TCM Daoyin Therapy in Individuals At-risk for COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide. Early prevention and treatment of COPD is crucial, but there is a lack of specific interventions for individuals at-risk for COPD in clinical guidelines. The study focuses on individuals at-risk for COPD (COPD-SQ≥16, current lung function failed to meet diagnostic criteria for COPD but with manifestations of early airflow limitation). This is a two-group prospective, randomized, assessor-blinded trial, planning to enroll 60 participants (30 for TCM Daoyin intervention group receiving health education plus a TCM Daoyin training program, and 30 for health education control group only receiving health education). TCM Daoyin is a form of mind-body exercise with a profound philosophical foundation rooted in Chinese culture. Previous researches have provided some evidence of beneficial effects on TCM Daoyin for COPD patients with an established diagnosis, such as Liuzijue and Baduanjin. However, the evidences of TCM Daoyin on patients with early COPD is limited. The aim of prospective randomized study is to evaluate the effects of TCM Daoyin training on individuals at-risk of COPD.