Efficacy of Baduanjin dance versus Thai boxing dance on clinical-related outcomes and balance ability among patients with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized, single-blinded comparative trial

Abstract

This study aimed at comparing the effects of Baduanjin dance (BD) and Thai boxing dance (TBD) on clinical-related outcomes in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients. Fifty-six KOA participants were assigned to receive a six-week intervention in either BD or TBD group. Symptoms, balance ability, knee strength, and fear of movement were assessed before and after six weeks, and at three-month follow-up. Both groups showed improvements in symptoms and static balance with eyes closed at two follow-ups while better knee flexor and extensor strength were maintained in BD group. TBD increased dynamic balance and knee flexor and extensor strength at six weeks only. TBD showed greater improvements in symptoms, fear of movement and knee flexor strength at six weeks compared to BD; however, BD demonstrated a superior retention effect on knee flexor strength compared to TBD. In conclusion, BD and TBD improve symptoms, balance ability and knee strength, and could include them to classical therapeutic interventions for KOA rehabilitative program. As BD maintains knee strength in a long-term period, thus it might be a recommended complementary exercise for KOA patients in the communities