Effects of Tai Chi training on postural control and cognitive performance while dual tasking-a randomized clinical trial

Xi Lu, K. C. Siu, Siu Ngor Fu, Christina W.Y. Hui-Chan, Wai Nam Tsang

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

24 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: This single-blinded, randomized controlled study investigated the effects of practicing Tai Chi on the postural control and cognitive performance of older women while dual tasking. Methods: Community-dwelling older women (n=31) were recruited from community centers. They were randomized to Tai Chi group (n=15, 12-form Yang style Tai Chi training) or a control group (n=16, general interest classes) for 16 weeks. Balance was tested in single leg stance after stepping down from a step, with and without a concurrent auditory response task (auditory Stroop test). Balance was measured by total sway path and sway area of subject's center of pressure (COP). The reaction time and the correctness of the auditory Stroop test were also measured. Results: Tai Chi subjects made fewer errors in auditory Stroop test under dual-task condition after Tai Chi training (p=0.01). They also showed significant decreases in the COP path (p<0.05) and the COP area (p<0.05) in their postural control after training in both single-and dual-task conditions. The subjects in the control group did not show any significant improvement in dual-task condition after the intervention. Conclusions: Tai Chi training improves the cognitive and postural control performance of older women when dual tasking.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)181-187
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine
Volume13
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2016

Keywords

  • cognition
  • dual tasking
  • older adults
  • postural control
  • Tai Chi

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine
  • Complementary and alternative medicine

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