Intervention Effect of Baduanjin Exercise on the Fatigue State in People with Fatigue-Predominant Subhealth: A Cohort Study

Objectives: To observe the effect of a Baduanjin exercise intervention on fatigue in people with fatigue-predominant subhealth (FPSH). Participants: A total of 131 participants were included in this cohort study. Those who met the inclusion criteria were grouped into the Baduanjin cohort (n=64) or the control cohort (n=67). Intervention: The Baduanjin cohort exercised for 30 minutes twice a day for 6 weeks; the control cohort received no treatments. The study period was 18 weeks. Outcome measures: The fatigue states of all participants were evaluated by using the Fatigue Self-Assessment Scale (FSAS) at baseline, the fourth and sixth weeks of treatment, and during post-treatment follow-ups at the end of the 12th and 18th weeks. Results: The scores for the six factors on the FSAS at baseline did not significantly differ between the two groups. In the Baduanjin cohort, the total score on the FSAS (TSF) and scores for physical fatigue (PF), mental fatigue (MF), consequence of fatigue (CF), and response of fatigue to sleep and rest (RFSAR) were significantly decreased at the end of the sixth week. These patients also had significantly decreased scores for TSF, PF, MF, and CF at baseline, at the end of the fourth and sixth weeks of the intervention, and during post-treatment follow-ups at the end of the 12th and 18th weeks. No adverse effects of treatment were reported. Conclusions: This study suggests that Baduanjin exercise has an effect on relieving fatigue in patients with FPSH.