Feasibility Study of Tai Chi for Cognitively Impaired Older Adults (TCM)

Effects of 12-week Tai Chi Program on Physical Function, Depression, and Quality of Life Among Cognitively Impaired Older Adults: A Feasibility Study

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the feasibility of a 12-week program of Tai Chi for memory (TCM) among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia and to determine the effects of TCM on physical functioning, depression, and health-related QoL. Two experimental groups will be recruited for inclusion criteria of community-residing older adults with a diagnosis of either MCI or Dementia.

The purpose of the study are to determine the acceptability of a 12-week program of Tai Chi for memory (TCM) among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia; and to determine the effects of TCM on physical functioning, depression, and health-related QoL. A quasi-experimental design was used with two groups classified according to the level of their cognitive impairment (MCI vs. Dementia). Depression, health-related QoL, and physical functioning including grip strength, balance, flexibility, and mobility were measured before and after the 12-week TCM program. Depression was measured using the Korean version of the Geriatric Depression Scale. Health-related QoL was measured using the 12-item Short Form survey (SF-12). Grip strength was assessed using a digital hand dynamometer. Flexibility was assessed using the standard sit-and-reach test. Balance was measured using the one-leg-standing balance test. Mobility was assessed using the timed up and go test. Paired and independent t-tests will be used to compare the effects of TCM within and between groups.

TCM is a standardized type of Tai Chi for health developed by Dr. Lam specifically for those who experience or want to prevent cognitive problems. TCM, consisting of 12 Sun-style and Yang-style Tai Chi movements, can be provided while sitting and while standing with five blocked movement sets so that cognitively impaired individuals (MCI vs. dementia) are able to follow them.

The adapted form of TCM will be provided at 60 minutes per session, twice a week for 12 weeks by a certified Tai Chi instructor who had experience in teaching older adults with cognitive impairments.

assessed by the short form of the Korean version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (SGDS-K) with 16 items (yes/no). higher scores indicate more depressive symptoms

Short Form Health Survey 12, which consists of eight dimensions: general health, physical functioning, role physical, body pain, vitality, social functioning, role emotional, and mental health. two summary scores for the physical and mental components of health-related QoL are calculated by using the weighted means for the eight domains.

Inclusion Criteria: community-residing older adults aged 75 years or older, registered at the public dementia prevention centers for dementia screening by health professionals with the diagnosis of either MCI or dementia, Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-K) score of 22 or lower, agreed to participate in the Tai Chi program twice a week for 12 weeks. Exclusion Criteria: participated in any formal regular exercise program during the previous 6 months, and

upon request, study protocol and the data without individual IDs can be shared with other researchers.