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NCT07035639Completed

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

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Last updated 25 Jun 2025

Brief summary (registry, in English)

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.

Status (registry)
Completed
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
58 (actual)
First submitted
16 Jun 2025
Start date
25 Oct 2023
Primary completion date
25 Nov 2023
Lead sponsor
Chengdu Sport University
Diseases
Obesity
NCT number
NCT07035639

What you commit to

  • Study type: Interventional
  • Participants enrolled: 58
  • From 25 Oct 2023 to the primary completion date, 25 Nov 2023
  • 1 site in 1 country
  • Visits and tests: ask the trial team, the registry does not list them

Built from the registry fields of ClinicalTrials.gov. It describes the study design.

Who cannot take part

Copied verbatim from ClinicalTrials.gov and grouped by topic. Only the trial team decides who can take part.

Other illness

  • 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.

Who the study is looking for

  • 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.

Age in the registry: 18 years to 60 years · Sex: All · Does not accept healthy volunteers

Full criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov

Sites (1)

Sites in registry order. Save your city in your profile to sort them by distance.

SiteCityCountrySite status
China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Guang'anmen Hospital
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BeijinChinaUnknown status

This page is information, not medical advice. Discuss any trial with your doctor.