Rescuing gait under cognitive load: the benefits of Tai Chi for MCI

Introduction Tai Chi has been shown to exert beneficial effects on cognitive function in older adults; however, the mechanisms underlying its improvement of postural control and mobility remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 3-month Tai Chi training intervention on cognitive function and postural control in older adults, thereby providing a scientific basis for exercise recommendations for this population. Method This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 8 forms of Tai Chi training over a period of 3 months on gait characteristics. A total of 34 older adults (25 females) completed the full study protocol. Walking kinematic data were collected using the MyoMotion 3D motion analysis system under single-task and three dual-task conditions (walking while counting, carrying water, and naming). Spatiotemporal parameters, including step length, cadence, and lower limb joint angles, were extracted through gait cycle analysis. The control group maintained their habitual daily activities. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare differences between groups and across time points (pre- and post-intervention), with the significance level set at 0.05. Result Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups (p >0.05). Post-intervention, the experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in gait spatial parameters, characterized by increased normalized step and stride lengths and decreased step width compared to controls (p <0.05). Temporally, the experimental group exhibited an increased percentage of stance phase. Kinematically, the intervention significantly enhanced hip range of motion (p <0.01) and altered knee and ankle joint angles at specific gait events. Notably, a significant group-by-task interaction was observed for maximum hip extension (p <0.05), indicating that Tai Chi training differentially optimized hip mechanics across varying dual-task conditions. Additionally, the experimental group showed significantly improved overall cognitive function (p < 0.01). Conclusion The Tai Chi intervention effectively improved gait stability, balance, and overall gait performance under dual-task conditions in older adults with MCI, thereby reducing the risk of falls. These findings support Tai Chi as a safe, cost-effective, and scalable non-pharmacological intervention for fall prevention in this population.