Efficacy of Ba Duan Jin in Improving Balance A Study in Chinese Community-Dwelling Older Adults

The current quasiexperimental study was intended to determine the efficacy of Ba Duan Jin (translation: eight-section brocade) in improving balance ability of Chinese community-dwelling older adults. The trial group (n = 47) engaged in a Ba Duan Jin exercise program for 12 weeks, whereas the control group (n = 48) participated in a 12-week walking exercise program. After the intervention, participants' balance ability was evaluated using the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), One Leg Standing Test (OLST), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES). Ba Duan Jin was associated with increased TUGT and OLST scores at Week 6 with continuous increases reported through Week 12. Ba Duan Jin was also associated with increased BBS and MFES scores at Week 12. Ba Duan Jin may be an effective means for improving balance ability in Chinese community-dwelling older adults.