OBJECTIVE: This study was to evaluate the effects of Qigong on clinical motor symptoms, walking ability, and balance of patients with Parkinson's disease. DATA SOURCES: Seven electronic databases (Medline, Web of Science, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Database) were searched from inception to June 28, 2020. METHODS: Two reviewers independently selected and extracted the data from studies with randomized controlled trial, and effect sizes were calculated by employing random-effect models with 95% confidential interval (CI). We used Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale to evaluate the quality of included studies. RESULTS: A total of seven studies with 325 participants (180 males and 145 females) were included in this meta-analysis. Results of this meta-analysis showed that Qigong had significantly positive effects on motor symptoms (SMD 0.59, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.93), walking ability (SMD 0.78, 95% CI 0.10 to 1.47), and balance (SMD 0.72, 95% CI 0.23 to 1.20) in patients with Parkinson's disease. Subgroup analysis showed Qigong exercise had significant difference on improving motor symptoms and walking ability compared to passive control (p < 0.01), and no significant difference compared to active control. Subgroup analysis of Qigong exercise revealed a significant difference on balance compared to both active and passive control (p < 0.05). In addition, meta-regression result indicated that the effect of Qigong exercise on motor symptoms was influenced by age. CONCLUSION: The findings from current meta-analysis supported Qigong exercise as a beneficial alternative therapy may contribute to increasing motor function, walking ability, and balance for patients with Parkinson's disease.

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