TY - JOUR
T1 - Tai Ji Quan, the brain, and cognition in older adults
AU - Chang, Yu Kai
AU - Nien, Yu Hsiang
AU - Chen, Ai Guo
AU - Yan, Jun
N1 - Funding Information:
We would like to express appreciation for support from partial grants from the National Science Council, Taiwan, China ( NSC 101-2628-H-179-002 , NSC 102-2420-H-179-001-MY3 to Yu-Kai Chang), during the preparation of this review.
PY - 2014/3
Y1 - 2014/3
N2 - The relationship between physical activity (PA) and cognition has received much attention recently. While evidence of improved cognition following PA has consistently been observed, the majority of studies have spotlighted aerobic exercise and the effects of other modes of PA, such as Tai Ji Quan, on cognition have received limited attention. This article provides a brief review of the literature concerning the influence of Tai Ji Quan on cognition in older adults, including those with intact cognition and those with cognitive impairment. In addition, this review proposes potential mechanisms (cardiovascular fitness, motor fitness, movement coordination, social interaction, and meditation statuses as well brain structure and function) evaluated from a neuroimaging perspective that may explain the Tai Ji Quan-cognition relationship. Finally, we present suggestions for future research. In conclusion, Tai Ji Quan, with its multi-faceted characteristics, shows promise as a mode of PA for enhancing cognition, as well as brain health, in older adults. Based on the findings in this review, further exploration of the effects of Tai Ji Quan on cognition in older adults is warranted.
AB - The relationship between physical activity (PA) and cognition has received much attention recently. While evidence of improved cognition following PA has consistently been observed, the majority of studies have spotlighted aerobic exercise and the effects of other modes of PA, such as Tai Ji Quan, on cognition have received limited attention. This article provides a brief review of the literature concerning the influence of Tai Ji Quan on cognition in older adults, including those with intact cognition and those with cognitive impairment. In addition, this review proposes potential mechanisms (cardiovascular fitness, motor fitness, movement coordination, social interaction, and meditation statuses as well brain structure and function) evaluated from a neuroimaging perspective that may explain the Tai Ji Quan-cognition relationship. Finally, we present suggestions for future research. In conclusion, Tai Ji Quan, with its multi-faceted characteristics, shows promise as a mode of PA for enhancing cognition, as well as brain health, in older adults. Based on the findings in this review, further exploration of the effects of Tai Ji Quan on cognition in older adults is warranted.
KW - Brain plasticity
KW - Dementia
KW - Executive function
KW - Physical activity
KW - Tai Ji Quan
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U2 - 10.1016/j.jshs.2013.09.003
DO - 10.1016/j.jshs.2013.09.003
M3 - Review article
AN - SCOPUS:84897924291
SN - 2095-2546
VL - 3
SP - 36
EP - 42
JO - Journal of Sport and Health Science
JF - Journal of Sport and Health Science
IS - 1
ER -