The effects of Baduanjin exercise on fatigue and quality of life in patients with heart failure: A randomized controlled trial

Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2018 Jun;17(5):456-466. doi: 10.1177/1474515117744770. Epub 2017 Nov 30.

Abstract

Aims: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Baduanjin exercise on fatigue and quality of life in patients with heart failure.

Methods: The study was a randomized controlled trial. Participants diagnosed with heart failure were recruited from two large medical centers in northern Taiwan. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention ( n=39) or control ( n=41) groups. Patients in the intervention group underwent a 12-week Baduanjin exercise program, which included Baduanjin exercise three times per week for 12 weeks at home, a 35-minute Baduanjin exercise demonstration video, a picture-based educational brochure, and a performance record form. The control group received usual care and received no intervention. Fatigue and quality of life were assessed using a structural questionnaire at baseline, four weeks, eight weeks, and 12 weeks after the intervention.

Results: Participants in the Baduanjin exercise group showed significant improvement in fatigue ( F=5.08, p=0.009) and quality of life ( F=9.11, p=0.001) over time from baseline to week 12 after the intervention. Those in the control group showed significantly worse fatigue ( F=3.46, p=0.033) over time from baseline to week 12 and no significant changes in quality of life ( F=0.70, p=0.518). Compared to the control group, the exercise group demonstrated significantly greater improvement in fatigue and quality of life at four weeks, eight weeks, and 12 weeks.

Conclusions: This simple traditional exercise is recommended for Taiwanese patients with heart failure in order to improve their fatigue and quality of life.

Keywords: Baduanjin exercise; fatigue; heart failure; quality of life.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Exercise Therapy*
  • Fatigue / etiology
  • Fatigue / prevention & control*
  • Female
  • Heart Failure / complications
  • Heart Failure / psychology*
  • Heart Failure / rehabilitation*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Quality of Life*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Taiwan
  • Treatment Outcome