Tai ji quan plus mental tasks against falls in mild cognitive impairment

AI summary

From the trial's eligibility criteria. Machine-read from the registry text on this page, so it can be wrong. The registry text below and the trial team decide who can take part.

The trial is looking for adults aged 65 or older with memory complaints and mild memory problems who have fallen or have slow walking. It tests tai ji quan exercise to prevent falls.

Age

65 Years to 95 Years

Sex

All sexes can join.

Disease stage

Mild cognitive impairment: a complaint of memory loss and a score of ≤0.5 on the Clinical Dementia Scale. People must also have had 1 or more falls in the past 12 months, or take ≥12 seconds on the Timed Up and Go walking test.

Earlier treatment

People who did regular, structured tai ji quan exercise programs (≥2 times weekly) in the past 6 months cannot join.

Main reasons for not taking part

• A score below 24 on the Mini-Mental State Examination memory test
• The record lists being able to walk on their own for household distances as a reason people cannot join
• The record lists having medical clearance as a reason people cannot join
• A worsening nerve and muscle disease, such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis
• Not willing to be put into a group by chance

The registry criteria, word for word

Check if you might fit

Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.

• Are you between 65 and 95 years old?YesNo

What the trial wants to find out

To determine the efficacy of a dual-task tai ji quan training therapy in reducing the incidence of falls in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

The 3 groups in the trial

• Dual-task taj ji quanTreatment being tested

  This intervention includes training of (a) symmetrical postural tai ji quan forms/movements synchronized with breathing, (b) controlled displacement (weight-shifting) of the body's center of mass over the base of support, (c) dynamic eye-hand movements during whole-body motion, (d) multidirectional (anterior-posterior and medial-lateral) stepping, and (e) rotational ankle sway and self-induced reactive postural recovery actions. The training practices are integrated, gradually over time, with a mix of interactive, cognitively stimulating, dual-task exercises that challenge attention control, working memory, verbalization, response inhibition, processing speed, dual tasking, task switching/prioritization, and spatial orientation and postural awareness.

  Treatment: dual-task tai ji quan

• Standard tai ji quanTreatment being tested

  This intervention includes training of tai ji quan forms with synchronized breathing, supplemented by a set of mini-therapeutic exercises. The training involves repeated practice of (a) symmetrical, coordinated, trunk-driven tai ji quan form movements, (b) controlled displacement (weight-shifting) of the body's center of mass over varying sizes of the base of support, (c) dynamic eye-hand movements during whole-body motion, and (d) multidirectional (anterior-posterior and medial-lateral) stepping. As a balance training therapy, movement practices emphasize a dynamic interplay of stabilizing and self-induced destabilizing postural actions and balance exercises that target mobility, stability limits, and sensory integration.

• Stretching exerciseTreatment being tested

  This active control intervention includes light activities that consist of breathing, stretching, and relaxation exercises. Each exercise session encompasses a variety of light and static stretches for joints and muscles, performed in a seated or standing position. Exercise involves the upper body (arms, neck, upper back, shoulder, back, and chest), lower extremities (quadriceps, hamstrings/calfs, and hips), and gentle and slow trunk rotations. Also included are intermittent light walking, deep abdominal breathing exercises that emphasize inhaling and exhaling to maximum capacity, and progressive relaxation of major muscle groups.

  Treatment: stretching