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Baduanjin exercise alleviates anxiety, depressive symptoms, and improves sleep quality and quality of life in patients with primary glaucoma

An 8-week Baduanjin exercise intervention (5 sessions per week, 30 min each) significantly improved anxiety (HADS-A), depressive symptoms (HADS-D), and sleep quality (PSQI) compared to routine care in patients with primary glaucoma. Benefits were more pronounced in patients with higher baseline symptom levels. The intervention also improved domain-specific quality of life, particularly glare/dark adaptation and outdoor mobility.

Last updated: Jul 12, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score44/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Effects of Baduanjin on anxiety, depressive symptoms, and quality of life in patients with primary glaucoma: A randomized controlled trial.

observational

Zeng Z, Li X, Ma X, Guo J, Qin L · Complementary therapies in clinical practice (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 8 weeks
Intervention: 8-week Baduanjin exercise program (5 sessions per week, 30 minutes each) added to routine care
Outcome: Anxiety (HADS-A), depressive symptoms (HADS-D), sleep quality (PSQI), and quality of life (CHI-GQL-15)
Effect Size: Group × baseline interactions: HADS-A F=66.481, P<0.001; HADS-D F=37.116, P<0.001; PSQI F=10.591, P=0.002; CHI-GQL-15 summary adjusted difference -4.97, 95% CI -8.19 to -1.76, P=0.003
Population: 112 patients with primary glaucoma (102 completed) from the Ophthalmology Department of Chengdu Third People's Hospital

Result:

PubMed: 42431068DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2026.102077

Mechanism Graph

Baduanjin combines physical movement with mindful breathing
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Reduces stress and promotes relaxation
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Improves psychological well-being and sleep quality
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Alleviates anxiety and depressive symptoms and enhances daily functional adaptation

Limitations

  • ⚠Single-center study may limit generalizability
  • ⚠No blinding of participants or instructors due to the nature of the exercise intervention
  • ⚠Short follow-up period (8 weeks) without long-term outcome assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Baduanjin?▼

Baduanjin is a traditional Chinese mind-body exercise involving slow, coordinated movements and breathing, often described as 'Eight Brocades'.

How long did the Baduanjin intervention last?▼

The intervention lasted 8 weeks, with five 30-minute sessions per week.

What outcomes improved in the Baduanjin group?▼

Anxiety, depressive symptoms, sleep quality, and quality of life (specifically glare/dark adaptation and outdoor mobility) improved significantly compared to the control group.

Was the effect of Baduanjin the same for all patients?▼

No, the benefits were more pronounced in patients with higher baseline levels of anxiety, depression, or sleep problems.

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References

  1. 1.Zeng Z, Li X, Ma X, Guo J, Qin L. "Effects of Baduanjin on anxiety, depressive symptoms, and quality of life in patients with primary glaucoma: A randomized controlled trial.." Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 2026. PMID: 42431068 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2026.102077
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.