Tai Chi and Conventional Exercise for Cognitive Improvement in Older Adults

Tai Chi Versus Conventional Exercise to Improve Cognitive Performance in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): A Comparative Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · The University of Hong Kong · NCT05540613

This study tests if practicing Tai Chi can help older adults with mild cognitive impairment think better compared to doing regular exercise or health education.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment315 (estimated)
Ages50 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Hong Kong (other)
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT05540613 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial evaluates the effectiveness of Tai Chi compared to conventional exercise and health education in enhancing cognitive function among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Participants aged 50 and above will be randomly assigned to one of three six-month programs: Tai Chi, Conventional Exercise, or Health Education. Cognitive assessments will be conducted at the start, after the 26-week intervention, and again 26 weeks post-intervention to measure changes in cognitive performance.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are ethnic Chinese older adults aged 50 and above who have mild cognitive impairment but do not have dementia or major chronic diseases.

Not a fit: Patients with major chronic diseases, dementia, or those on medications affecting cognitive performance may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-pharmacological approach to improve cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes using Tai Chi for cognitive improvement, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Chinese older adults aged equal or larger than 50 years
* Ethnic Chinese
* MCI under criteria of Mayo Clinic, including the following

  i. people with subjective complaint about a decline in cognitive function. ii. total score in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment is equal or below the 7th percentile of the age- and education- corrected normative data of Hong Kong. iii. the decline in cognitive function does not impair daily functioning, as revealed by getting ≥2 marks in every item on the Chinese Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living 4-point Scale).

Exclusion Criteria:

* medical history of major chronic diseases such as cancer, stroke, cerebro- and cardio-vascular diseases, and renal disease
* uncontrolled diabetes
* diagnosed with dementia or using anti-dementia medication
* diagnosed with psychiatric diseases or using psychiatric medication
* with diseases or on medications known to severely affect cognitive performance
* somatic condition (e.g., limb lost) that prevent participation in exercise
* impaired mobility by chronic diseases (e.g., neurological, musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases)
* incapable to perform physical exercise
* regular exercise habit (\>3 times 60-min Tai Chi or moderate-intensity conventional exercise weekly) in the past 3 months

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Mild Cognitive Impairment

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.