Effectiveness of a simplified sitting baduanjin exercise for fatigue-sleep disturbance symptom cluster in advanced cancer: a multi-centre randomized clinical trial

The fatigue-sleep disturbance symptom cluster is prevalent among patients with advanced cancer. Baduanjin is a promising cost-effective exercise for symptom management among frail patients.This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a tailored and simplified sitting Baduanjin (SSBDJ) program in alleviating the fatigue-sleep disturbance symptom cluster and improving quality of life (QOL) in patients with advanced cancer. A multi-centre, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 210 participants (intervention: n = 105; control: n = 105). The intervention group were required to participate in a four-movement SSBDJ program for 12 weeks, with 15–20 min for each session, while the control group received usual care. The primary outcome was the fatigue-sleep disturbance symptom cluster, and secondary outcomes included fatigue, sleep disturbance, and QOL. Outcomes were assessed at baseline (T0), and at weeks 4 (T1), 8 (T2), 12 (T3) during the program, and 4 weeks post-intervention (T4). The average age of participants was 57.02 years (± 10.92), and 35.2% were female. The intervention completion rate was 79.0%, with a mean exercise adherence rate of 91% and no reported adverse events. Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed significant reductions in the fatigue-sleep disturbance symptom cluster during the program and 4 weeks after the program ( P < 0.05), with improvements in the levels of fatigue, sleep, and QOL. The simplified sitting Baduanjin exercise program can effectively alleviate the fatigue-sleep disturbance symptom cluster and improve QOL in advanced cancer patients. Chinese Clinical Trials (registration number: ChiCTR2300072331). Retrospectively registered on 9 June 2023. URL of trial registry record: https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=192393 .