Combined Effect of 12 Weeks Baduanjin and Tri-Ball Respiratory Training as a Home-Based Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Subjects With Moderate Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Multi-Center Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Despite promising individual benefits, the combined efficacy of Baduanjin and Tri-Ball Breath training as a home-based pulmonary rehabilitation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) subjects remains unexplored.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of combining Baduanjin (a traditional Chinese exercise) and Tri-Ball Breath training into a home-based pulmonary rehabilitation regimen for COPD patients.

Methods: A multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted, enrolling 240 moderate COPD patients from 10 hospitals. Participants were randomly assigned to four groups: Baduanjin group, Tri-Ball Breath training group, Combination training group, and control group. The intervention lasted 12 weeks. Data were collected at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks post-intervention.

Results: After 12 weeks, the 6-Minute Walk Distance (6MWD) significantly improved in the Baduanjin group and the Tri-Ball Breath training group ( p <0 .05), with the most significant improvement observed in the Combination training group ( p <0 .01) compared to the control group. FEV1% increased in the Baduanjin group and the Tri-Ball Breath training group ( p <0 .05) and markedly improved in the Combination training group ( p <0 .01). No significant differences were observed in the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), the Modified British Medical Research Council Scale (mMRC), or the Traditional Chinese Medicine symptom scores at 4-week and 8-week. The mMRC scores improved significantly in the Baduanjin group and the Combination training group at 24-week ( p <0 .05). The vital signs of all participants were stable from the baseline, and no statistic difference was observed among the four groups at all visits.

Conclusion: Our findings underscore the significance of incorporating Baduanjin and respiratory muscle training into the long-term management of COPD patients. By fostering continuous improvements in pulmonary function (FEV1%) and exercise capacity (6MWD), these interventions may help to mitigate disease progression and enhance patients' quality of life.