Improved speech following parent-delivered qigong massage in young children with Down syndrome: a pilot randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Qigong massage is an eastern form of massage that can be delivered by western parents to their children with appropriate training and support. It has been shown to improve developmental measures in young children with autism when given daily for five months. A recent trial evaluating its effect on motor development in young children with Down syndrome reported anecdotal observations of increased speech beginning in the first weeks of massage. This pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) was conducted to formally assess the effect of qigong massage on speech in young children with Down syndrome. Twenty children with Down syndrome under age 4 were randomly assigned to treatment and control groups. The treatment group was assigned to receive a programme of daily parent-delivered qigong massage for five months. Parents were provided with training and weekly support for the first two months by trained staff. Data analysis using pre- and post-treatment testing with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development showed a large improvement in expressive language (p < 0.02). Results are consistent with published reports of improved communication in young children with autism following massage, and suggest that a larger RCT with young children with Down syndrome is warranted.

Keywords:

• speech
• expressive language
• massage
• children
• Down syndrome
• randomised controlled trial

Notes on contributors

Louisa Silva holds medical degrees in Western medicine, Chinese medicine and Public Health. Her research interest is in home treatment programmes for children with disabilities using massage and diet.

Mark Schalock has a BSc (Hons.) in economics and is an associate fellow at the Teaching Research Institute, Western Oregon University. His current research interests are in the demographics of children and youth who are deaf-blind and non-traditional interventions with young children on the autism spectrum.

Mary Williams is an occupational therapist working in the public schools and in private practice. Her research interest is in training and support methods for parents of young children with Down syndrome and autism.