Tai Ji Quan and global cognitive function in older adults with cognitive impairment: a pilot study.
This study evaluated whether Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance (TJQMBB) could improve global cognitive function in older adults with cognitive impairment. Using a nonrandomized control group pretest-posttest design, participants aged ≥65 years who scored between 20 and 25 on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were allocated into either a 14-week TJQMBB program (n=22) or a control group (n=24). The primary outcome was MMSE as a measure of global cognitive function with secondary outcomes of 50-ft speed walk, Timed Up&Go, and Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale. At 14 weeks, Tai Ji Quan participants showed significant improvement on MMSE (mean=2.26, p<0.001) compared to controls (mean=0.63, p=0.08). Similarly, Tai Ji Quan participants performed significantly better compared to the controls in both physical performance and balance efficacy measures (p<0.05). Improvement in cognition as measured by MMSE was related to improved physical performance and balance efficacy. These results provide preliminary evidence of the utility of the TJQMBB program to promote cognitive function in older adults in addition to physical benefits.
['Li|Fuzhong|F|', 'Harmer|Peter|P|', 'Liu|Yu|Y|', 'Chou|Li-Shan|LS|']
D000368:Aged D000369:Aged, 80 and over D003071:Cognition D003072:Cognition Disorders D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008609:Mental Status Schedule D009483:Neuropsychological Tests D009922:Oregon D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care D010865:Pilot Projects D015397:Program Evaluation D026302:Tai Ji D016138:Walking
Tai Ji Quan Cognitive impairment Cognitive ability