Twelve randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the review (n=1,218 participants). Sample sizes ranged from 39 to 346 participants. The mean Jadad score across all trials was 1.2 (range 0 to 3). None of the trials described allocation concealment or assessor blinding. Only two out of 12 trials reported the method of randomisation used. Sufficient information about trial drop-outs and withdrawals was only described in one trial.
Qigong plus antihypertensive drugs versus antihypertensive drugs alone (seven RCTs): Four trials reported that qigong in combination with antihypertensive drug therapy significantly lowered systolic blood pressure (weighted mean difference -12.1 millimetres of mercury (mmHg); 95% confidence interval (CI): -17.1 to -7.0) and diastolic blood pressure (weighted mean difference -8.5 mmHg; 95% CI: -12.6 to -4.4), compared to treatment with antihypertensive drugs alone. One trial reported that the incidence of stroke (p<0.05%) and mortality (p<0.01) were also significantly lower in comparison with antihypertensive therapy alone.
Qigong plus antihypertensive drugs versus muscle relaxation: One trial that compared qigong with muscle relaxation reported that quality of life scores favoured qigong (p<0.08) but failed to find any statistically significant differences between the trial groups for blood pressure.
Qigong plus versus exercise: Two trials that compared qigong with exercise failed to find any statistically significant differences between the study groups for blood pressure.
Qigong versus waiting list: Two trials that compared qigong with a waiting list control reported a significant lowering of systolic blood pressure (weighted mean difference -18.5 mmHg; 95% CI: -23.1 to -13.9), but significant statistical heterogeneity prevented data for diastolic blood pressure being pooled.
No or very little heterogeneity was detected for any of the pooled outcomes.