The effect of Baduanjin exercise for functional ankle instability rehabilitation: study protocol for a randomized controlled pilot trial
Abstract Background Patients with functional ankle instability (FAI) have problems with joint control, balance, gait, and postural symmetry. Baduanjin is a type of traditional Chinese exercise, which has been shown to be effective for treating many diseases and symptoms. However, the effect of Baduanjin in patients with FAI has not been proved. This trial is an assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT), its objective is to study the efficacy and safety of Baduanjin on the rehabilitation of patients with FAI. Methods Seventy-two participants, who are eligible according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, will be randomized (in a 1:1 ratio) using a random numbers table into two groups: a Baduanjin group and a control group (subjected to conventional physical therapy). The Baduanjin group will be subjected to Baduanjin exercise in addition to the conventional physical therapy. The participants’ exercise will be implemented for 4 weeks (5 days a week). All the participants will be assessed at baseline, after 2 weeks’ treatment, and after 4 weeks’ treatment (after the intervention). The efficacy of Baduanjin will be assessed based on three types of outcome: (1) surface electromyography (sEMG) results of the bilateral erector spinae, tibialis anterior, and peroneus longus; (2) balance function under different conditions; and (3) the severity of ankle instability in daily life, using the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT). Discussion The aim of the trial is to study the effect and safety of Baduanjin in patients with FAI. The study findings may show whether Baduanjin could be used to complement medical FAI rehabilitation methods. The study findings could also highlight the importance of Baduanjin in promoting the bilateral symmetry of motor function.