Project Gnosis: the Neurophysical and Psychosocial Health Outcomes of Tai Chi for Older Adults with Cognitive Concerns or Mild Cognitive Impairment

Last updated: February 12, 2025
Sponsor: Ohio University
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Memory Loss

Mild Cognitive Impairment

Dementia

Treatment

Tai Chi

Clinical Study ID

NCT06828926
Ohio_U_FY25-124
  • Ages > 60
  • All Genders
  • Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Summary

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in older adults is linked to muscle loss (sarcopenia) and can lead to dementia, with pain further impacting cognitive and physical performance. Tai Chi, a mind-body exercise, is recommended for managing MCI as it supports cognitive function, mood, and physical health.

The investigators' first goal is to characterize the correlation of heart rate variability and cortical activity on cognitive function and the psychosocial correlates of pain interference and social isolation on cognitive function at baseline and post-intervention (8 weeks of Tai Chi). The second goal is to explain the role of sarcopenia and obesity in the relationship between pain interference and cognitive function. The investigators also want to examine the index of the predictive capacity regarding sarcopenia and obesity on cognitive function outcomes.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  1. Participants who are older adults, defined as ≥60 years old.

  2. Participants must have the ability to independently stand without the use of anassistive device for 20 minutes.

  3. People with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) (initial cohort) and without MCI (age-gender matched healthy controls). A score of between >18 and ≤26 on theMontreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) will be used to classify MCI. A score above 26is considered normal.

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  1. Participants with significant uncontrolled medication, and cardiovascular,respiratory, and metabolic symptoms will be excluded from participation in thestudy, as these symptoms could impact their engagement with the engagement of TaiChi.

  2. Investigators will administer a brief screening questionnaire to assess (a)hypotension symptoms related to intensive treatment of hypertension and (b)hypoglycemia related to intensive treatment of diabetes, as these conditions areassociated with cognitive decline.

  3. Investigators will capture data on potential sleep apnea and administer theStop-Bang Questionnaire to identify potential sleep-disordered breathing.Participants with significant uncontrolled sleep apnea will be excluded as thiscould also impact their engagement in the intervention and influence the primaryoutcome measure of cognitive function.

  4. Currently or recently practicing Tai Chi. Participants will be excluded if they arecurrently practicing Tai Chi. If participants have previously engaged in Tai Chi,there will be a washout period of at least 6 months before considering enrollment inthe study.

Study Design

Total Participants: 50
Treatment Group(s): 1
Primary Treatment: Tai Chi
Phase:
Study Start date:
February 12, 2025
Estimated Completion Date:
March 31, 2026

Connect with a study center

  • Ohio University

    Athens, Ohio 45701
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

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