Tai chi effective in older people with diabetes and cognitive impairment: JAMA

In a new study by Yannan Chen and team which included senior citizens with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), it was shown that tai chi chuan was superior to fitness walking at enhancing general cognitive performance. The findings of this study were published in the Journal of American Medical Association.

Cognitive impairment is a condition that is progressively exacerbated by type 2 diabetes. Tai chi chuan may have longer-lasting cognitive improvements for people with T2D and mild cognitive impairment than fitness walking, although there is currently no evidence to support this claim from randomized clinical trials. Hence, this study compared the efficacy of fitness walking with tai chi chuan, a mind-body activity, for enhancing cognitive function in older persons with T2D and MCI.

At 4 locations in China, this randomized clinical trial was carried out between June 1, 2020, and February 28, 2022. 328 adults (aged 60 years) with a clinical diagnosis of T2D and MCI were participants. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three groups: tai chi chuan, fitness walking, or control. The 24-form streamlined form of tai chi chuan was taught to the tai chi group. The group that practiced fitness walking received instruction in it. For 24 weeks under supervision, both exercise groups underwent training sessions lasting 60 minutes each, three times per week. A 30-minute diabetes self-management education session was given to each of the three groups once every four weeks for a total of 24 weeks. For 36 weeks, the subjects were followed up with.