Effect of Tai Chi combined with visual-action-sensory rehabilitation therapies on cognitive function in acute...

Early cognitive intervention in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is associated with better outcomes. 'Visual-action-sensory' rehabilitation therapies, including action observation therapy (AOT) and sensory observation therapy (SOT) have shown great potential in restoring cognitive function. A systematic review of some studies on the therapeutic effect of Tai Chi (TC)in stroke patients suggests potential benefits on depression, anxiety, and balance function. Therefore, combining AOT with TC may enhance brain functional connectivity and provide some cognitive improvements. Here, we describe a study protocol assessing the long-term effects of TC-AOT combined with SOT on cognitive function with AIS.

This study is a dual-arm, single-center, single-blind, randomized controlled trial. A total of 86 AIS patients will be enrolled and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention group or the control group. The control group will receive conventional exercise education and follow-up. The intervention group first watched tactile stimulation followed by TC action videos, and then practiced imitating TC movements. The program will be implemented once a day for 30 min, 5 days a week for a duration of 8 weeks. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, week 8, and week 12. The primary outcome is global cognitive function and secondary outcomes are language, attention, executive function, memory, visuospatial ability, neuropsychological assessments, and quality of daily life.

The study anticipates that the therapeutic program described here will help to reduce the incidence of cognitive impairment in AIS patients or delay its progression.

We have registered at https://www.chictr.org.cn and the registration number is: ChiCTR2400088156.