Effects of qigong and resistance exercise on improving balance and cognitive ability of community-dwelling older adults

Why clinicians should know about it

• Picked for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (paper of the day, 9 September 2026): Qigong vs resistance exercise improves balance and cognition

Abstract

BACKGROUND: To address the challenges posed by an aging society and reduce the incidence of falls and cognitive decline, there is a need for scientifically validated training methods that enhance both balance and cognitive function in older adults. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the effects of Baduanjin and Resistance Band training on improving balance and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: A total of 93 community-dwelling older adults (mean age: 64.86 ± 3.13 years) were assigned according to the principle of residential proximity into three groups: Baduanjin exercise group (n = 32), Resistance Band exercise group (n = 30), and control group (n = 31). Both intervention groups underwent 16 weeks of training (three sessions per week), with Heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) monitored regularly during training sessions to evaluate exercise load. The control group maintained usual daily activities, with step counts recorded three times per week to monitor daily activity levels. Primary outcome measures included the Closed-eyes Single-leg Standing Test (CSST), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, flexibility (Sit-and- Reach Test and Back Scratch Test), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores. The secondary outcome was the correlation between balance ability and cognitive function. RESULTS: Both intervention groups significantly improved balance and cognitive function compared with the control group (p < 0.01), with no significant between-group differences in static balance (CSST), dynamic balance (TUG), or global cognitive function (MoCA total score). However, domain-specific differences emerged: Baduanjin demonstrated significantly greater improvements in flexibility (p < 0.05) and systolic blood pressure (p < 0.001), as well as in specific MoCA subdomains including executive function and naming ability (p < 0.05). The 16-week program achieved 100% attendance with no dropouts. Additionally, dynamic balance (TUG) was significantly correlated with global cognitive function (r = -0.8, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Both Baduanjin exercises and Resistance Band training are effective and feasible interventions for improving balance and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults, with each modality offering distinct benefits across different outcome domains. These findings support the use of both exercises as safe, accessible options for community-based health promotion in aging populations.

Abstract as published, via PubMed.