The Effects of Qigong for Hypertension: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Author: Xiaosheng Dong1, Zhenguo Shi1, Meng Ding2, Xiangren Yi1
Affiliation:
1 Department of Sport and Health, School of Physical Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China.
2 College of Physical Education, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China.
Conference/Journal: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med
Date published: 2021 Oct 8
Other:
Volume ID: 2021 , Pages: 5622631 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1155/2021/5622631. , Word Count: 195
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.
PMID: 34659434 PMCID: PMC8519725 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5622631
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