This presentation focuses on the application of Baduanjin in chronic pain nursing and health promotion, exploring its value as a safe, low-cost, and accessible non-pharmacological nursing intervention for chronic disease management, rehabilitation care, and community health practice.
First, the presentation introduces the core features of Baduanjin, a traditional Chinese mind-body exercise consisting of eight gentle, coordinated movements that integrate posture, breathing, and mental focus. With its moderate intensity, minimal space requirements, and ease of implementation, Baduanjin is well suited for clinical, community, and home-based care settings. From a nursing perspective, it is not merely a form of physical exercise, but also a practical tool to support self-management, symptom regulation, functional recovery, and psychological well-being.
Second, the presentation reports findings from our research. A meta-analysis conducted by our team included 19 randomized controlled trials on traditional Chinese exercise interventions for fibromyalgia syndrome. The results suggest that Baduanjin may have favorable effects on pain relief, quality of life, sleep quality, and depressive symptoms. In addition, our randomized controlled trial involving 74 patients with fibromyalgia syndrome showed that a four-week Baduanjin nursing intervention, practiced for 30 minutes daily, reduced pain distribution and pain intensity, improved physical function and sleep quality, alleviated fatigue, and demonstrated good safety.
Finally, the presentation reviews current national and international evidence on Baduanjin, highlighting its potential benefits in improving cardiopulmonary function, regulating metabolic indicators, reducing anxiety and depression, enhancing sleep quality, and improving balance. Existing evidence suggests that Baduanjin aligns closely with key nursing goals, including symptom management, functional improvement, psychological support, and the promotion of sustainable health behaviours.
Overall, Baduanjin cannot replace conventional medical and nursing interventions, but it can serve as a beneficial supplement to chronic disease management and health promotion. This report aims to provide evidence support and practical insights for nursing professionals to rationally apply Baduanjin in clinical, rehabilitation and community settings, and to promote the development of a patient-centered, accessible and sustainable health care model.