Health Studies
Effect of Tai Chi on Cognitive Performance in Older Adults

Prior studies support the potential of Tai Chi to attenuate age-related declines in cardiovascular disease, balance, and emotional well-being. Importantly, these studies also suggest that Tai Chi is safe for older adults and an enjoyable activity with the potential for long-term adherence and exercise maintenance. Individual studies have reported on cognitive outcomes in different populations, but to our knowledge, there has not been a comprehensive systematic review examining Tai Chi’s impact on age-related cognitive decline in older adults. Our objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of research examining Tai Chi as an intervention to attenuate age-related cognitive decline across the spectrum from normal cognition to dementia. Other than Tai Chi, there were no limitations concerning the type or number of comparison groups included in each study or any restrictions on study type or design.
Abstract:
Objectives:
Summarize and critically evaluate research on the effects of Tai Chi on cognitive function in older adults. 
Design:
Systematic review with meta-analysis. 
Setting:
Community and residential care. 
Participants:
Individuals aged 60 and over (with the exception of one study) with and without cognitive impairment.
Main Outcome Measures: 
Main outcome measures cognitive ability using a variety of neuropsychological testing.
Results:
Twenty eligible studies with a total of 2,553 participants were identified that met inclusion criteria for the systematic review: 11 of the 20 eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 1 was a prospective non-randomized controlled study, 4 were prospective non-controlled observational studies, and 4 were cross-sectional studies. Overall quality of RCTs was modest, with 3 of 11 trials categorized as high risk of bias. Meta-analyses of outcomes related to executive function in RCTs of cognitively healthy adults indicated a large effect size when Tai Chi was compared to non-intervention controls (Hedge’s g=0.90; p=0.043) and moderate effect size when compared to exercise controls (Hedge’s g=0.51; p=0.003). Meta-analyses of outcomes related to global cognitive function in RCTs of cognitively impaired adults, ranging from mild cognitive impairment to dementia, showed smaller but statistically significant effects when Tai Chi was compared to both non-intervention controls (Hedge’s g=0.35; p=0.004) and other active interventions (Hedge’s g=0.30; p=0.002). Findings from non-randomized studies add further evidence that Tai Chi may positively impact these and other domains of cognitive function. 

Conclusion:
Tai Chi shows potential to enhance cognitive function in older adults, particularly in the realm of executive functioning and in those individuals without significant impairment. Larger and methodologically sound trials with longer follow-up periods are needed before more definitive conclusions can be drawn. 

Link: 
Wayne, Peter M et al. “Effect of tai chi on cognitive performance in older adults: systematic review and meta-analysis.” Journal of the American Geriatrics Society vol. 62,1 (2014): 25-39. doi:10.1111/jgs.12611
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