Baduanjin exercise for pregnancy-related low back and pelvic pain
Effect of Baduanjin Exercise Intervention on Pregnancy-Related Pain and Quality of Life: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This trial will test whether a 12-week Baduanjin exercise program can reduce low back and pelvic pain and improve quality of life for pregnant women who enroll at 14–20 weeks.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 84 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Peking Union Medical College Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality) |
| Trial ID | NCT07153653 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a randomized controlled trial that assigns pregnant women to a 12-week prenatal Baduanjin exercise program or a control condition to measure effects on low back and pelvic pain and quality of life. Participants are single pregnancies enrolled between 14 and 20 weeks' gestation and must be cleared for exercise by medical evaluation. The intervention is a traditional Chinese mind–body exercise delivered through supervised sessions and likely supplemented by home practice, with regular follow-up visits for outcome measurement. Primary outcomes are pain severity and patient-reported quality of life over the intervention period.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are pregnant people carrying a single fetus, between 14 and 20 weeks' gestation, without medical contraindications to exercise.
Not a fit: People with high-risk pregnancy signs (for example vaginal bleeding, preterm labor, placenta previa), significant preexisting orthopedic, cardiovascular, or psychiatric conditions, or multiple gestation are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could offer a low-cost, nonpharmacologic way to reduce pregnancy-related low back and pelvic pain and improve daily functioning.
How similar studies have performed: Related mind–body and gentle exercise programs in pregnancy (for example prenatal yoga or tai chi–style interventions) have shown mixed but sometimes positive results, while Baduanjin specifically has limited direct evidence in pregnancy.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Single pregnancy (carrying one fetus). * Gestational age: 14-20 weeks at enrollment. * No contraindications to exercise during pregnancy (as determined by medical evaluation). Exclusion Criteria: * Adverse pregnancy symptoms: * Dizziness, blurred vision, vaginal bleeding, or other high-risk signs. * Pre-existing medical conditions: Orthopedic, cardiovascular, or psychiatric diseases; cognitive impairment. * Pregnancy complications: Preterm labor, placenta previa. * Inability to attend regular prenatal check-ups.
Where this trial is running
Beijing, Beijing Municipality
- Peking Union Medical College — Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Liangkun Ma
- Email: maliangkun@pumch.cn
- Phone: +8613021961166
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.