Influence of Baduanjin on mild cognitive impairment in elderly diabetic patients

Objective To explore the influence of Chinese Qigong--Baduanjin on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in elderly diabetic patients. Methods A total of 78 elderly type 2 diabetic patients complicated with MCI were divided into intervention group and control group by random digits table method. The control group with 41 patients was received routine treatment and discharged guidance after discharging from hospital. The intervention group with 37 patients was received Baduanjin exercise for 12 months based on the routine treatment in control group. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Activity of Daily Living (ADL) scores in two groups were compared before intervention and 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after intervention. Results In intervention group, MoCA scores were significantly increased at different times after intervention compared with those before intervention, F=72.782, the differences were statistically significant, P<0.05. At the same time, MoCA scores were all significantly higher in intervention group than those in control group, F=2.231, 2.972, 4.362, 5.085, 5.373, the differences were statistically significant, P<0.05. In intervention group, ADL scores had significantly improved since 6 months after intervention compared with those before intervention, F=93.126, the differences were statistically significant, P<0.05, and compared with those in control group, the scores were significantly higher since 6 months after intervention, F=3.853, 4.561, 7.162, the differences were statistically significant, P<0.05. Conclusion Chinese Qigong--Baduanjin in treatment of elderly diabetic patients complicated with MCI can delay the MCI progress and improve ADL of the patients. Key words: Diabetes mellitus, type 2; Cognitive impairment; Baduanjin