Taoist Tai Chi® and Memory Intervention for Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment

It was hypothesized that a combined Taoist Tai Chi (TTC) and a memory intervention program (MIP) would be superior to a MIP alone in improving everyday memory behaviors in individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). A secondary hypothesis was that TTC would improve cognition, self-re...

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Published inJournal of aging and physical activity Vol. 24; no. 2; p. 169
Main Authors Fogarty, Jennifer N, Murphy, Kelly J, McFarlane, Bruce, Montero-Odasso, Manuel, Wells, Jennie, Troyer, Angela K, Trinh, Daniel, Gutmanis, Iris, Hansen, Kevin T
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.04.2016
Subjects
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Amnesia - psychology
Amnesia - therapy
Cognition - physiology
Cognitive Dysfunction - psychology
Cognitive Dysfunction - therapy
Exercise
Exercise Therapy - methods
Female
Gait
Humans
Male
Memory - physiology
Neuropsychological Tests
Postural Balance
Tai Ji - methods
Treatment Outcome
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Summary:It was hypothesized that a combined Taoist Tai Chi (TTC) and a memory intervention program (MIP) would be superior to a MIP alone in improving everyday memory behaviors in individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). A secondary hypothesis was that TTC would improve cognition, self-reported health status, gait, and balance. A total of 48 individuals were randomly assigned to take part in MIP + TTC or MIP alone. The TTC intervention consisted of twenty 90 min sessions. Outcome measures were given at baseline, and after 10 and 22 weeks. Both groups significantly increased their memory strategy knowledge and use, ratings of physical health, processing speed, everyday memory, and visual attention. No preferential benefit was found for individuals in the MIP + TTC group on cognition, gait, or balance measures. Contrary to expectations, TTC exercise did not specifically improve cognition or physical mobility. Explanations for null findings are explored.
ISSN:1543-267X
DOI:10.1123/japa.2014-0062