Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Trials

Abstract

Tai Chi and Qigong are meditative movement-based practices that necessitate sustained focus, precision in movement and strictness of action. Due to the requisite high levels of concentration, Tai Chi and Qigong have mainly been studied in adult populations, where systematic reviews have shown positive efficacy. As facilitators and barriers to Tai Chi and Qigong practice in youth are different relative to adults, efficacy of the practices may also differ. Therefore, this systematic review investigates and evaluates intervention studies of Tai Chi and/or Qigong in adolescent populations (18 years and under) to determine how these interventions have been applied as well as synthesize intervention outcomes. For the 13 studies (16 manuscripts) included in the work, frequency and duration of the Tai Chi or Qigong intervention ranged from a two sessions per week for 5 week to five sessions per week over a year. Synthesis of results showed there were two outcome domains: (1) psychological wellbeing and behavior, and (2) physical health and function. Results of the synthesized data suggest that Tai Chi or Qigong may positively improve physical health and function, while its effect on psychological wellbeing and behavior are inconclusive with most studies reporting improvements or no effect.