Early Intervention for Autism with a Parent-delivered Qigong Massage Program:  A Randomized Controlled Trial

A recent randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a dual parent and trainer-delivered intervention using a Chinese massage methodology directed at improving sensory and self-regulatory impairment (the Qigong Sensory Training  [QST] Dual program) showed efficacy in improving measures of autism.  The current RCT evaluates the effect of the parent-delivered component of this intervention (QST Home program).  Thirty eight children were randomly assigned to treatment and wait-list control groups.  Children in the treatment group received the QST Home program for four months.  Analysis of outcomes data collected from blinded examiners and parents showed that the QST Home program was effective in reducing measures of autism (p<.01) and improving measures of sensory and self-regulation (p<.001).  Effect sizes were in the large range.  A comparison of treatment outcomes from the QST Home program with outcomes from the QST Dual program showed that outcomes for autism, sensory and self-regulation measures were statistically equivalent.

Silva, L., Schalock, M. & Gabrielsen, K. (2011). Early Intervention for Autism with a Parent-delivered Qigong Massage Program:  A Randomized Controlled Trial.  American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 65(5):550-559.

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