The Effects of Baduanjin Exercise on BMI, Waist-Hip Ratio and Lipids Among Perimenopausal Women

Background: The Prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increasing in perimenopausal women. BMI, waist-hip ratio (WHR) and lipids are important factors for controlling metabolic syndrome. The Baduanjin exercise is a traditional Chinese exercise that promotes the integration of physical and mental health, and it is easy to practice at home and fit for busy perimenopausal women. However, the health effects needed to be evaluated. Aim: The purpose of this quasi-experimental research was to evaluate the effects, after twelve weeks of practicing Baduanjin exercise. Methods: This study was conducted at two Buddhism painting clubs, using a parallel-design, control trial recruiting perimenopausal women. There were three instruments: (1) BMI, (2) Waist-Hip Ratio, (3) Lipids—HDL and LDL. The intervention effects from the study baseline to a twelve weeks follow-up were estimated using T-test to evaluate the effectiveness of Baduanjin exercise. The Baduanjin exercise intervention included one-on-one teaching and telephone follow-up to help women practice Baduanjin exercise of 10-15 minutes twice per day for twelve weeks at home. Result: A total of 54 women aged 40 to 60 were recruited from two Buddhism painting clubs. Twenty-seven women were in the experimental group, while 27 women were in the control group. Positive effects were found after 12 weeks doing Baduanjin exercise of 10-15 minutes twice per day at home. In the experimental group, women improved their health by significantly decreasing BMI, increasing HDL, decreasing LDL and more slowly increasing WHR compared with the control group. Conclusion: Baduanjin exercise is a good home exercise to suggest perimenopausal women to improve their BMI, waist-hip ratio and lipid