Adaptation, Validation, and Feasibility Evaluation of Mindful Standing Yoga Combined with Baduanjin for Older Patients with Primary Osteoporosis

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to adapt, validate, and evaluate the feasibility of a mindful exercise program (Mindful Standing Yoga combined with Baduanjin) for older patients with primary osteoporosis.

METHODS: The study was conducted in 3 stages. Stage 1 involved a qualitative focus group discussion with 6 experts to gather perspectives on modifying the exercise program. Stage 2 used a Delphi approach with another 6 experts to validate the program. In Stage 3, a feasibility study was conducted with 20 eligible patients (out of 23 initially enrolled) at a traditional Chinese medicine hospital, using a single-group pre- and posttest design. The strenuousness of the adapted exercise was assessed through heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Its effects were measured using the Global Pain Scale (GPS), the Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire-Short Form (FFMQ-SF), the Tampa Kinesiophobia-11 Scale, and the Timed Up and Go test. Patient satisfaction and feedback were also collected.

RESULTS: The modified program, consisting of 9 movements and taking 30 min to complete, was validated by experts as suitable, safe, and effective for practice. HR and RPE measurements confirmed it as a low-intensity exercise and not strenuous for the study population. The program significantly improved back pain and mindfulness in the feasibility study, with most participants expressing satisfaction with the protocol.

CONCLUSION: Experts and participants affirmed that the program was appropriate and satisfactory for older patients with primary osteoporosis, particularly those with back pain. Further high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to validate its effectiveness.