Exploring the Role of Baduanjin on Lumbar and Hip Mobility Index in Obese People Based on Infrared Thermography and Meridian Point Specificity

NCT07035639 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 2018NO.03-2024NO.04
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 58
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aimed to explore whether Baduanjin, a traditional fitness practice, can improve waist and hip mobility in obese individuals. Based on the TCM theory that "acupoints have unique effects," researchers hypothesized that Baduanjin might regulate muscle function by stimulating key abdominal and lumbar acupoints (such as Shenque and Guanyuan), thereby enhancing body flexibility. The study recruited 60 overweight adults (BMI \>28) from Beijing and Suzhou, randomly dividing them into two groups: one practiced Baduanjin 4 times a week for 8 weeks, while the other received no additional exercise. Using an infrared thermography device (similar to a "body temperature camera"), researchers measured temperature changes at abdominal and lumbar acupoints. They also evaluated waist mobility through forward bending, backward extension, and lateral flexion tests. After 8 weeks, the Baduanjin group showed three significant improvements compared to the control group: Enhanced flexibility: Waist and hip range of motion increased, such as reaching further during sit-and-reach tests. Higher acupoint temperature: Skin temperature around Shenque, Guanyuan, and other acupoints rose, possibly indicating improved local blood circulation. Better functional scores: Scores reflecting daily activity comfort and joint health significantly improved, while the control group showed no change. In conclusion, Baduanjin may benefit obese individuals by "activating" abdominal and lumbar acupoints to optimize muscle function and mobility. Further research is needed to validate the underlying mechanisms.

Conditions

Obesity and Overweight

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Infrared Thermography

  Used for detecting human body surface temperature

  10min

Study Arms (2)

The Baduanjin group

EXPERIMENTAL

The Baduanjin group received training guided by national-level social sports instructors certified by the Institute of Sports Medicine, General Administration of Sport of China. The intervention consisted of Baduanjin training 4 times per week for 8 consecutive weeks, with a total duration (including warm-up and breaks) of ≥30 minutes per session. The training protocol included 16 minutes of Baduanjin exercise, a 2-minute break, and an additional 16 minutes of Baduanjin exercise.

Behavioral: The Baduanjin intervention was designed following traditional Chinese health preservation principles and conducted under the guidance of certified instructors. The training sessions were led by nation

The blank control group

NO INTERVENTION

The blank control group received no exercise intervention and was advised to engage in no more than 3 sessions of aerobic exercise per week during the study. Participants in the Baduanjin group were prohibited from undertaking any other form of exercise training throughout the research period.

Interventions

The Baduanjin intervention was designed following traditional Chinese health preservation principles and conducted under the guidance of certified instructors. The training sessions were led by nation BEHAVIORAL

The Baduanjin group received training guided by national-level social sports instructors certified by the Institute of Sports Medicine, General Administration of Sport of China. The intervention consisted of Baduanjin training 4 times per week for 8 consecutive weeks, with a total duration (including warm-up and breaks) of ≥30 minutes per session. The training protocol included 16 minutes of Baduanjin exercise, a 2-minute break, and an additional 16 minutes of Baduanjin exercise.

The Baduanjin group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 60 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Participants with scores of 72 or above on the HEFESCM-36 scale of the China Association of Chinese Medicine, and meeting the following criteria:
• Aged between 18 and 60 years; Able to independently participate in activities required for the physical study; Body mass index (BMI) \>28; No musculoskeletal diseases or radiculopathy within one year prior to the trial; No receipt of physical therapy or surgical treatment within one year prior to the trial; Education level of high school or above; Proficient in using the WeChat check-in program; No mental illnesses and with normal learning and communication abilities; Agree to and voluntarily sign the informed consent form for trial participation.

You may not qualify if:

• Participants with confirmed specific etiologies, such as lumbar disc herniation, lumbar fracture, etc.; Individuals with 神经根 compression symptoms, such as sciatica, lumbar disc herniation, etc.; Cases with bacterial or aseptic inflammatory diseases, such as fever, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.; Subjects with other organ pathologies, such as kidney stones, typhlitis, appendicitis, etc.; Pregnant women; Individuals taking medications for mental disorders; Participants engaging in aerobic exercise \>3 times/week or anaerobic exercise \>4 times/week.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Chengdu Sport University: lead

Study Sites (1)

China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Guang'anmen Hospital

Beijin, Beijin, 100053, China

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Obesity; Overweight

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Overnutrition; Nutrition Disorders; Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases; Body Weight; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: PhD

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 16, 2025
• First Posted: June 25, 2025
• Study Start: October 25, 2023
• Primary Completion: November 25, 2023
• Study Completion: January 10, 2024
• Last Updated: June 25, 2025

Record last verified: 2022-09

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

CN (1)