Effect of Elastic-band Baduanjin exercise on older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in China: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Introduction In China, older adults have the highest incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Bone, joint and physical endurance limit the types of exercise available to older adults with T2DM. Baduanjin is recommended and encouraged as an exercise option. However, Baduanjin exercise alone cannot account for the loss of muscle mass. Resistance training is recommended in the guidelines and offers new options for increasing muscle strength. The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of Elastic-band Baduanjin exercise training with those of Baduanjin alone.Methods and analysis This study is a reworking exercise programme, consisting of Baduanjin combined with elastic band resistance exercise training. A 12-week randomised controlled trial will be conducted. Patients aged 60-80 years with T2DM will be assigned to the Elastic-band Baduanjin (intervention) and Baduanjin (control) groups using cluster random sampling. A sample of 70 participants will be conducted. Indicators of muscle strength, body composition, blood glucose and balance function will be collected before and after the intervention. Meanwhile, exercise will be monitored using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.Ethics and dissemination The trial was approved by the Chinese Ethics Committee of Registering Clinical Trials on 19 June 2022 (ChiECRCT20220210). The research results will be published in peer--reviewed publications.