The impact of Tai Chi on cognitive rehabilitation of elder adults with mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose

To systematically research the impact of Tai Chi intervention on cognitive rehabilitation of elderly adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Materials and methods

Both English and Chinese databases were systematically searched from inception to December 2019: MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, SinoMed database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Traditional Chinese Medicine clinical evidence database, Wanfang knowledge database, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies that involved older adults with MCI, Tai Chi intervention, and cognitive rehabilitation outcomes were included. The meta-analysis was conducted and reported according to PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO registration number CRD42019124925).

Results

Twelve studies were included. For the meta-analysis, Tai Chi exercise had a large beneficial effect on global cognitive ability and long-term delayed recall ability from the memory domain. In terms of executive ability, Tai Chi intervention had a moderate and significant effect on improving patients’ executive function.

Conclusions

The results suggest a Tai Chi intervention lasting at least 12 weeks with a frequency of three times per week and 30–60 min per session. Tai Chi shows promise as an alternative mind-body intervention for MCI rehabilitation among elder patients.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• From a global perspective, Tai Chi may be an effective mind-body exercise for cognitive rehabilitation among elder patients with MCI, which is not restricted by the condition of equipment, manpower, and venue.

• This review suggests an intervention that includes a warm-up, exercise, and cool-down period and lasts at least 12 weeks with a frequency of three times per week and 30–60 min per session.

• It is also recommended to choose suitable training methods according to local conditions, including one-to-one coaching, group training, VCD, and visual reality technology for some developed regions.

Keywords:

• Cognitive therapy
• meta-analysis
• mild cognitive impairment
• older adults
• systematic review
• Tai Chi

Acknowledgments

We thank all the authors for their teamwork. Both of the first authors (Li Wei and Qianwen Chai) contributed similarly to this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).