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Published on: July 14, 2023
Brain Functional Specialization Is Enhanced Among Tai Chi Chuan Practitioners
Li-Zhen Chen1, Xinru Yuan2, Yuanchao Zhang2
1Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
Long-term Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) practice enhances brain functional specialization, particularly in the frontal cortex, correlating with improved cognitive abilities in practitioners compared to novices.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) is a mind-body exercise with potential cognitive benefits.
- Understanding the neural mechanisms underlying TCC's effects is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how long-term Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) practice affects brain functional specialization.
- To compare brain function and cognitive performance between TCC practitioners and novices.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving TCC practitioners and age/sex/education-matched healthy adults.
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to assess voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC).
- Cognitive tests were administered to evaluate cognitive function.
Main Results:
- TCC practitioners exhibited lower VMHC in the middle frontal gyrus compared to controls.
- Longer TCC practice duration was associated with reduced VMHC in the precentral and precuneus regions.
- TCC practitioners demonstrated superior cognitive performance.
Conclusions:
- TCC practice appears to enhance functional specialization in the middle frontal cortex.
- These neural changes may underlie the improved higher-order cognitive abilities observed in TCC practitioners.
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