Effects of 4 kinds of Chinese traditional Qigong exercises on cervical spondylosis: a network Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE

To access the effectuveness of four different types of Chinese traditional Qigong exercises in the management of cervical spondylosis.

METHODS

Observational studies published up to July 2024 were searched in online databases: China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Wanfang, China Science and Technology Journal Database, SinoMed, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science). The quality of the included randomized controlled trial (RCT) was evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. A total of 623 studies were retrieved, of which 44 were considered eligible. Four kinds of Chinese traditional Qigong exercises were involved, including Tai Chi, Baduanjin, Yijinjing and Wuqinxi.

RESULTS

In the treatment of cervical spondylosis, Baduanjin, Yijinjing, Tai Chi, Wuqinxi plus standard of care (SOC) were more effective than SOC in improving the comprehensive curative effect, reducing the index of neck disability index, visual analogue scale and Yasuhisa Tanaka Cervial Spine Assessment Questionnaire.

CONCLUSION

Chinese traditional Qigong exercises are recommended as a treatment option for cervical spondylosis.