Abstract
Objective Falls have been significantly associated with accidental deaths among individuals over 60 years. Therefore, improving balance function is critical in geriatric rehabilitation. This study explored the impacts of Baduanjin on the risk of falls in terms of balance, isometric knee joint strength, and gait parameters. Methods Forty-two Chinese individuals were randomly divided into the Baduanjin group or Walking group. Their gait, balance, lower limb strength, and fall risk were assessed pre-, mid- and post-intervention. Any falls they experienced for the next six months were recorded. The data of this study were collected at Shanxi Normal University from September 2023 to January 2024. Results The Baduanjin group demonstrated improved performance in the sway path balance test compared to the control group, particularly in the coronal plane ( p < 0.05). In addition, the Baduanjin intervention enhanced the participants' gait symmetry during early and mid-stance gait phases and maximum strength of the knee extensor ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Baduanjin intervention is more effective in improving balance and preventing falls among the elderly than walking with the same intensity.