Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
Working Memory Training for Older Participants: A Control Group Training Regimen and Initial Intellectual Functioning Assessment
Published on: September 20, 2020
Multidimensional Effects of Mind-Body Exercise on Cognitive Function, Physical Function, and Body Composition in
Tao Liu1,2, Shusheng Shi1, Wang Li1
1School of Sport Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, JS, China.
Objective:
Cognitive decline is a common concern in aging populations, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) often precedes dementia. Mind-body exercise (e.g., tai chi and baduanjin) combines mental focus and physical movement, potentially improving both cognitive and physical function. This study aimed to evaluate whether a 12-week mind-body exercise intervention could enhance cognitive function, physical function, and body composition in older adults with MCI.
Methods:
A randomized controlled trial was conducted with community-dwelling older adults (≥60 years) in Nanjing, China. Participants were assigned to either a mind-body exercise group (tai chi and baduanjin, three sessions/week, 60 min/session) or a control group (standard health education and light stretching). Cognitive outcomes included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, memory, and executive function. Physical function was assessed via the 30-s chair stand, 30-s arm curl, 2.44-m up and go, and single-leg stand, and body composition measures encompassed waist and hip circumference, body fat percentage, and body mass index.
Results:
After 12 weeks, the mind-body exercise group showed significantly greater improvements in Montreal Cognitive Assessment score (Δ = 2.04, p < .01), memory (Δ = 0.72 points), and executive function (Δ = 0.37 points) compared with the control group. Participants also improved physical function, evidenced by increased repetition counts in the 30-s chair stand (Δ = 5.93) and arm curl tests (Δ = 5.17) and reduced up-and-go times (Δ = -0.73 s). Although modest reductions in waist and hip circumference were observed, there were no statistically significant group differences in body mass index or overall body fat percentage.
Conclusion:
A 12-week mind-body exercise program (tai chi and baduanjin) significantly enhances cognitive and physical function in older adults with MCI. These findings suggest that integrating mind-body exercises may be beneficial as a nonpharmacological intervention to address cognitive decline.
Implications:
The observed improvements in cognition and physical performance highlight the potential for mind-body exercises to serve as a practical, low-cost strategy for delaying or mitigating MCI-related declines in aging populations. Incorporating such interventions into community-based programs or clinical recommendations could promote healthy aging and reduce the burden of cognitive impairment on health care systems.
