Population aging and associated cognitive decline presents major public health challenges. Tai Chi and Qigong (TCQ) have gained attention as potential non-pharmacological approaches to improve brain health.
Objective
To evaluate the effects of TCQ on neuropsychological performance among community-dwelling older adults, considering cognitive level and dose–response.
Methods
Following Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines, six databases were searched from inception to February 2024. Thirty-one randomized trials involving 3,766 participants were analyzed using random-effects meta-analysis.
Results
TCQ significantly improved overall neuropsychological performance (SMD = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.42-0.89) and specific domains, with standardized mean differences ranging from 0.64 for global cognition to 2.25 for attention, among older adults with or without cognitive impairments. No dose–response relationship was observed, suggesting that the benefits of TCQ were consistent across varying intervention durations, frequencies, and control group types.
Conclusion
Findings support TCQ as a feasible non-pharmacological intervention for cognitive enhancement in community-dwelling older adults.
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