The Impact of a Six-week Baduanjin Qigong Intervention on Individuals Who Experience Breathlessness after Contracting COVID-19

Persistent debilitating symptoms following acute Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), a condition widely recognised as Long COVID or Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), present significant challenges and necessitate effective rehabilitation strategies. Baduanjin Qigong, a traditional Chinese mind-body exercise with demonstrated health benefits in various populations (Zou et al., 2017; Jahnke et al., 2010), was explored in this study for its potential in Long COVID rehabilitation. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Baduanjin Qigong in treating long COVID patients. The intervention's effectiveness was assessed through key physical function (Modified Shuttle Walk Test [MSWT], 1-minute Sit-to-Stand Test [STS], Breath Control Test) and patient-reported outcomes (Modified Fatigue Impact Scale [MFIS], Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 [GAD-7], Quality of Life Scale [QOLS], Nijmegen Questionnaire).

This randomised controlled trial employed a 1:1 randomisation of intervention and control groups. A total of 14 participants with symptoms of Long COVID were recruited and divided into an intervention group (n = 9) and a control group (n = 5). The intervention group received six weeks of Baduanjin Qigong training in addition to their usual care, while the control group continued with their usual activities/daily routines without participating in the Baduanjin Qigong intervention. Participants underwent three physical fitness tests (Modified Shuttle Walk Test [MSWT], 1-minute Sit-to-Stand Test [STS], Breath Control Test) and four surveys (Modified Fatigue Impact Scale [MFIS], Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 [GAD-7], Quality of Life Scale [QOLS], Nijmegen Questionnaire) before and after the intervention to measure outcomes. Data were analysed using a 2x2 mixed model ANOVA, considering both statistical significance (p