Research

QST massage research in children with disabilities
We have published 21 scientific studies evaluating the effect of QST massage protocols on children with autism and Down syndrome. Randomized, controlled studies show improvement of sensory, behavioral and developmental problems. In children with autism, all aspects of autism improve and autism becomes less severe. In children with Down syndrome speech and motor skills improve.

PUBLISHED AUTISM STUDIES

QST massage for 6-12 year olds with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An extension study. Silva, L, Schalock M, Gabrielson K, Horton-Dunbar G. Published by Western Oregon University here.

One and Two-year Outcomes of Treating Preschool Children with Autism with a Qigong Massage Protocol: An Observational Follow-along Study. Silva, L, Schalock M, Gabrielsen KR, Horton-Dunbar G. Journal of Alternative and Integrative Medicine 5:216. (2016). Full Text.

First Skin Biopsy Reports in Children with Autism Show Loss of C-Tactile Fibers. Silva, L., Schalock, M. (2016). Journal of Neurological Disorders 4:262 (2016). Full Text.

About Face: Evaluating and Managing Tactile Impairment at the Time of Autism Diagnosis. Silva, L., Schalock, M., Gabrielsen, K. (2015). Autism Research and Treatment, Volume 2015 (2015), Article ID 612507, 10 pages, http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/612507. Full Text.

Early intervention with a parent-delivered massage protocol directed at tactile abnormalities decreases severity of autism and improves child-to-parent interactions: a replication study. Silva, L., Schalock, M., Gabrielsen, K., Budden, S., Buenrostro, M., and Horton, G. (2015). Autism Research and Treatment, Volume 2015 (2015), Article ID 904585, 16 pages, http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/904585. Full Text

Treatment of Tactile Impairment in Young Children with Autism: Results with Qigong Massage. Silva, L. Schalock, M. (2013). International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, 6(4):12-20. Full Text

Prevalence and Significance of Abnormal Tactile Responses in Young Children with Autism. Silva, L. Schalock, M. (2013). North American Journal of Medicine and Science, 6(3):121-127.  Full Text

Alternative Support for Families with Autistic Children in Lithuania. Silva, L., Vaicekauskaite, R., & Aciene, E. (2012). Tiltai/Bridges, 2(59):125-132.   Full Text

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

Qigong Massage Treatment for Sensory and Self-Regulation Problems in Young Children with Autism: A Randomized Controlled Trial . Silva, L., Schalock, M., Ayres, R., Bunse, C., & Budden, S. (2009). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 63, 423-432.   Abstract   Full Text

A Model and Treatment for Autism at the Convergence of Chinese Medicine and Neuroscience: First 130 Cases. Silva, L., Ayres, R., & Schalock, M. (2011). Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 17(6):421-429.   Abstract   Full Text

Autism Parenting Stress Index: Initial Psychometric Evidence. Silva, L. & Schalock, M. (2011). Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorder.   Abstract   Full Text

Sense and Self-Regulation Checklist, a Measure of Comorbid Autism Symptoms: Initial Psychometric Evidence. Silva, L. & Schalock, M. (2012). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 66(2):177-186.   Abstract   Full Text

Outcomes of a Pilot Training Program in a Qigong Massage Intervention for Young Children with Autism. Silva, L., Ayres, R., & Schalock, M. (September/October 2008). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 62(5), 530-538.   Abstract   Full Text

“Willing to Try Anything,” “Nothing to Lose”: How Families Experience and Explain an Alternative Treatment for Autism. Ferguson, D. & Silva, L.M.T. (2008). Teaching Research Institute Publications.   Link: https://www.wou.edu/tri/publications.php

Improvement in Sensory Impairment and Social Interaction in Young Children with Autism following Treatment with an Original Qigong Massage Methodology.  Silva, L., Cignolini A., Warren, R., Skowron-Gooch, A., & Budden, S. (2007). American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 35(3), 393-406.   Abstract   Full Text

A Medical Qigong Methodology for Early Intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Silva, L. & Cignolini, A. (2005). American Journal of Chinese Medicine. 33(2), 315-27.   Abstract   Full Text

PUBLISHED DOWN SYNDROME STUDIES

Improved Speech Following Parent-delivered Qigong Massage in Young Children with Down Syndrome: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Silva, L. & Schalock, M., Williams, M. (2013). Early Child Development and Care. Abstract

Qigong Massage for Motor Skills in Young Children with Cerebral Palsy and Down Syndrome. Silva, L., Schalock, M., Garberg, J., & Lammers Smith, C. (2012). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 66(3):348-55. Abstract

PUBLISHED CEREBRAL PALSY STUDY

Qigong Massage for Motor Skills in Young Children with Cerebral Palsy and Down Syndrome. Silva, L., Schalock, M., Garberg, J., & Lammers Smith, C. (2012). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 66(3):348-55.  Abstract

QST RESEARCH PUBLISHED BY RESEARCHERS INDEPENDENT FROM QSTI

Qigong Sensory Training pilot study: A tactile home program for children with or at-risk for autism. Orit Tal-Atzili , OTD, OTR/L & Joyce Salls , OTD, OTR/L, Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention. Published online: 19 May 2017. Abstract

Qigong Sensory Training Institute (QSTI) is a nonprofit organization that developed and teaches Qigong Sensory Treatment (QST) massage to parents and professionals. We are the only source in the world that teaches QST massage, and only organizations and individuals certified by us are qualified to teach and treat. See the list of certified practitioners here.