Tai Chi and Qigong for trauma exposed populations: A systematic review

• Published in: Mental health and physical activity 2022-03, Vol.22, p.100449, Article 100449
• Main Authors: Niles, Barbara L., Reid, Kieran F., Whitworth, James W., Alligood, Elaine, Williston, Sarah Krill, Grossman, Daniel H., McQuade, Maria M., Mori, DeAnna L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1755-2966; 1878-0199
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mhpa.2022.100449

Trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress are highly prevalent and comorbid with health problems. Despite the apparent systemic nature of posttraumatic stress, recommended treatments neglect trauma's deleterious effects on health. Integrative mind-body treatments for posttraumatic stress, such as Tai Chi and Qigong (TCQ), may offer a promising adjunct to first-line treatments. A systematic search was conducted to identify trials that examined Tai Chi and/or Qigong as treatments for trauma-exposed populations. Studies were examined for rigor; design, sample and intervention characteristics, dropout, attendance, satisfaction, acceptability, and key findings were systematically extracted. The 6 studies included are all pilot or feasibility trials with descriptive or mixed-methods outcomes. No randomized trials or rigorous studies were identified. Dropout rates ranged widely, and adverse reactions were not evident. Reported satisfaction was high and benefits of relaxation, reductions in mental health symptoms, and improvements in pain and physical and cognitive functioning were noted. All the studies were non-rigorous and relatively small, with no comparison groups, or follow-up assessments; in many cases, posttraumatic stress symptoms were not formally assessed. The paucity and lack of rigor of the studies identified for this review highlights the need for larger, methodologically sound clinical trials. The reviewed studies suggest that TCQ practices have the potential to reduce symptoms and improve functioning for individuals exposed to trauma and provide evidence that TCQ is feasible, acceptable, and low risk in these populations. Possible mechanistic pathways supporting TCQ as a treatment for posttraumatic stress are considered. •Six studies of Tai Chi and/or Qigong (TCQ) for trauma populations were reviewed.•TCQ appears to be safe, feasible, and acceptable for individuals post trauma.•TCQ may improve wellbeing and functioning and reduce post trauma symptoms.•Rigorous clinical trial methodology is lacking and needed to advance the field.