๐ฌIn plain words
What the trial is, and whether it could suit you
This study examines whether a single session of exergaming-based seated Tai Chi can acutely improve working memory, executive function, and prefrontal cortical efficiency in younger and older adults, compared with seated stretching. Using a within-subject crossover design, 40 participants aged 18-30 years and 60-75 years will complete both conditions in counterbalanced order on separate days. Cognitive performance will be assessed with Flanker and n-back tasks, while prefrontal activity will be recorded with fNIRS over the dorsolateral, ventrolateral, and frontopolar prefrontal cortex. Neural efficiency will be estimated by integrating task performance with task-evoked oxygenated hemoglobin responses.
The Tai Chi intervention is a 40-minute seated, exergame-guided 12-form routine preceded and followed by brief warm-up and cool-down periods. The control condition is a time-matched seated
Sign in to get the eligibility rules as simple questions to take to your doctor.
๐ Eligibility rules (as published)
Inclusion Criteria:
* Are aged 18-30 years (young adult group) or 60-75 years (older adults)
* Have no current regular participation (e.g., โฅ1 session/week) in Tai Chi, martial arts, or other mind-body exercise (e.g., yoga or qigong) in the last 3-6 months
* Have no self-reported or clinically documented history of mild cognitive impairment, dementia, or other neurological (e.g., stroke) or psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia) known to affect cognition
* Score within the normal range on the Hong Kong version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (HK-MoCA) based on established age- and education-adjusted cutoffs
* Are medically stable, with or without controlled chronic conditions (e.g., controlled hypertension or diabetes)
* Are able to tolerate light-to-moderate seated exercise (Chinese version of Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire score = 0)
* Have no significant sensory impairment (e.g., vision) not corrected by assistive devices (e.g., glasses)
* Are not engaged in regular structured exercise involving moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (e.g., brisk walking, running, or racquet sports) more than two times per week over the preceding three months
* Are able to communicate in Chinese (Moved from Exclusion for clarity)
Exclusion Criteria:
* Have medical conditions that may interfere with safe participation, including pacemaker implantation or prosthetic devices
* Have serious orthopedic or cardiovascular disorders that could affect participation in exergaming training
* Have significant motor or balance impairment that would prevent performing basic seated arm and trunk movements
* Are currently undergoing other clinical trials or structured exercise or cognitive training programmes \>2 times/week during the preceding three months
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What it tests
- Exergaming based sitting Tai Chi
- Seated Stretching
Exergaming Research Centre, Hong Kong Metropolitan University
Ho Man Tin, Hong Kong
Exergaming Research Centre, Hong Kong Metropolitan University
Ho Man Tin, Hong Kong
๐ค Taking part is your choice, and you can leave at any time. Only the trial team can confirm you are eligible โ always decide together with your own doctor.