Effects of combined Baduanjin and cognitive training on cognitive function in cognitively normal older adults

Preventing cognitive decline is a major challenge in aging research. While mind-body exercises and cognitive training each enhance cognitive function, their combined impact on cognitively normal older adults remains unclear. This study examined whether Baduanjin exercise and cognitive training exert interactive effects on global and domain-specific cognitive function.

In a 12-week randomized controlled trial with a 2 × 2 factorial design, 162 community-dwelling adults aged 60-75 years with normal cognitive function were assigned to four groups: control (CON), Baduanjin (BG), cognitive training (CT), and combined intervention (BG + CT). Global cognition, memory, attention, executive function, language, and visuospatial ability were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Changes within-group and main and interaction effects were analyzed.

One hundred thirty-eight participants completed the intervention. All intervention groups showed significant cognitive improvements from baseline. BG + CT demonstrated the most consistent improvements, including unique significant gains in long-delay memory. Factorial analyses revealed significant main effects of both Baduanjin and cognitive training on global cognition and multiple cognitive domains (p < 0.05), with notable interaction effects between the two interventions. Simple effects analyses confirmed that BG + CT led to greater improvements than individual interventions, particularly in long-delay memory, executive function, language, and visuospatial ability.

Combined Baduanjin and cognitive training was associated with greater cognitive benefits than single interventions in cognitively normal older adults. These findings support the potential value of integrated behavioral interventions for maintaining cognitive health in later life.