SynthesisFrontiers in neurology2026
Effects of qigong exercise on post-stroke cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Synthesis in Frontiers in neurology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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8 authors.
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Abstract
Background: Post-stroke cognitive impairment is common and negatively affects functional recovery and quality of life. Qigong is widely used in stroke rehabilitation, but its effects on cognitive outcomes remain uncertain. Objectives: To evaluate the effects of qigong exercise on cognitive function after stroke and to explore whether effects vary across qigong types (Baduanjin, Yijinjing, Liuzijue, and Dao-yin-type exercises). Methods: We systematically searched seven databases from inception to January 2026: PubMed (87 records), Embase (112), Web of Science (106), the Cochrane Library (82), CNKI (224), Wanfang (230), and VIP (147). We included randomized controlled trials in people after stroke that compared qigong with control conditions, including the same usual rehabilitation alone, health education, sham exercise, or other non-qigong interventions. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. The primary outcome was cognitive function measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment; the Mini-Mental State Examination was a supplementary outcome. Post-intervention mean and standard deviation values were preferentially extracted, and standard deviations were derived from standard errors when needed. Meta-analyses were performed in Review Manager 5.4.1 using mean differences with 95% confidence intervals under a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using Results: Sixteen RCTs were included; 14 reported MoCA and 2 reported MMSE. Qigong improved MoCA versus control (random-effects model: MD = 1.87, 95% CI 1.33-2.40; Conclusion: Current evidence suggests that qigong improves cognitive function after stroke, with a significant increase in MoCA scores overall. Benefits were observed for Baduanjin and Liuzijue, whereas Yijinjing showed no statistically significant improvement. Two Dao-yin trials reported improved MMSE but with substantial heterogeneity. Further well-designed clinical trials are warranted to confirm these findings and clarify effects across qigong types and outcomes. Systematic review registration: Registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261320472).
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