Taoist Tai Chi® and Memory Intervention for Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment.
Author: Fogarty JN1, Murphy KJ, McFarlane B, Montero-Odasso M, Wells J, Troyer AK, Trinh D, Gutmanis I, Hansen KT.
Affiliation:
1Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario.
Conference/Journal: J Aging Phys Act.
Date published: 2015 Apr 2
Other:
Word Count: 145
OBJECTIVE:
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.
METHOD:
48 individuals were randomly assigned to take part in MIP + TTC® or MIP alone. The TTC intervention consisted of 20 ninety minute sessions. Outcome measures were given at baseline, and after 10 and 22 weeks.
RESULTS:
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.
CONCLUSIONS:
Contrary to expectations, TTC® exercise did not specifically improve cognition or physical mobility. Explanations for null findings are explored.
PMID: 25838271
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