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This randomised controlled trial investigated whether combining blood flow restriction with traditional Baduanjin Qi Gong exercise could improve lower-limb strength and postural stability beyond what Baduanjin alone achieves. Thirty-eight sedentary young men were randomly divided into two groups — one practising standard Baduanjin and the other practising Baduanjin with blood flow restriction applied — over an eight-week training period.
Researchers measured quadriceps peak torque and total work using isokinetic dynamometry, alongside single-leg balance under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions using a force platform. The blood flow restriction group showed significantly greater gains in quadriceps strength and greater reductions in postural sway during eyes-open balance testing compared with the standard Baduanjin group. However, no meaningful differences between the two groups were detected under eyes-closed conditions, suggesting the balance improvements may rely on visual feedback rather than deep proprioceptive adaptation.
Importantly, no adverse events were reported in either group, indicating the combined approach is safe. The results suggest that blood flow restriction can meaningfully amplify the neuromuscular benefits of this low-intensity Qi Gong practice, making it a potentially valuable option for those who cannot or prefer not to engage in high-load resistance training.
Conclusion: Augmenting Baduanjin Qi Gong with blood flow restriction offers a safe, low-intensity strategy to meaningfully enhance quadriceps strength and visually guided postural stability in sedentary young men.
Source: Ren W, Liao Y, Jin Z and colleagues. Scientific reports (2026). View on PubMed (PMID 42547777) · doi:10.1038/s41598-026-53706-x