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Published on: May 12, 2016
Long-Term Tai Chi Practice Modulates Cortical-Muscular Interactions During Walking in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional
Yvxi Zhang1, Qipeng Song1, Xinru Li1
1College of Sports and Health, Shandong Sport University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
Clinical Interventions in Aging
|July 1, 2026
Summary
Older Tai Chi practitioners show enhanced neural coordination during walking, with greater functional connectivity and corticomuscular coupling compared to brisk walkers and controls. This suggests Tai Chi may improve balance and reduce fall risk in seniors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Exercise Physiology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Neural coordination during walking is crucial for mobility in older adults.
- The impact of Tai Chi on neural coordination, specifically functional connectivity (FC) and corticomuscular coupling (CMC), remains under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare cortical functional connectivity (FC) and corticomuscular coupling (CMC) during walking in older adults who practice Tai Chi, older adults who brisk walk, and non-exercising controls.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-two older adults (20 Tai Chi practitioners, 22 brisk walkers, 20 controls) participated.
- Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) measured cortical oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO2) for FC.
- Surface electromyography (sEMG) and fNIRS data were used to calculate corticomuscular coupling (CMC).
Main Results:
- Tai Chi practitioners exhibited significantly greater FC in motor and somatosensory cortical areas compared to non-exercisers and brisk walkers.
- Practitioners also showed significantly greater CMC between leg muscles (tibialis anterior, medial gastrocnemius) and motor/somatosensory cortical areas compared to non-exercisers.
Conclusions:
- Older Tai Chi practitioners demonstrate enhanced neural coordination during walking.
- Increased FC and CMC in Tai Chi practitioners may underlie improved postural control and reduced fall risk in older adults.
