Exergaming seated Tai Chi to test cognitive function in young and older adults

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized within-subject crossover study compares a 40-minute exergaming-based seated Tai Chi routine with a time-matched seated stretching control in 40 participants drawn from two age groups (18-30 and 60-75). Cognitive performance is measured before and after each session using Flanker and n-back tasks, while prefrontal cortex activity is monitored with fNIRS to assess neural efficiency. The design allows direct within-person comparison across conditions, with age-related differences explored in acute cognitive and neural responses. The intervention uses an interactive exergame platform to deliver a standardized, seated Tai Chi form, aiming to preserve cognitive-motor aspects while remaining accessible. Primary outcomes focus on immediate changes in executive function, working memory, and prefrontal oxygenation patterns.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Are aged 18-30 years (young adult group) or 60-75 years (older adults)
* Have no current regular participation (e.g., ≥1 session/week) in Tai Chi, martial arts, or other mind-body exercise (e.g., yoga or qigong) in the last 3-6 months
* Have no self-reported or clinically documented history of mild cognitive impairment, dementia, or other neurological (e.g., stroke) or psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia) known to affect cognition
* Score within the normal range on the Hong Kong version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (HK-MoCA) based on established age- and education-adjusted cutoffs
* Are medically stable, with or without controlled chronic conditions (e.g., controlled hypertension or diabetes)
* Are able to tolerate light-to-moderate seated exercise (Chinese version of Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire score = 0)
* Have no significant sensory impairment (e.g., vision) not corrected by assistive devices (e.g., glasses)
* Are not engaged in regular structured exercise involving moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (e.g., brisk walking, running, or racquet sports) more than two times per week over the preceding three months
* Are able to communicate in Chinese (Moved from Exclusion for clarity)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Have medical conditions that may interfere with safe participation, including pacemaker implantation or prosthetic devices
* Have serious orthopedic or cardiovascular disorders that could affect participation in exergaming training
* Have significant motor or balance impairment that would prevent performing basic seated arm and trunk movements
* Are currently undergoing other clinical trials or structured exercise or cognitive training programmes \>2 times/week during the preceding three months

Where it's running

• Exergaming Research Centre, Hong Kong Metropolitan University
  Ho Man Tin, Hong Kong Recruiting
• Exergaming Research Centre, Hong Kong Metropolitan University
  Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, Hong Kong Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Tai Wa Liu — School of Nursing and Health Sciences, Hong Kong Metropolitan University
• Study coordinator: Chun Yan Ho
• Email: twliu@hkmu.edu.hk
• Phone: 852 + 39708714

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.