A Study on the Effects of Ba Duan Jin Exercise on Sleep Quality and Cervical Spine Function in College Students

Abstract

With increasing academic pressure, reliance on electronic devices, and changes in lifestyle habits, the incidence of poor sleep quality and cervical spine dysfunction has significantly increased among college students. Ba Duan Jin, a traditional Chinese health-preserving exercise, has been shown to improve physical and mental health, regulate qi and blood circulation, and alleviate muscle tension. This study investigated the effects of Ba Duan Jin exercise on sleep quality and cervical spine function among college students at Jilin Normal University from an exercise intervention perspective. The study employed a pre-test–post-test control group experimental design. The experimental group underwent Ba Duan Jin exercises three times weekly over an eight-week period, while the control group maintained their usual daily routines. The effects of the intervention were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Cervical Spine Dysfunction Index (NDI), with mechanisms explored through interviews. The results showed that Ba Duan Jin exercises significantly improved college students’ sleep quality (p<0.05) and reduced cervical discomfort scores (p<0.05), with the degree of sleep improvement positively correlated with improvements in cervical function. This study suggests incorporating Ba Duan Jin into university health promotion courses as a low-cost, Ways to improve students’ physical and mental health that can be promoted.