Tai Chi to help frail older adults improve their functions

Effect of Tai Chi on Physical and Cognitive Function Among Frail Older Adults

Not applicable Interventional Chungnam National University · NCT05629728

This study is testing if Tai Chi can help frail older adults improve their balance, flexibility, and overall quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages65 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorChungnam National University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Daejeon)
Trial IDNCT05629728 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of Tai Chi on physical and cognitive functions, as well as quality of life in frail older adults living in the community. A total of 100 participants will be randomly assigned to either a Tai Chi intervention group or a wait-list control group. The Tai Chi group will engage in sessions twice a week for 12 weeks, with assessments conducted before and after the intervention. Key outcomes include improvements in balance, flexibility, mobility, cognitive function, and overall quality of life.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are frail older adults who meet specific criteria related to fatigue, mobility, chronic illnesses, and weight loss.

Not a fit: Patients who have participated in any formal exercise program in the past six months or lack transportation to attend classes may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance the physical and cognitive well-being of frail older adults, leading to improved quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with Tai Chi interventions for older adults, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* being frail (3 out of the following 5 criteria): feeling fatigued, difficulty climbing 10 stairs without help, difficulty walking 300m without help, more than 5 chronic illness, weight loss 5 % or more past 1-5 years
* living in the community
* able to participate in Tai Chi program twice a week

Exclusion Criteria:

* participated in any formal exercise program past 6 months
* not have transportation to come to the class

Where this trial is running

Daejeon

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.
Conditions FrailtyTai Chifrailolder adults
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.