Tai Chi for Mild Cognitive Impairment

Overseen By Nicholas Karayannis, MPT, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Ohio University

Disqualifiers: Uncontrolled cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 11

Duration: 8 weeks

50 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how Tai Chi, a gentle exercise combining movement and mindfulness, might improve cognitive function and overall health in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The researchers aim to examine the relationship between heart rate, brain activity, and thinking skills, as well as the impact of pain and social isolation on memory and thinking. The study also investigates whether muscle loss (sarcopenia) and obesity influence these interactions. Ideal participants are older adults who can stand independently for 20 minutes and either have MCI or are healthy controls. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to understanding how Tai Chi might benefit cognitive health.

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 prior data suggests that Tai Chi is safe for managing mild cognitive impairment?

Research shows that Tai Chi is generally safe and easy, especially for older adults. Studies have found that practicing Tai Chi improves thinking skills and physical abilities, such as balance and flexibility. No major negative effects were reported, indicating it is a safe choice for people with mild memory problems. Tai Chi can also reduce pain and enhance mood, common concerns for those with mild memory issues. Overall, Tai Chi appears to be a gentle and effective exercise that benefits both mental and physical health without significant risks. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike standard treatments for mild cognitive impairment, which often focus on medications or cognitive therapy, Tai Chi offers a unique approach through physical movement and mindfulness. Researchers are excited about Tai Chi because it combines gentle physical activity with mental engagement, potentially improving both mind and body health. This method encourages a holistic improvement, making it a promising option for enhancing cognitive function without the side effects associated with medication.

What evidence suggests that Tai Chi might be an effective treatment for mild cognitive impairment?

Research has shown that Tai Chi can help people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). For example, one study found that a 24-week Tai Chi program improved overall thinking skills, reaction time, and decision-making in participants. Other research supports these findings, showing that Tai Chi boosts memory and focus. These improvements suggest Tai Chi might help manage MCI and slow its progression to dementia. Overall, the evidence is promising for Tai Chi as a beneficial exercise for brain health in older adults. ^{4 6 7 8 9}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

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)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Tai Chi

Trial Overview 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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

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.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Ohio University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

73

Recruited

17,800+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) significantly improved cognitive adaptations and reduced fear of movement in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, as shown by increased scores on relevant scales after 12 weeks of exercise.

The study, involving 20 participants who practiced TCC twice a week for 35-40 minutes, suggests that TCC can be safely implemented in nursing homes to enhance physical activity and cognitive status in this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

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. Birimoglu Okuyan, C., Deveci, E.[2022]

Tai Chi significantly improves cognitive functions such as executive function, episodic memory, visuospatial function, and global cognition in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, based on a meta-analysis of 11 trials involving 905 participants.

Longer durations of Tai Chi practice (over 1500 minutes) are associated with greater improvements in global cognition, although caution is advised due to potential biases and small sample sizes in the studies reviewed.

NCBI (Pubmed)

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. Chen, H., Wang, Y., Zhang, M., et al.[2023]

A systematic review of 12 studies indicates that Tai Chi interventions significantly improve global cognitive ability and long-term memory recall in elderly adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

The recommended Tai Chi program should last at least 12 weeks, with sessions three times a week lasting 30-60 minutes, making it a practical and accessible option for cognitive rehabilitation in older adults.

NCBI (Pubmed)

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. Wei, L., Chai, Q., Chen, J., et al.[2022]

In a study involving 160 older adults with mild cognitive impairment, those who practiced Tai Chi for 16 weeks showed significant improvements in cognitive function and instrumental activities of daily living compared to a control group.

Despite the positive results, the changes in cognitive scores did not exceed the minimum detectable change thresholds, suggesting that while Tai Chi may enhance cognitive health, further research is needed to confirm its efficacy without measurement error.

NCBI (Pubmed)

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. Siu, MY., Lee, DTF.[2018]

Tai Chi (TC) exercise shows promise as a safe complementary therapy for managing cognitive impairment, but the evidence supporting its efficacy is currently of very low quality based on a review of 8 systematic reviews/meta-analyses.

All included studies had significant methodological flaws and reporting deficiencies, indicating a need for higher-quality research with better study designs and larger participant groups to validate the effectiveness of Tai Chi in cognitive impairment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evidence Quality Assessment of Tai Chi Exercise Intervention in Cognitive Impairment: An Overview of Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Shi, H., Dong, C., Chang, H., et al.[2022]

This systematic review will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Tai Chi (TC) for individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) by analyzing randomized controlled trials from various databases, covering studies published from January 1990 to March 2019.

The review aims to provide updated evidence on whether TC can improve cognitive function in MCI patients compared to placebo, conventional treatments, or no treatment, potentially highlighting TC as a beneficial intervention for this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

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. Yang, J., Chon, TY., Li, G., et al.[2023]

Tai Chi, a mind-body exercise, has been shown to improve cognitive functions and reduce symptoms of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older adults, suggesting it could be an effective management strategy for this condition.

The potential benefits of Tai Chi may arise from its ability to activate brain signals, enhance connectivity, increase brain volume, and modulate factors related to brain health, indicating a multifaceted mechanism of action.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mitigating effects and mechanisms of Tai Chi on mild cognitive impairment in the elderly. Wang, X., Si, K., Gu, W., et al.[2023]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11625727/

The effectiveness of Tai Chi for patients with mild cognitive ... One study reported that a 24 − week Tai Chi training program improved global cognitive function, cognitive processing speed, executive function, ...

2. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/aging-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2025.1435996/full

Evaluation of the efficacy of Tai Chi on the cognitive ... The results presented in Tables 3–6 reveal that, following the intervention, Tai Chi can enhance the overall cognitive function of MCI patients ...

3. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2803247

Effects of Tai Chi Chuan on Cognitive Function in Adults 60 ... A meta-analysis found that mind-body exercise, including tai chi chuan, was effective in controlling blood glucose levels in patients with T2D.

4. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04248400

Effectiveness of Tai Chi to Improve Cognitive Function in ... This study seeks to extend previous findings of the beneficial effects of Tai Chi on cognitive function in older adults with MCI and examine the impact of Tai ...

5. bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12877-018-0720-8

Effects of tai chi on cognition and instrumental activities of ... Systematic reviews and meta-analysis studies have reported Tai Chi training can improve general cognitive performance, memory, attention, ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9906996/

Mitigating effects and mechanisms of Tai Chi on mild ... Tai Chi group had higher MMSE and MOCA scores, shorter P300's incubation period, and higher volatility than the control group (P < 0.05).

7. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1556622/full

Effects of Tai Chi Chuan on cognitive function in adults 60 ... Effectiveness of Tai Chi in maintenance of cognitive and functional abilities in mild cognitive impairment: a randomised controlled trial.

8. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1041610224022865

Impact of mind-body interventions in older adults with mild ... Tai Chi is feasible in older adults with multiple-domain a-MCI & significantly improved cognitive function & physical performance associated with falls, ...

9. systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13643-023-02358-3

Effects and mechanisms of Tai Chi on mild cognitive ... The results from the RCTs showed that Tai Chi can reduce arthritis pain and slow the progress of dementia. No studies on MCI or early-stage ...