Abstract:

Objective To evaluate the effects of Tai Ji Quan exercise on aerobic capacities and cognitive function in middle-aged and elderly people.Methods From June, 2018 to July, 2019, 60 middle-aged and elderly subjects were divided into Tai Ji Quan group (n = 13), meditation group (n = 14), aerobics group (n = 17) and sedentary group (n = 16). Before and 24 weeks after exercise, the body mass index (BMI), the VO₂max, and the amplitude and latency of P3b and reaction time of P300 wave were observed.Results After exercise, there was significant difference in BMI among groups (F = 7.568, P < 0.001); the VO ₂max was higher in aerobics group than in Tai Ji Quan group and the sedentary group (t > 3.039, P < 0.01), as well as in Tai Ji Quan group and the meditation group than in the sedentary group ( t > 2.152, P < 0.05); the amplitude of P3b was lower in the sedentary group than in other groups ( t > 2.667, P < 0.01); the P3b latency tended to be longer in the sedentary group than in other groups, but no significant difference was observed among groups ( F = 0.419, P = 0.740); the reaction time tended to be shorter in Tai Ji Quan group than in other groups, but no significant difference was observed among groups (F = 1.804, P > 0.05). Conclusion Tai Ji Quan exercise may improve aerobic capacities, and benefit the cognitive function.

Key words: Tai Ji Quan, aerobic capacities, cognition, meditation