Parkinson DiseaseNCT07306169
Baduanjin Qigong Exercise In Patients With Parkinson's Disease
A study testing physical therapy and baduanjin exercise in people with Parkinson Disease, run by Istanbul Medipol University Hospital at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This study investigates whether adding Baduanjin exercise, a gentle and easy-to-learn traditional Chinese mind-body practice, can contribute to rehabilitation in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 65 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Parkinson Disease
- What is being tested?
- physical therapy and baduanjin exercise
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 27 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Jan 2025to 1 Jul 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 65 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Individuals aged 65 years and older residing in a nursing home
- A diagnosis of Parkinson's disease classified as Hoehn \& Yahr Stages 1-3
- Sufficient cognitive ability to follow exercise instructions
- Willingness to voluntarily participate in the study
Who cannot join
- Severe dementia or cognitive impairment
- Unstable cardiovascular disease
- Significant visual or hearing loss
- Severe osteoarthritis, recent fractures, or movement limitations
- Inability to follow instructions in Turkish
- Inability to continue the exercise program during the study period or withdrawal of informed consent
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effect of Baduanjin Exercise on the Rehabilitation of Patients With Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Study
This study investigates whether adding Baduanjin exercise, a gentle and easy-to-learn traditional Chinese mind-body practice, can contribute to rehabilitation in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease commonly leads to impairments in balance, walking, and overall motor function, which may affect independence and quality of life.
In this randomized controlled study, participants living in a nursing home were assigned to one of two groups:
Read more
a control group receiving standard physiotherapy, and an experimental group receiving Baduanjin exercise in addition to standard physiotherapy for 12 weeks.
Throughout the study, participants were assessed on balance, mobility, walking endurance, and motor symptoms using validated clinical tools.
Read the detailed description
This randomized controlled study is designed to evaluate the effects of incorporating Baduanjin exercise, a traditional low-intensity mind-body practice, into a standard physiotherapy program for individuals with Parkinson's disease residing in a long-term care facility. Parkinson's disease frequently results in motor impairments such as postural instability, reduced gait speed, decreased walking endurance, and limitations in functional mobility, creating a need for accessible rehabilitative approaches.
Participants who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) a control group receiving conventional physiotherapy alone, or (2) an experimental group receiving Baduanjin exercise in addition to conventional physiotherapy. The intervention lasted 12 weeks. The Baduanjin program consisted of eight simplified movements emphasizing balance, postural control, coordinated breathing, and gentle whole-body mobility. Both groups participated in supervised sessions three times per week.
Outcome measures included standardized clinical assessments of balance, functional mobility, walking endurance, and motor symptom severity. These assessments were conducted at baseline and following completion of the 12-week intervention period to record changes over time.
The purpose of this study is to determine whether integrating Baduanjin into routine physiotherapy is feasible and appropriate as a complementary rehabilitative strategy for individuals with Parkinson's disease living in long-term care settings.
- Conditions
- Parkinson Disease
- Being tested
- physical therapy, baduanjin exercise
- Keywords
- parkinson, baduanjin, rehabilitation
- Medical subject headings
- Parkinson Disease
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
physical therapyOther
A modified Parkinson's rehabilitation program suitable for elderly residents was implemented. Sessions were held three times per week for 45 minutes over three months. The program included walking practice, stair climbing, sit-to-stand exercises, backward and toe walking, single-leg stance, tandem and lateral walking, turning, weight-shifting with support, and balance exercises using balls and therabands. Strengthening, gait training to improve step length and directional changes, warm-up walking, and breathing exercises were also incorporated. All sessions were conducted in small groups of 3-4 participants.
baduanjin exerciseOther
A modified Baduanjin program based on the traditional eight movements was applied. The session lasted 15 minutes and each movement was performed for 6-8 repetitions. Exercises included raising the arms in coordination with breathing, a bow-and-arrow movement for scapular control, gentle lateral bending, trunk rotation for postural stability, side leaning for core balance, a forward-reaching movement with bent knees to enhance flexibility, shoulder lifting and releasing for relaxation, and circular arm motions to promote upper-limb mobility and coordination. All movements were adapted to be safe and manageable for older adults.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| phsical therapy | Experimental | A modified Parkinson's rehabilitation program suitable for elderly residents was implemented. Sessions were held three times per week for 45 minutes over three months. The program included walking practice, stair climbing, sit-to-stand exercises, backward and toe walking, single-leg stance, tandem and lateral walking, turning, weight-shifting with support, and balance exercises using balls and therabands. Strengthening, gait training to improve step length and directional changes, warm-up walking, and breathing exercises were also incorporated. All sessions were conducted in small groups of 3-4 participants. Receives: Other: physical therapy |
| baduanjin exercise | Experimental | A modified Baduanjin program based on the traditional eight movements was applied. The session lasted 15 minutes and each movement was performed for 6-8 repetitions. Exercises included raising the arms in coordination with breathing, a bow-and-arrow movement for scapular control, gentle lateral bending, trunk rotation for postural stability, side leaning for core balance, a forward-reaching movement with bent knees to enhance flexibility, shoulder lifting and releasing for relaxation, and circular arm motions to promote upper-limb mobility and coordination. All movements were adapted to be safe and manageable for older adults. Receives: Other: physical therapy; Other: baduanjin exercise |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
balance
The Berg Balance Scale is one of the most commonly used tests to assess an individual's balance status. It consists of 14 items, each scored from 0 to 4. Total scores between 0-20 indicate a high risk of falling, 21-40 indicate a moderate fall risk, and 41-56 indicate a low fall risk.
Measured: through study completion, an average of 6 months
mobility
The Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test is used to assess fall risk and mobility in older adults. The test requires a chair and a stopwatch. The patient is asked to stand up from the chair, walk 3 meters, turn, walk back, and sit down again. The time taken to complete the task is recorded as the test result. A completion time greater than 12 seconds indicates an increased risk of falling.
Measured: through study completion, an average of 6 months
walking capasity
The Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is used to assess functional capacity, which is an important predictor of morbidity and mortality. The distance an individual walks in six minutes is recorded in meters. Reference values include approximately 380 m for individuals with COPD (<160 m indicates increased mortality risk), 590-640 m for adults aged 20-50 years, 540-570 m for those aged 60-70 years, and 470-530 m for individuals aged 70-80 years.
Measured: through study completion, an average of 6 months.
parkinson degree
The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Part III, assesses the motor examination of individuals with Parkinson's disease. During the assessment, the examiner demonstrates each movement while providing instructions and then evaluates the patient's performance. Each item is scored on a scale from 0 to 4, and all motor functions are assessed separately.
Measured: through study completion, an average of 6 months.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted29 Dec 2025
- Study start1 Jan 2025
- Primary completion1 Jun 2025
- Study completion1 Jul 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Parkinson DiseaseStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Randomized controlled trial included 27 elderly individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who were living in a nursing home. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=13) and a control group (n=14). The experimental group received traditional physiotherapy combined with Baduanjin exercises for three months, while the control group received only traditional physiotherapy. Before and after the intervention, participants were evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale-Motor Examination (UPDRS-III).
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 27 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul Medipol University Hospital
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, gulay karacaoglu, Istanbul Medipol University Hospital
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07306169
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 61351342/2023-12
- Status last verified
- Dec 2025
- First submitted
- 12 Dec 2025
- Last updated
- 29 Dec 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Publications
Kavak MF, Civelek NB, Yalcin G. Integrating Baduanjin exercise into Parkinson's rehabilitation: a randomized controlled trial. Front Aging Neurosci. 2026 Sep 9;18:1925159. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2026.1925159. eCollection 2026.
PubMed 42781380
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 29 Dec 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of Baduanjin Exercise on the Rehabilitation of Patients With Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07306169
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 61351342/2023-12
- Conditions
- Parkinson Disease
- Keywords
- parkinson, baduanjin, rehabilitation
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 27 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul Medipol University HospitalUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jan 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Jul 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 29 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study investigates whether adding Baduanjin exercise, a gentle and easy-to-learn traditional Chinese mind-body practice, can contribute to rehabilitation in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease commonly leads to impairments in balance, walking, and overall motor function, which may affect independence and quality of life.
In this randomized controlled study, participants living in a nursing home were assigned to one of two groups:
a control group receiving standard physiotherapy, and an experimental group receiving Baduanjin exercise in addition to standard physiotherapy for 12 weeks.
Throughout the study, participants were assessed on balance, mobility, walking endurance, and motor symptoms using validated clinical tools.
Detailed description
This randomized controlled study is designed to evaluate the effects of incorporating Baduanjin exercise, a traditional low-intensity mind-body practice, into a standard physiotherapy program for individuals with Parkinson's disease residing in a long-term care facility. Parkinson's disease frequently results in motor impairments such as postural instability, reduced gait speed, decreased walking endurance, and limitations in functional mobility, creating a need for accessible rehabilitative approaches.
Participants who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) a control group receiving conventional physiotherapy alone, or (2) an experimental group receiving Baduanjin exercise in addition to conventional physiotherapy. The intervention lasted 12 weeks. The Baduanjin program consisted of eight simplified movements emphasizing balance, postural control, coordinated breathing, and gentle whole-body mobility. Both groups participated in supervised sessions three times per week.
Outcome measures included standardized clinical assessments of balance, functional mobility, walking endurance, and motor symptom severity. These assessments were conducted at baseline and following completion of the 12-week intervention period to record changes over time.
The purpose of this study is to determine whether integrating Baduanjin into routine physiotherapy is feasible and appropriate as a complementary rehabilitative strategy for individuals with Parkinson's disease living in long-term care settings.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Randomized controlled trial included 27 elderly individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who were living in a nursing home. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=13) and a control group (n=14). The experimental group received traditional physiotherapy combined with Baduanjin exercises for three months, while the control group received only traditional physiotherapy. Before and after the intervention, participants were evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale-Motor Examination (UPDRS-III).
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| phsical therapy | Experimental | Other: physical therapyA modified Parkinson's rehabilitation program suitable for elderly residents was implemented. Sessions were held three times per week for 45 minutes over three months. The program included walking practice, stair climbing, sit-to-stand exercises, backward and toe walking, single-leg stance, tandem and lateral walking, turning, weight-shifting with support, and balance exercises using balls and therabands. Strengthening, gait training to improve step length and directional changes, warm-up walking, and breathing exercises were also incorporated. All sessions were conducted in small groups of 3-4 participants. |
| baduanjin exercise | Experimental | Other: physical therapy, Other: baduanjin exerciseA modified Baduanjin program based on the traditional eight movements was applied. The session lasted 15 minutes and each movement was performed for 6-8 repetitions. Exercises included raising the arms in coordination with breathing, a bow-and-arrow movement for scapular control, gentle lateral bending, trunk rotation for postural stability, side leaning for core balance, a forward-reaching movement with bent knees to enhance flexibility, shoulder lifting and releasing for relaxation, and circular arm motions to promote upper-limb mobility and coordination. All movements were adapted to be safe and manageable for older adults. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 65 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Individuals aged 65 years and older residing in a nursing home
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Severe dementia or cognitive impairment
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| physical therapyA modified Parkinson's rehabilitation program suitable for elderly residents was implemented. Sessions were held three times per week for 45 minutes over three months. The program included walking practice, stair climbing, sit-to-stand exercises, backward and toe walking, single-leg stance, tandem and lateral walking, turning, weight-shifting with support, and balance exercises using balls and therabands. Strengthening, gait training to improve step length and directional changes, warm-up walking, and breathing exercises were also incorporated. All sessions were conducted in small groups of 3-4 participants. | Other | baduanjin exercise, phsical therapy |
| baduanjin exerciseA modified Baduanjin program based on the traditional eight movements was applied. The session lasted 15 minutes and each movement was performed for 6-8 repetitions. Exercises included raising the arms in coordination with breathing, a bow-and-arrow movement for scapular control, gentle lateral bending, trunk rotation for postural stability, side leaning for core balance, a forward-reaching movement with bent knees to enhance flexibility, shoulder lifting and releasing for relaxation, and circular arm motions to promote upper-limb mobility and coordination. All movements were adapted to be safe and manageable for older adults. | Other | baduanjin exercise |
Primary outcome
balance
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 6 months
The Berg Balance Scale is one of the most commonly used tests to assess an individual's balance status. It consists of 14 items, each scored from 0 to 4. Total scores between 0-20 indicate a high risk of falling, 21-40 indicate a moderate fall risk, and 41-56 indicate a low fall risk.
mobility
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 6 months
The Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test is used to assess fall risk and mobility in older adults. The test requires a chair and a stopwatch. The patient is asked to stand up from the chair, walk 3 meters, turn, walk back, and sit down again. The time taken to complete the task is recorded as the test result. A completion time greater than 12 seconds indicates an increased risk of falling.
walking capasity
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 6 months.
The Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is used to assess functional capacity, which is an important predictor of morbidity and mortality. The distance an individual walks in six minutes is recorded in meters. Reference values include approximately 380 m for individuals with COPD (<160 m indicates increased mortality risk), 590-640 m for adults aged 20-50 years, 540-570 m for those aged 60-70 years, and 470-530 m for individuals aged 70-80 years.
parkinson degree
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 6 months.
The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Part III, assesses the motor examination of individuals with Parkinson's disease. During the assessment, the examiner demonstrates each movement while providing instructions and then evaluates the patient's performance. Each item is scored on a scale from 0 to 4, and all motor functions are assessed separately.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 29 Dec 2025.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 42781380Kavak MF, Civelek NB, Yalcin G. Integrating Baduanjin exercise into Parkinson's rehabilitation: a randomized controlled trial. Front Aging Neurosci. 2026 Sep 9;18:1925159. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2026.1925159. eCollection 2026.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing physical therapy and baduanjin exercise in people with Parkinson Disease, run by Istanbul Medipol University Hospital at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 29 Dec 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
balance (time frame: through study completion, an average of 6 months). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07306169, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 29 Dec 2025.