The general purpose of this study is to examine the effect of tai chi training on cognitive function in young adults. The investigators will test subjects enrolled in a semester-long tai chi course along with control subjects. The specific aims are to measure duration of practice, cognitive function, physical balance, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) indicators. The investigators primary hypotheses are that, compared to controls, subjects in the tai chi course will show improvements in (1a) spatial working memory and (1b) response inhibition. The investigators secondary hypotheses are that, among the subjects participating in the tai chi course, these cognitive improvements will correlate with (2a) improvements in balance and (2b) duration of tai chi practice, and that, among all participants, (2c) ADHD indications will correlate with cognitive measures.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
161
24 form Yang style Tai Chi. 50 minute sessions, twice weekly.
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Waisman Center
Madison, Wisconsin, United States
Change in working memory
CANTAB Spatial Working Memory Task: SWM between errors
Time frame: Baseline and 14 weeks
Change in physical balance
One Legged Stance Test. Time standing on one leg with eyes closed. Average over left and right leg of best of three trials on each side.
Time frame: Baseline and 14 weeks
Change in impulsivity
CANTAB Stop Signal Task: reaction time (SSRT).
Time frame: Baseline and 14 weeks
Change in affective processing
CANTAB Affective Go/No-Go Task: mean correct latency
Time frame: Baseline and 14 weeks
Change in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) scale
World Health Organization adult ADHD self-report scale (ASRS). Scoring of 6 item ASRS screener per Kessler et al. Psychological Medicine (2005) 35:245-256.
Time frame: Baseline and 14 weeks
Duration of practice
Total minutes of tai chi practice including class time.
Time frame: 14 weeks
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