Research: Qigong Massage Treatment for Sensory and Self-Regulation Problems in Young Children with Autism: A Randomized Controlled Trial

|

Authored by Silva, LMT, Schalock M., Ayres R., Bunse C., and Budden S. in The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, Volume 63, Issue 4, p. 423-432, (2009).

Article summary (posted Apr 1, 2010):

Qigong massage therapy may help reduce the symptoms of autism in young children, both at school and at home.

This study looked to see if 5 months of qigong massage therapy would improve symptoms of autism compared to controls. The study showed that qigong massage reduced symptoms of autism as measured by tests of behavior and abilities. The children who received qigong massage showed improved sensory and physical systems. The children also gained skills for social learning. The authors plan to expand the study to look at the effects of qigong massage on the nervous system (vagal tone).

Links:

You can access the original abstract and the complete paper is sometimes available for free via Google Scholar (look for entries that say "PDF" or "HTML" on the right side of the page).
autism, home, massage therapy, nervous system, Qigong, school, self-regulation, sensory integration, therapy, treatment
|