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.
MEASUREMENTS-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
Conflict of Interest:The editor in chief has reviewed the conflict of interest checklist provided by the authors and has determined that the authors have no financial or any other kind of personal conflicts with this paper.Author Contributions: Peter M. Wayne conceived the idea for this study. In addition, Peter M. Wayne wrote the first draft, extracted data, and evaluated studies for methodological quality and risk of bias. Jacquelyn N. Walsh contributed to the first draft and extracted data. Ruth E. Taylor-Piliae conducted meta-analyses and contributed to the manuscript. Gloria Y. Yeh extracted data, evaluated studies for methodological quality and risk of bias, and contributed to the manuscript. Rebecca E. Wells, Kathryn V. Papp, and Nancy J. Donovan all contributed to the manuscript.
NIH Public Access
NIH-PA Author ManuscriptNIH-PA Author Manuscript NIH-PA Author Manuscript 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-TaiChi 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.