Effect of Baduanjin exercise on cognitive function in patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of Baduanjin training on the cognitive function in stroke survivors with cognitive impairment. Design: A randomized, two-arm parallel controlled trial with allocation concealment and assessors blinding. Setting: Community centre of Fuzhou city, China. Subjects: A total of 48 participants were recruited and randomly allocated into the Baduanjin exercise intervention or control group. Interventions: The control group maintained original medication and rehabilitation treatment. The Baduanjin training group received 24-week Baduanjin training with a frequency of three days a week and 40 minutes a day based on original medication and rehabilitation treatment. Main outcome measures: The primary outcome was global cognitive function. Secondary outcome measures included the specific domains of cognition (i.e. memory, processing speed, execution, attention and visuospatial ability) and activities daily living. Results: In total, 41 (Baduanjinn = 22, controln = 19) participants completed 24-week treatment and data collection. Mean differences between groups at 24-week treatment were statistically significant for global cognitive function (MoCA: 2.54 (0.91 to 4.16)), execution (TMT-A: -42.4 (-75.0 to -9.8); TMT-B: -71.3 (-130.6 to -12.1)), memory (immediate recall: 2.11 (0.49 to 3.73); short-term delayed recognition: 2.47 (0.58 to 4.35) and long-term delayed recognition: 1.68(0.18 to 3.17)), attention (response time of alertness: -245.5 (-387 to -104)) and activities of daily living (modified Barthel Index). Conclusion: Regular Baduanjin training is associated with less loss of cognitive function in patients after stroke.