ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Baduanjin combined with breathing exercises and bedside cycle training on the recovery of lung function in patients after thoracoscopic surgery for lung cancer. MethodsPatients who underwent thoracoscopic radical surgery for lung cancer at the Huaihe Hospital of Henan University from January 2024 to January 2025 were selected. Through the random number table method, patients were randomly divided into a Baduanjin combined with breathing exercises group (experimental group) and a bedside cycle group (control group). The changes in lung function indicators, pain levels, exercise endurance, cellular immunity, and inflammatory factor levels before and after rehabilitation training in both groups were compared to evaluate the clinical effects of the two rehabilitation methods. ResultsA total of 100 patients were included, with 52 in the experimental group, including 28 males and 24 females, with an average age of (57.50±7.15) years; and 48 in the control group, including 26 males and 22 females, with an average age of (57.80±6.40) years. There was no statistical difference in baseline data between the two groups (P＞0.05). In the experimental group, the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) [(2.48±0.32) L vs. (2.00±0.27) L, P＜0.001], forced vital capacity (FVC) [(3.55±0.42) L vs. (2.95±0.34) L, P＜0.001], and FEV1/FVC (69.9%±3.8% vs. 67.8%±3.6%, P=0.006) were higher, pain scores were lower [(1.4±0.4) points vs. (2.0±0.5) points, P＜0.001], 6-minute walking distance was longer [(432.35±30.84) m vs. (411.82±33.75) m, P=0.002], CD4+/CD8+ ratio was higher (1.72±0.32 vs. 1.52±0.29, P=0.002), and levels of tumor necrosis factor-α [(8.1±1.8) pg/mL vs. (9.2±2.1) pg/mL, P=0.006] and interleukin-6 [(8.3±2.1) ng/L vs. (10.1±2.7) ng/L, P＜0.001] were lower. ConclusionThe combination of Baduanjin and breathing exercises is superior to bedside stationary bike training in improving lung function, reducing pain levels, enhancing exercise endurance, decreasing pro-inflammatory factor levels, and boosting immune function in patients post-thoracotomy for lung cancer. As a equipment-free, low-cost, and easy-to-implement rehabilitation method, it holds high clinical application value, offering a more scientific and economical option for postoperative lung cancer patients' pulmonary rehabilitation.