Baduanjin Exercise May Improve the Anxiety and Insomnia in COVID-2019 Patients: A Case-Control Study

Abstract Background: Since December 2019, an epidemic caused by novel coronavirus(2019-nCoV) infection has occurred unexpectedly in China. Because of the sudden nature of the outbreak and the infectious power of the virus, it will inevitably cause people anxiety and other stress reactions. Previous studies showed that Baduanjin exercise was effective for people in anxiety and insomnia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential benefits of Baduanjin exercise on the anxiety and insomnia in COVID-2019 patients.Methods: This is a Case-Control Study. The COVID-2019 patients including 39 Baduanjin exercises or willing to do Baduanjin exercises and 39 age-and gender-matched nonexercising controls. The anxiety and insomnia in COVID-2019 patients were measured by using the GAD-7 and SMH Sleep Questionnaire at baseline and discharge.Results: In the study, the Paired T-test showed that two groups had improved the GAD-7 scores and SMH Sleep Questionnaire compared with baseline at discharge. Baseline results showed there were no significant differences in the GAD-7 scores and SMH Sleep Questionnaire between the two groups. However, the significant differences found in the Baduanjin group included a 43.9% lower (p<0.001) in the GAD-7 score and an approximately 75.9% higher (p=0.003) in SMH Sleep Questionnaire score compare with the control group at discharge.Conclusion: The Baduanjin exercise may improve the anxiety and insomnia in COVID-2019 patients. It can also be used as a form of rehabilitation exercise for discharged patients or patients isolated at home.Trial Registration: ChiCTR2000030528.