this follow-up measurement after the intervention. Two important indicators, the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and the One-legged Blind Balance test, were used to measure the patients’ functional coordination and progressive balance capabilities. Results one year following the intervention were compared with data from the same patients at the 5<sup>th</sup> and 10<sup>th</sup> weeks in the previous RCT experimental group using repeated measures ANOVA. The results showed that the patients in this study demonstrated a significant improvement in the TUG test (P < 0.01) and balance ability test (P < 0.05). Qigong exercises can significantly improve the patients’ functional coordination and balance capabilities with moderate PD. Therefore, the Qigong exercise routine can be used as an effective long-term rehabilitation therapy for PD.