Objective:

To compare the intervention effects of different TCMQE practices on primary outcome measures in Parkinson's disease patients and to rank their efficacy.

Approach:

• Literature Search: A systematic search was conducted in multiple databases to identify randomized controlled trials evaluating traditional Chinese Qigong exercise interventions for Parkinson's disease patients.
• Data Analysis: A Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed using R software to compare the relative effects of different interventions on primary outcome measures.
• Bias Assessment: The risk of bias in included studies was assessed using the ROB 2.0 tool.

Key Findings:

• 59 RCTs involving 3,743 patients were included.
• Baduanjin (BDJ), Qigong (QG), and Tai Chi (TC) improved motor symptoms (UPDRS-III) compared to conventional treatment.
• BDJ, TC, and Wuqinxi (WQX) improved balance (BBS).
• BDJ, Liuzijue (LZJ), QG, TC, and WQX showed benefits in gait performance (TUGT).
• WQX and Yijingjin (YJJ) improved quality of life (PDQ-39), while TC and BDJ reduced depressive symptoms (HAMD).

Interpretation:

Different traditional QG interventions may be associated with improvements in motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease, but most pairwise comparisons showed overlapping confidence intervals with no statistically significant differences.

Limitations:

• Most pairwise comparisons showed overlapping confidence intervals.
• No statistically significant differences were observed between most QG interventions.

Conclusion:

This network meta-analysis indicates that various traditional QG interventions may improve symptoms in Parkinson's disease.

Sources:

• Systematic Review Registration