The Effects of Qigong for Hypertension: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. (8th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dong, Xiaosheng; Shi, Zhenguo; Ding, Meng; Yi, Xiangren
• Other Names: Haque Md. Areeful Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine. Volume 2021(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10-08
• Subjects: Alternative medicine -- Periodicals; 615.505
• DOI: 10.1155/2021/5622631
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1741-427X

Abstract

Abstract : Background . Hypertension has been a global public health problem. Qigong as a complementary and alternative therapy is often used to reduce blood pressure. The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of Qigong on blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Methods . Six electronic resource databases were searched from inception to January 2019, and randomized controlled trials of Qigong on hypertension were retrieved. Meta-analysis was conducted according to the guidelines of the Cochrane Collaboration, and Review Manager 5.3 was applied. Two researchers independently identified articles to include based on inclusion/exclusion criteria, data extraction, and quality evaluation. Results . Fourteen studies, with 829 individuals, were included. The meta-analysis demonstrates that, compared with no exercise, Qigong has significant positive effects on systolic blood pressure (mean difference = −8.90, 95% CI (−12.13, −5.67), P < 0.00001 ) and diastolic blood pressure (mean difference = −5.02, 95% CI (−7.88, −2.17), P < 0.00001 ). There is, however, no significant difference between Qigong and other aerobic exercises in reducing blood pressure. Conclusion . Qigong can effectively reduce blood pressure levels. Longer-term engagement in the practice has an even better effect in hypertension patients. However, the conclusion of this study still needs to be verified by more high-quality studies.