Search JIM Advanced Search

Journal of Integrative Medicine ›› 2019, Vol. 17 ›› Issue (4): 250-260.doi: 10.1016/j.joim.2019.04.003

• Systematic Review • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Qigong in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review

Jorge Magalhães Rodriguesa,b, Mariana Mestrea,b, Larry Ibarra Fredesa,c   

  1. a. Faculty of Medicine of Oporto University (FMUP), Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
    b. Portuguese Institute of Taiji and Qigong, Urbanização da Bouça Grande, Rua E, n 102 4470-765 Maia, Portugal
    c. European Institute of Traditional Chinese Studies (IEETC), Rua Dom João IV 399, 4000-302 Porto, Portugal
  • Received:2018-05-28 Accepted:2019-01-07 Online:2019-07-06 Published:2019-05-08

Abstract
Background
Autism spectrum disorder is a condition that affects all races, ethnic and socioeconomic groups. With a high incidence ratio of one in every 68, it has become one of the most discussed psychiatric disorders. For this reason, the need for investigating novel treatments has been emerging. Qigong, a traditional Chinese mind-body technique, has already proven to be able to reduce symptoms of several physical and psychological illnesses.
Objective
The purpose of this systematic review is to examine and categorize the current scientific evidence regarding the efficacy of Qigong on children suffering from autism spectrum disorders.
Search strategy
A systematic literature search of the electronic scientific databases PubMed, Clinical Trials.gov, BioMed Central, PubMed Central and Google Scholar, was performed to identify studies of Qigong in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder.
Inclusion criteria
This review included randomized controlled trials, replication studies, retrospective studies and observational follow-up studies of Qigong on children with autism spectrum disorder. Case reports and case series were excluded.
Data extraction and analysis
Two researchers independently evaluated the methodological quality of all included studies. Any discrepancies were solved by discussion until consensus was achieved.
Results
Our literature search identified 157 publications, and 10 additional publications from hand search of references. After duplicate removal, 103 records remained. After the title/abstract screening, 19 publications were obtained for detailed evaluation. After detailed evaluation, 10 studies were included. Seven studies were conducted with small children with 2–6?years old employing Qigong massage, and three studies were conducted with older children aged 7–17?years old applying both Qigong massage (one study) and Neigong (two studies).
Conclusion
Studies demonstrated that Qigong has interesting and promising applicability and effect on children with autism spectrum disorder and should be tested further. Despite the need for more rigorous controlled studies, Qigong seems to be able to decrease severity of individual sensory, behavioural, and language components of autism, and improve self-control, sociability, sensory and cognitive awareness as well as healthy-physical behaviour. Besides positive effect on children and adolescents, benefits seem to extend to parents and caregivers as well. However, quality of methodology seems to be insufficient to state that Qigong is an alternative to common behavioural therapies. We suggest that, until more investigation is performed, Qigong may only be used as a complement, or when behavioural therapies are not accessible.


Key words: Autism spectrum disorder, Qigong, Mind-body interventions, Children

[1] Nurul Afiedia Roslim, Aryati Ahmad, Mardiana Mansor, Myat Moe Thwe Aung, Farrahdilla Hamzah, Haszalina Hassan, Pei Lin Lua. Hypnotherapy for overweight and obese patients: A narrative review. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2021, 19(1): 1-5.
[2] George Chengxi Bao. The idealist and pragmatist view of qi in tai chi and qigong: A narrative commentary and review. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2020, 18(5): 363-368.
[3] Monireh Sadat Motaharifard, Zahra Jafari, Maryam Sadat Paknejad, Laleh Oveidzadeh, Mehrdad Karimi. Prevention and treatment of constipation in children from the perspective of Iranian traditional medicine. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2016, 14(6): 429-435.
[4] María Victoria González López-Arza, Enrique Varela-Donoso, Jesús Montanero-Fernández, Juan Rodríguez-Mansilla, Blanca González-Sánchez, Luis González López-Arza. Qigong improves balance in young women: A pilot study. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2013, 11(4): 241-245.
[5] Claudia Maria Sous, Mario Goncalves, Jorge Machado, Thomas Efferth, Tobias Greten , Petra Froeschen , Henry J. Greten. Effects of qigong on performance-related anxiety and physiological stress functions in transverse flute music schoolchildren: A feasibility study. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2012, 10(8): 858-865.
[6] C. Matos Luís, J. Goncalves Mário, R. Silva António, G. Mendes Joaquim, P. Machado Jorge, J. Greten Henry. Assessment of Qigong-related effects by infrared thermography: A case study. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2012, 10(6): 663-666.
[7] Pedro Saganha João, Doenitz Christoph, Greten Tobias, Efferth Thomas, J. Greten Henry. Qigong therapy for physiotherapists suffering from burnout: a preliminary study. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2012, 10(11): 1233-1239.
[8] Feng-Ming Ho, Hsiou-Yu Ding, Charng-Cherng Chyau, Hui-Yen Kuo, Ming-Tsung Yen, Tsun-Cheng Kuo. To accomplish preliminary Qigong simulation state by acupuncture. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2011, 9(10): 1094-1100.
[9] Yuan-hong Xu , Jun-hua Wang, Hai-feng Li , Xiao-hu Zhu, Gang Wang. Efficacy of integrative respiratory rehabilitation training in exercise ability and quality of life of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in stable phase: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2010, 8(5): 432-437.
[10] Li-li Liu, Tian-jun Liu. Exploration on medical qigong terms in perspective of antonymy. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2009, 7(3): 288-290.
[11] Yan-hui Sun, Yong-qing Cao, Jin-gen Lu, Xiu-tian Guo. Clinical observation of incision and drainage with ultracision-harmonic scalpel and thread-drawing in children with anal fistula: a report of 21 cases. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(4): 414-415.
Viewed
Full text


Abstract

Cited

  Shared   
  Discussed   
[1] Jin-zhou Tian, Jing Shi, Xin-qing Zhang, Qi Bi, Xin Ma, Zhi-liang Wang, Xiao-bin Li, Shu-li Shen, Lin Li, Zhen-yun Wu, Li-yan Fang, Xiao-dong Zhao, Ying-chun Miao, Peng-wen Wang, Ying Ren, Jun-xiang Yin, Yong-yan Wang, Beijing United Study Group on MCI of the Capital Foundation of Medical Developments. An explanation on "guiding principles of clinical research on mild cognitive impairment (protocol)". Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 15-21
[2] Yi-ting He, Qing-lin Zha, Jian-ping Yu, Yong Tan, Cheng Lu, Ai-ping Lv. Principal factor analysis of symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and their correlations with efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 32-36
[3] Jun Cai, Hua Wang, Sheng Zhou, Bin Wu, Hua-rong Song, Zheng-rong Xuan. Effect of Sijunzi Decoction and enteral nutrition on T-cell subsets and nutritional status in patients with gastric cancer after operation: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 37-40
[4] Wei Zhang, Xiang-feng Lu, Xiao-mei Zhang, Jian-jun Wu, Liang-duo Jiang. A rat model of pulmonary fibrosis induced by infusing bleomycin quickly through tracheal intubation. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 60-67
[5] A-gao Zhou, Yong Zhang, Gang Kui, De-Yun Kong, Hai-liang Ge, Qiu-hua Ren, Jia-rong Dong, Sheng Hong, Xu-ming Mao, Yin Wang, Hui-zheng Zhang, Shu-jun Wang. Influence of traditional Chinese compound recipes with different efficacy on body weight, tumor weight and immune function in H22 cancer-bearing mice. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 77-82
[6] Guo-hong Yuan, Xiao-jing Pang, He-chao Ma. Synergic effects of Danggui Buxue Decoction in reducing toxicity of cytoxan in tumor-bearing mice. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 83-88
[7] Li Zhou, Hong-xing Zhang, Ling-guang Liu, Wen-jun Wan. Effect of electro-acupuncture at Fenglong (GV 16) on nitric oxide and endothelin in rats with hyperlipidemia. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 89-92
[8] Jin-zhou Tian, Jing Shi, Xin-qing Zhang, Qi Bi, Xin Ma, Zhi-liang Wang, Xiao-bin Li, Shu-li Shen, Lin Li, Zhen-yun Wu, Li-yan Fang, Xiao-dong Zhao, Ying-chun Miao, Peng-wen Wang, Ying Ren, Jun-xiang Yin, Yong-yan Wang, Beijing United Study Group on MCI of the Capital Foundation of Medical Developments. Guiding principles of clinical research on mild cognitive impairment (protocol). Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 9-14
[9] Xin-jun Wang, Ling-ling Wang . A mechanism of endogenous opioid peptides for rapid onset of acupuncture effect in treatment of depression. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2010, 8(11): 1014-1017
[10] Bo Wang , Wei Yan , Li-hui Hou, Xiao-ke Wu. Disorder of Tiangui (kidney essence) and reproductive dysfunction in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2010, 8(11): 1018-1022