Effects of modified qigong breathing exercise on physical and metabolic outcomes after bariatric surgery: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND

Post-bariatric surgery challenges are multifaceted, involving both physiological and psychological dimensions. Modified Qigong Breathing Exercise (MQBE) offers a holistic approach to weight management by integrating gentle exercises that may improve physical fitness and enhance mental clarity.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effect of MQBE after bariatric surgery.

METHODS

This single-anonymized, randomized clinical trial included 90 patients (52 males and 38 females), who were randomly allocated into two groups. Group A included 45 patients who received MQBE, whereas Group B included 45 patients who received no intervention. Pulmonary function, trunk endurance, resting metabolic rate (RMR), and fat mass (FM) were assessed using a handheld spirometer, the McGill Torso Muscular Endurance Test Battery, and calorimetry, respectively. Ghrelin plasma levels, fasting gastric pH, and hunger scores were also assessed. Measurements were obtained before and after 12 weeks of intervention. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to compare outcomes within and between the groups.

RESULTS

Significant improvements were observed in pulmonary function, trunk endurance, RMR, FM, plasma ghrelin levels, fasting gastric pH, and hunger scores in Group A following the intervention compared with baseline values (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

MQBE demonstrated promising effects in reducing FM, enhancing RMR, decreasing appetite, and increasing ghrelin levels and gastric pH.