BACKGROUND: While studies have reported the potential effectiveness of Baduanjin exercises and physical activity recommendations in addressing balance disorders and the increased fall risk commonly observed in elderly individuals, it remains unclear which approach yields superior outcomes. This study aimed to compare the effects of Baduanjin exercise training and physical activity recommendations on balance and fall risk in elderly individuals. METHODS: Sixty elderly individuals were included the study. The participants were randomly divided into experimental (n = 30) and control group (n = 30). A Baduanjin exercise training was given to experimental group and physical activity recommendation was given to control group. Both groups performed the exercises training or physical activity recommendation 5 days a week for 8 weeks. The Berg balance scale and the timed up and go test were used to assess balance and fall risk, respectively. All assessments were repeated before and after the 8-week program for both groups. RESULTS: There was a significant increase both in the Berg balance scale and the timed up and go test in both groups (p < 0.005), but the increases in the experimental group were greater than in the control group (p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that both Baduanjin exercise training and general physical activity recommendations are effective in enhancing balance and mitigating fall risk among elderly individuals. Nevertheless, Baduanjin exercise training exhibited greater efficacy in achieving these outcomes compared to physical activity recommendations.

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