Multiform-based Yi Jin Jing exercise against osteoarthritis of the knee: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is one of the most common causes of joint pain and stiffness, affecting millions of people worldwide and making everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even getting out of a chair increasingly difficult. Researchers in China are now testing whether a specially modified form of an ancient Chinese exercise called Yi Jin Jing could offer a better, more personalized way to manage knee osteoarthritis.

Yi Jin Jing is a traditional qigong practice that combines slow, gentle stretching movements with coordinated breathing. For this study, researchers took traditional Yi Jin Jing and creatively blended it with two other well-known Chinese movement practices — Baduanjin and Wuqinxi — to create a new, adapted program. What makes this approach particularly exciting is that it offers exercises in three different positions: standing, sitting, and lying down. This means the program can be tailored to where a patient currently is in their condition, whether their knee mobility is relatively good or significantly limited.

Participants aged 40 to 75 are being divided into three groups: one receiving only standard medication, one practicing traditional Yi Jin Jing alongside medication, and one following the new modified program alongside medication. The exercise groups train for one hour daily over three months. Researchers are measuring outcomes including pain levels, knee function, mobility, and overall quality of life using validated clinical tools.

While this is a study protocol — meaning results are still forthcoming — the design holds real promise for people with KOA who struggle with one-size-fits-all exercise programs. A stepped, adaptable approach could make therapeutic movement accessible to patients at every stage of the condition.

If you are interested in qigong or movement-based therapies for joint health, speak with a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner to explore options suited to your individual needs.

This registered randomised controlled trial (ITMCTR2024000234) investigates a novel multiform Yi Jin Jing protocol for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) management. Researchers developed a modified Yi Jin Jing program integrating elements of Baduanjin and Wuqinxi, structured across three positional forms — upright, seated, and recumbent — delivered via a stepped training model calibrated to individual joint mobility status. Participants (ages 40–75, n=3 arms) are randomised into: conventional medication control (CG), traditional Yi Jin Jing plus medication (TG), and modified Yi Jin Jing plus medication (MG). Intervention duration is 12 weeks at 60 minutes daily, with one supervised session per week. Primary outcome is WOMAC; secondary outcomes include HSS Knee Score, Timed Up and Go Test, active/passive ROM, and SF-36. Single-blind methodology with computerised randomisation and opaque envelope allocation is employed. As a protocol paper, efficacy data are pending. Clinically, this stepped, position-adaptive model may offer a more inclusive and targeted qigong prescription for patients across varying KOA severity levels, potentially overcoming adherence barriers inherent in conventional single-posture exercise regimens.