AUTHOR=Zhang Fan , Liao Jing , Zhang Weihong , Wang Hui , Huang Liuyan , Shen Qiyun , Zhang Huachun 

TITLE=Effects of Baduanjin Exercise on Physical Function and Health-Related Quality of Life in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A Randomized Trial

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Medicine

VOLUME=Volume 8 - 2021

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2021.789521

DOI=10.3389/fmed.2021.789521

ISSN=2296-858X

ABSTRACT=Background and aims: Exercise is an efficient non-pharmacological intervention for chronic kidney disease. The study aims to evaluate the effects of Baduanjin exercise on physical function and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.
Methods: 70 PD patients were randomly assigned to either the Baduanjin exercise group or the control group. Fifty-seven patients completed the study (exercise group, 25; control group, 32). The exercise group received the Baduanjin exercise program for 12 weeks. The control group received usual care. Three well-established performance-based tests determined physical function: five times sit-to-stand test (FTSST), timed up and go test (TUGT), and handgrip strength (HGS). HRQOL was assessed by the Kidney Disease Quality of Life-Short Form. 
Results: At baseline, no differences in physical function and HRQOL were observed between the Baduanjin exercise group and the control group. At follow-up, the Baduanjin exercise group showed a marginally significant improvement in FTSST (P=0.008) and TUGT (P=0.040) over the 12 weeks compared to the control group. HRQOL in the Baduanjin exercise group was significantly higher than that of the control group.
Conclusions: A 12-week Baduanjin exercise program may improve physical function and HRQOL in PD patients. Longer follow-up is needed to determine if these findings will translate into clinical application.