Effects of Tai Chi on working memory in older adults: evidence from combined fNIRS and ERP

Chen Wang; Yuanfu Dai; Yuan Yang; Xiaoxia Yuan; Mengjie Zhang; Jia Zeng; Xiaoke Zhong; Jiao Meng; Changhao Jiang; Changhao Jiang

doi:10.3389/fnagi.2023.1206891

Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience (Jun 2023)

Effects of Tai Chi on working memory in older adults: evidence from combined fNIRS and ERP

Chen Wang,
Yuanfu Dai,
Yuan Yang,
Xiaoxia Yuan,
Mengjie Zhang,
Jia Zeng,
Xiaoke Zhong,
Jiao Meng,
Changhao Jiang,
Changhao Jiang

Affiliations

Chen Wang: The Center of Neuroscience and Sports, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, China
Yuanfu Dai: The Center of Neuroscience and Sports, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, China
Yuan Yang: College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
Xiaoxia Yuan: The Center of Neuroscience and Sports, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, China
Mengjie Zhang: School of Physical Education and Sport Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
Jia Zeng: The Center of Neuroscience and Sports, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, China
Xiaoke Zhong: The Center of Neuroscience and Sports, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, China
Jiao Meng: The Center of Neuroscience and Sports, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, China
Changhao Jiang: The Center of Neuroscience and Sports, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, China
Changhao Jiang: School of Kinesiology and Health, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, China

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2023.1206891
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 15

Abstract

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ObjectiveThe study aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week Tai Chi exercise intervention on working memory in older adults using ERP-fNIRS.MethodFifty older adults were randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving a 12-week Tai Chi exercise intervention or a control group receiving regular daily activities. Working memory was assessed using the n-back task before and after the intervention, and spatial and temporal components of neural function underlying the n-back task were measured using ERP-fNIRS.ResultsThe experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in reaction time and accuracy on the 2-back task and showed higher activation levels in the R-DLPFC. Additionally, the Tai Chi group displayed significant increases in P3 amplitude in the overall n-back task.ConclusionThese findings suggest that Tai Chi interventions can enhance working memory in older adults, as evidenced by increasing neural activity and improving HbO in the R-DLPFC during the 2-back task.

Published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience

ISSN: 1663-4365 (Online)
Publisher: Frontiers Media S.A.
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Medicine: Internal medicine: Neurosciences. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry
Website: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aging-neuroscience

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