Links between Tai Chi and Cognitive Functioning

Comparison of these two groups showed significant differences in the change of MMSE score [t(df)=2.76 (9), p< 0.05] and in the change of Digit Symbol-Coding score [t(df)=2.36 (9), p<0.05] between pre- and post-test. The MMSE scores remained almost the same from pre- to post-test in the regular exercise group (mean change=0.00 ± 1.20). However, a decline in MMSE scores occurred among those in the low-dose group (mean change=− 3.33 ±3.06) (). Analysis of the Digit Symbol-Coding scores indicated a slight increase in the scores of those in the regular-dose group (mean change=0.25 ± 0.71). In contrast, scores in the low-dose group decreased (mean change=−1.00 ± 1.00) (see ).

Comparison of these two groups showed significant differences in the change of MMSE score [t(df)=2.76 (9), p< 0.05] and in the change of Digit Symbol-Coding score [t(df)=2.36 (9), p<0.05] between pre- and post-test. The MMSE scores remained almost the same from pre- to post-test in the regular exercise group (mean change=0.00 ± 1.20). However, a decline in MMSE scores occurred among those in the low-dose group (mean change=− 3.33 ±3.06) (). Analysis of the Digit Symbol-Coding scores indicated a slight increase in the scores of those in the regular-dose group (mean change=0.25 ± 0.71). In contrast, scores in the low-dose group decreased (mean change=−1.00 ± 1.00) (see ).

Although it was not significant at the 0.05 level, a similar trend was noted in the change of Digital Span score [t(df)=2.00 (9), p=.076]. Almost no change occurred in Digit Span scores among elders in the regular-dose group (mean change=0.00 ± 1.93). However, scores of elders in the low-dose group dropped (mean change=−2.33 ± 0.58) (see ). No significant difference was found in the change scores on the Stroop Color and the Word test (t(df)= −.22 (8), p=.83) and Hopkins Verbal Learning Test – Revised [Immediate Recall (t(df)= .17 (9), p=.87); Delayed Recall (t(df)= −.47 (9), p=.68)] between the regular-dose and low-dose groups.