Effects of water-based Liuzijue exercise on peak exercise capacity, functional exercise capacity, and quality of life in people with COPD

Abstract

Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of water-based Liuzijue exercise on peak exercise capacity, functional exercise capacity, and quality of life in people with COPD.

Methods: The study included 50 participants randomly divided into three groups: a control group (CG = 17), a land-based Liuzijue exercise group (LG = 17), and a water-based Liuzijue exercise group (WG = 16). The LG and WG performed Liuzijue exercise in different environments, and the CG had no exercise intervention. All participants received prescribed medical treatment. Liuzijue exercise was performed according to the description of Health Qigong Liuzijue compiled by Chinese Health Qigong Association for 60 minutes, two times per week, for 12 weeks.

Results: After intervention, peak oxygen uptake and peak working rate were significantly improved in WG (P = .02). The results of the 6 minutes walking test (6MWT) and 30 seconds sit-to-stand test were significantly improved in both WG and LG (P < .05), and significant difference was found between WG and CG in 6MWT (P = .03). The St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) activity score increased significantly in the CG (P = .03), while all domains of SGRQ significantly decreased in both training groups (P < .01). All SGRQ scores showed a significant difference between LG and CG (P < .05) and, except for the activity score, between WG and CG (P < .05).

Conclusions: Water-based Liuzijue exercise can effectively improve peak exercise capacity, functional exercise capacity, and quality of life in people with COPD, especially with respect to increasing peak VO₂ and 6MWD.

Keywords: COPD; Liuzijue; functional exercise capacity; peak exercise capacity; quality of life; water-based exercise.