The effect of Qigong-based therapy on patients with Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: This study was to evaluate the effects of Qigong on clinical motor symptoms, walking ability, and balance of patients with Parkinson’s disease. Data sources: Seven electronic databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, SportDiscus, Scopus, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Database) were searched from inception to June 28, 2020. Methods: Two reviewers independently selected and extracted the data from studies with randomized controlled trial, and effect sizes were calculated by employing random-effect models with 95% confidential interval (CI). We used Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale to evaluate the quality of included studies. Results: A total of seven studies with 325 participants (180 males and 145 females) were included in this meta-analysis. Results of this meta-analysis showed that Qigong had significantly positive effects on motor symptoms ( SMD = 0.59, 95% CI [0.24, 0.93]), walking ability ( SMD = 0.78, 95% CI [0.10, 1.47]), and balance ( SMD = 0.72, 95% CI [0.23, 1.20]) in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Subgroup analysis showed Qigong exercise had significant difference on improving motor symptoms and walking ability compared to passive control ( P < 0.01), and no significant difference compared to active control. Subgroup analysis of Qigong exercise revealed a significant difference on balance compared to both active and passive control ( P < 0.05). In addition, meta-regression result indicated that the effect of Qigong exercise on motor symptoms was influenced by age. Conclusion: The findings from current meta-analysis supported Qigong exercise as a beneficial alternative therapy may contribute to increasing motor function, walking ability, and balance for patients with Parkinson’s disease.