Surface Electromyography Analysis of the Lower Extremities of Subjects Participating in Baduanjin Exercises

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of practicing Baduanjin exercises on the lower extremities of subjects using electromyography analysis.

Subjects

110 healthy adults were randomly assigned as subjects to two groups: SG group who received sixteen weeks of Baduanjin training and CG group who received no training.

Methods

The methods used in this study included the use of a sixteen-channel sEMG system to record and measure activity changes in vastus medialis and vastus lateralis.

Results

After 16 weeks of Baduanjin training, the results of this study showed that the SG group had significant increases in RMS (root mean square) (in vastus lateralis, p > 0.05; in vastus medialis, p < 0.05), in AEMG (average electromyographic activity) (in vastus lateralis, p > 0.05; in vastus medialis, p < 0.05), and in IEMG (integrated electromyogram) (in vastus lateralis, p > 0.05; in vastus medialis, p < 0.05). No adverse events from treatment were reported during the whole period of this study.

Conclusion

This study concludes that performing 16 weeks of Baduanjin training can significantly improve strength and the physical function of the lower extremities among healthy adults.