The Effects of Baduanjin Training on College Students' Health-Related Quality of Life: A 12-Week Intervention Study

Shucun Liang; Lan Zhou; Haiyang Luo; Rui Xia; Hong Gao

doi:10.54097/eefvt951

Authors

Shucun Liang
Lan Zhou
Haiyang Luo
Rui Xia
Hong Gao

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/eefvt951

Keywords:

Baduanjin, College Students, Health-Related Quality of Life, SF-36 Health Survey

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effects of 12-week structured Baduanjin training with different intensities on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among college students. Methods: A total of 220 eligible undergraduate students were randomly divided into four groups: a sedentary control group (n=16), a low-intensity Baduanjin group (n=47), a moderate-intensity Baduanjin group (n=62), and a high-intensity Baduanjin group (n=75). The intervention lasted for 12 weeks, with two 40-minute training sessions per week (including 5-minute warm-up, 30-minute core practice, and 5-minute cool-down). Exercise intensity was regulated by heart rate, movement amplitude, and practice rhythm. HRQoL was evaluated using the SF-36 Health Survey at baseline (Week 1) and post-intervention (Week 12). Mixed-effects analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired samples t-tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: After 12 weeks of intervention, the moderate-intensity Baduanjin group showed a significant improvement in the General Health (GH) sub-scale of the SF-36 (MD=−5.065, t(61)=−2.839, p=0.006). No statistically significant within-group changes in any SF-36 dimensions were observed in the control, low-intensity, or high-intensity groups. Between-group comparisons revealed significant main effects of group on the Vitality (VT) subscale (F(3,196)=3.277, p=0.022) and Health Transition (HT) subscale (F(3,196)=6.848, p<0.001) at Week 12. Conclusion: Moderate-intensity Baduanjin training effectively improves the perceived general health of college students, while low-intensity and high-intensity training do not yield significant HRQoL benefits. This study provides feasible evidence for universities to implement integrated physical and mental health promotion programs with Chinese cultural characteristics.

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