Effects of Tai Chi and Western Exercise on Physical and Cognitive Functioning in Healthy Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract

Objective-To compare the effects of Tai Chi (TC, n = 37) and Western exercise (WE, n = 39) with an attention-control group (C, n = 56) on physical and cognitive functioning in healthy adults age 69 ± 5.8 yr, in a 2-phase randomized trial.Methods-TC and WE involved combined class and home-based protocols. Physical functioning included balance, strength, flexibility, and cardiorespiratory endurance. Cognitive functioning included semantic fluency and digit-span tests. Data were analyzed using intention-to-treat analysis.Results-At 6 mo, WE had greater improvements in upper body flexibility (F = 4.67, p = .01) than TC and C. TC had greater improvements in balance (F = 3.36, p = .04) and a cognitivefunction measure (F = 7.75, p < .001) than WE and C. The differential cognitive-function improvements observed in TC were maintained through 12 mo.Author contributions: Dr. Taylor-Piliae: Acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation of data, and manuscript preparation. Ms. Newell: Study concept and design, acquisition of participants, and manuscript preparation. Ms. Cherin: Acquisition of participants and manuscript preparation. Dr. Lee: Study concept and design and manuscript preparation. Dr. King: Study concept and design, analysis and interpretation of data, and manuscript preparation. Dr. Haskell: Study concept and design, analysis and interpretation of data, and manuscript preparation. Sponsor's role:The funding agency had no role in the design, methods, recruitment, data collection, analyses, or manuscript preparation. HHS Public AccessAuthor manuscript J Aging Phys Act. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2016 January 04. Published in final edited form as:J Aging Phys Act. 2010 July ; 18(3): 261-279. Author Manuscript Author ManuscriptAuthor Manuscript Author ManuscriptConclusion-The TC and WE interventions resulted in differential improvements in physical functioning among generally healthy older adults. TC led to improvement in an indicator of cognitive functioning that was maintained through 12 mo.Keywords mind-body therapy; physical activity; executive function; aged adult Healthy aging is an important public health issue, given the increasing number of older adults worldwide. They account for the greatest proportion of chronic-disease burden, which often contributes to impaired physical and cognitive functioning, loss of independent living, and increased disability ("Trends in Aging," 2003). Conversely, regular physical activity is a critical element of an overall healthy lifestyle that can extend years of independent living, reduce disability, and improve physical and cognitive functioning among older adults (Colcombe & Kramer, 2003;Hogan, 2005;King et al., 2000;Mazzeo et al., 1998). Physical activity recommendations for older adults include moderate-intensity aerobics and musclestrengthening and flexibility activities, along with balance exercises, to improve and maintain health (Nelson et al., 2007). Despite the widely reported benefits of regular physical activity (Colcombe & Kramer, 2003;Netz,...

Positive Effects of Basic Training on Cognitive Performance and Mood of Adult Females

“…Although little information is available with respect to the specific elements of BCT responsible for the positive changes we observed, data available on other populations, such as adolescents and elderly people participating in structured training programs, may provide some insight. Studies of teenagers and older adults suggest the key elements leading to improvements in cognitive function and mood state are (a) creating a structured, collaborative environment that allows for positive reinforcement by peers and supervisors; (b) positive perception of social support; (c) successful achievement of goals; and (d) positive group dynamics (Angevaren, Aufdemkampe, Verhaar, Aleman, & Vanhees, 2008;Ball et al, 2002;Meade & Steiner, 2010;Schachman, Lee, & Lederman, 2004;Taylor-Piliae et al, 2010). Another element of BCT that is likely to contribute to its success is physical training.…”

Physical Activity and Cognition in Older Adults: The Potential of Tai Chi Chuan

“…In particular, significant effects were found when measures of executive function (Burgener et al, 2008;Matthews & Williams, 2008;Taylor-Piliae et al, 2010) were used, suggesting that the effects of Tai Chi Chuan on cognition might be task specific. Thus, the results from studies testing the effects of Tai Chi Chuan are consistent with the results of recent metaanalyses in showing that the effect of chronic exercise on cognition is task-specific (Angevaren et al, 2008;.…”

“…Chuan is literally translated as boxing or martial art. Although some might use the term Tai Chi (Hall, Miszko, & Wolf, 2009;Matthews & Williams, 2008;Nowalk, Prendergast, Bayles, D'Amico, & Colvin, 2001;Taylor-Piliae et al, 2010) rather than Tai Chi Chuan, the most appropriate term is Tai Chi Chuan, which is defined as a type of physical activity that incorporates movements that are characteristic of the martial arts and that are based on the ancient Chinese philosophy of Tai Chi (Li, Hong, & Chan, 2001;). …”

The role of “non-traditional” physical activities in improving balance in older adults: A review

“…The study concluded that both Western and Tai Chi exercises can have positive, though somewhat different, impacts on a variety of functional domains, including physical and cognitive function. The potential impact of Tai Chi on cognitive function, in particular, deserves further investigation [57].…”

“…The effects of Tai Chi was compared to those of Western Exercise (WE), consisting of endurance, strength, and flexibility training, and a control group [57]. The two exercise interventions involved a combined class and home based protocol to maximise long term participation.…”