Temporal Interference Stimulation With Tai Chi for Mild Cognitive Impairment
Official title: Effects of Transcranial Temporal Interference Stimulation Combined With Tai Chi Training on Cognitive Function, Dual-Task Performance, and Neuroimaging Mechanisms in Individuals With Mild Cognitive Impairment
Run by Shanghai University of Sport · NCT07799584 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing whether a personalized brain stimulation technique together with Tai Chi can improve thinking skills and multitasking in people with mild cognitive impairment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 60 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Shanghai University of Sport Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 27, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | April 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07799584 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are 60–80 years old with mild cognitive impairment (MoCA < 26, CDR = 0.5) who can participate in MRI and Tai Chi training.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with dementia, major psychiatric disorders, or MRI contraindications may not receive benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a randomized, quadruple-blind study enrolling about 120 adults aged 60–80 with mild cognitive impairment. Participants will receive either active or sham individualized transcranial temporal interference stimulation focused on the left hippocampus, plus Tai Chi training, for 8 weeks (three sessions per week). Sessions include 20 minutes of stimulation and a 60-minute Tai Chi segment, with outcomes measured at baseline, after 8 weeks, and at a 16-week follow-up, along with neuroimaging assessments to explore brain changes. The study aims to determine effects on global cognition, memory, daily function, and quality of life, while monitoring safety and blinding effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience improved cognitive function and daily living abilities, with potential long-term brain-health benefits.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown potential benefits of neuromodulation and exercise interventions separately; combined approaches like this are exploratory and not yet proven.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 60-80 years * Community-dwelling * Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score \< 26 * Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) score = 0.5 * Activities of Daily Living (ADL) score \< 26 (largely intact daily function) * Does not meet criteria for dementia diagnosis (based on DSM-5 or NIA-AA criteria) * No contraindications for MRI examination (no metallic implants, no claustrophobia) * Able to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Neurological conditions that may cause cognitive decline (e.g., cerebrovascular disease, encephalitis, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease) * Severe visual, auditory, or language impairments preventing completion of neuropsychological assessments * Severe depression (Geriatric Depression Scale \> 10) or other major psychiatric disorders * History of seizures or epilepsy * Previous deep brain stimulation or electroconvulsive therapy within 6 months * Alcohol or substance dependence * Concurrent participation in another interventional clinical trial * Contraindications for non-invasive brain stimulation: electronic or ferromagnetic implants, non-MRI compatible metal implants, history of seizures, pregnancy
Where it's running
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Shanghai University of Sport
Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Zhen Xu
- Email: 2512516017@sus.edu.cn
- Phone: +86 135 0590 5809
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.