Post-COVID recovery is associated with reduced functional fitness/capacity, low qualityof life, and physical disabilities in those who survived after contracting the disease.The unpleasant symptoms of chronic post-viral/post-COVID syndrome (chronic fatigueperception, variant nonspecific myalgia, bad mood or depression, and insomnia or sleepdisturbances) usually magnify the symptoms of already existing previously diagnosedconcurrent untreatable chronic disorders , including the idiopathic chronic fatigue(ICF).(Leszczak et al., 2024)Baduanjin exercise training (BET) is one of the Chinese traditional Health-Qigongexercises that not only integrate slow coordinating postures/positions, breathingtechniques, musculoskeletal stretching movements/positions, and meditative mind but alsoplays a strong role concerning health benefits (e.g. musculoskeletal pain-reducing, sleepdisturbance-enhancing effects, and fatigue-reducing effects) (Zou et al., 2018).
forty idiopathic chronic fatigue (ICF) patients will be randomly assigned into two equal
groups (n=20)
1. Study group (20 patients) this group will be supervised daily, except Fridays,
during the 60-minute session of 12-week BET) or waitlist group
2. Control group (20 patients)
Other: Baduanjin exercise training (BET)
Baduanjin Exercise Training (BET) is a traditional Chinese exercise focused on improving
physical health, flexibility, balance, and mental well-being. It involves a 10-minute
warm-up, a 40-minute core session practicing eight distinct postures, and a 10-minute
cool-down. The postures, based on the Baduanjin form, target different body parts and
promote strength, flexibility, and circulation. The exercises are synchronized with deep
breathing to enhance relaxation and stress reduction. BET is especially beneficial for
joint health, mobility, and mental clarity, making it suitable for individuals of all
ages and fitness levels
Inclusion Criteria:
- • 40 patients will be recruited in the study.
- age ≥ 18 to ≤ 50 years old
- achieved three diagnostic items/criteria of ICF will be included in this BET
trial: Fatigue lasting over 6 months, which significantly limits daily
activities, reducing the person's usual activity level by more than 50%, as
confirmed by a doctor.
At least three of the following symptoms:
Generalized muscle weakness Difficulty sleeping Frequent headaches A painful throat
Muscle tenderness throughout the body Migratory joint pain Swollen lymph nodes in the
neck or armpits Fatigue lasting more than a day after typical activities
Exclusion Criteria:
- Patients with a history of medical or complementary treatments for ICF disorder in
the 6 months before contracting COVID or after recovery.
- Individuals who have engaged in therapeutic exercise, pharmacological treatments, or
complementary therapies for post-COVID symptoms within the last six months prior to
enrollment.
- ICF patients regularly using antidepressants or antipsychotics were excluded.
- Those who take sleeping pills regularly were also excluded.
- Patients with autoimmune diseases, malignant conditions, anemia, endocrine
disorders, systemic diseases, or osteoarthritis affecting the cervical spine, lumbar
region, or limbs were excluded.
- Individuals with abnormal results in laboratory tests, including neurological,
neurophysiological, cardiological, liver/kidney function tests, or urine/stool
analyses (as determined by a physician) were excluded.
Cairo University
Cairo, Egypt
Investigator: Alaa El-Moatasem, lecturer
Contact: 01006625054
alaamotasem@cu.edu.eg
Investigator: Alaa El-Moatasem, lecturer
Alaa El-moatasem, lecturer
01006625054
alaamotasem@cu.edu.eg
Rania ali, assistant professor
010015931155
roni.diamond8@gmail.com
Alaa El-moatasem, lecturer, Principal Investigator
Cairo University