Tai Chi for Mild Cognitive Impairment

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: Ohio University

Disqualifiers: Uncontrolled cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, others

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in older adults is linked to muscle loss (sarcopenia) and can lead to dementia, with pain further impacting cognitive and physical performance. Tai Chi, a mind-body exercise, is recommended for managing MCI as it supports cognitive function, mood, and physical health. The investigators' first goal is to characterize the correlation of heart rate variability and cortical activity on cognitive function and the psychosocial correlates of pain interference and social isolation on cognitive function at baseline and post-intervention (8 weeks of Tai Chi). The second goal is to explain the role of sarcopenia and obesity in the relationship between pain interference and cognitive function. The investigators also want to examine the index of the predictive capacity regarding sarcopenia and obesity on cognitive function outcomes.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you have significant uncontrolled medication issues, you may be excluded from participating.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Tai Chi for mild cognitive impairment?

Research shows that Tai Chi, a gentle form of exercise, can help improve cognitive functions in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. It may work by enhancing brain activity and connectivity, increasing brain volume, and reducing inflammation.

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Is Tai Chi safe for people with mild cognitive impairment?

Tai Chi is generally considered safe for older adults, including those with mild cognitive impairment, as it is a form of light-to-moderate-intensity exercise that is suitable for seniors.

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How does the treatment Tai Chi differ from other treatments for mild cognitive impairment?

Tai Chi is unique for mild cognitive impairment because it is a gentle mind-body exercise that can improve cognitive functions by enhancing brain connectivity and volume, and modulating brain-related factors, making it particularly suitable for seniors.

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Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for older adults who are experiencing mild cognitive impairment or sarcopenia, which is the loss of muscle mass. Participants should be interested in exploring Tai Chi as a potential therapy to improve their cognitive and physical health.

Inclusion Criteria

I have a MoCA score between >18 and ≤26, indicating mild cognitive impairment.

I am 60 years old or older.

I can stand on my own for 20 minutes without help.

Exclusion Criteria

I have low blood pressure from high blood pressure treatment and low blood sugar from diabetes treatment.

I do not have uncontrolled health issues related to heart, lungs, or metabolism.

I might have sleep apnea that is not under control.

Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants engage in an 8-week Tai Chi intervention with weekly 75-minute sessions

8 weeks

8 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

2 visits (in-person)

Participant Groups

The study tests how Tai Chi affects heart rate variability, brain activity, pain interference with daily life, social isolation, and overall cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive issues or muscle loss over an 8-week period.

Group I: Tai Chi Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The Tai Chi program content is based on the Harvard Medical School (HMS) Guide to Tai Chi, developed by clinical scientist Dr. Peter M. Wayne. Each participant will receive a workbook that describes the philosophy, evidence, and practice of Tai Chi, along with a video series for home practice that features the exercises from the HMS Guide to Tai Chi program. The in-person classes will be led by the Principal Investigator (PI) and delivered weekly over 8 weeks, with 75-minute sessions. The in-person and video series will introduce practice principles and tips on establishing and maintaining a practice, followed by a series of warm-up exercises, Tai Chi movements, and cool-down exercises.

Find a Clinic Near You

Research Locations Nearby Select from list below to view details:

Ohio University Athens, OH

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Ohio University Lead Sponsor

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The impact of Tai Chi on cognitive rehabilitation of elder adults with mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis. [2022] To systematically research the impact of Tai Chi intervention on cognitive rehabilitation of elderly adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

2. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mitigating effects and mechanisms of Tai Chi on mild cognitive impairment in the elderly. [2023] Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a major public health concern that endangers health and decreases the quality of life of the elderly around the world. A recent clinical guideline has recommended regular exercise (twice per week) for patients with MCI as part of an overall approach to management. Tai Chi, a form of light-to-moderate-intensity mind-body exercise, is particularly suitable for seniors. This review aims to summarize epidemiological studies related to the effects of Tai Chi on symptom remission in older adults with MCI and reveal the potential mechanisms. Evidence suggested that Tai Chi can improve cognitive functions and alleviate the accompanying symptoms of MCI in the elderly potentially by activating the expression of signals in different brain regions, altering their connectivity, increasing the brain volume, and modulating brain-derived neurotropic and inflammation factors. Studies comparing various types of Tai Chi may contribute to the identification of paradigms that have appropriate intensities and difficulty and exert good effects on older people with MCI. In addition, studies are warranted to determine the frequency and duration of training that can optimize the beneficial effects of Tai Chi on MCI.

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of Tai Chi on cognitive function among older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. [2023] To evaluate the effectiveness of Tai Chi on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Tai Chi for patients with mild cognitive impairment: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. [2023] Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an intermediate stage between the cognitive changes of normal aging and early dementia. Tai Chi (TC) may be particularly beneficial to patients with MCI due to its whole-body coordination characteristics. This systematic review protocol aims to outline the methods that will be used to assess the comparative effectiveness and safety of TC for MCI through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of tai chi on cognition and instrumental activities of daily living in community dwelling older people with mild cognitive impairment. [2018] Cognitive impairment places older adults at high risk of functional disability in their daily-life activities, and thus affecting their quality of life. This study aimed to examine the effects of Tai Chi on general cognitive functions and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in community-dwelling older people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in Hong Kong.

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effectiveness of Tai Chi Chuan on fear of movement, prevention of falls, physical activity, and cognitive status in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A randomized controlled trial. [2022] This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) on fear of movement, prevention of falls, physical activity, and cognitive status in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evidence Quality Assessment of Tai Chi Exercise Intervention in Cognitive Impairment: An Overview of Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. [2022] Tai Chi (TC) exercise has recently received wide attention for its efficacy in the management of cognitive impairment. The purpose of this overview is to summarize the available evidence on TC treatment of cognitive impairment and assess its quality.