Association of Tai Chi and Square Dance with Cognitive Function in Chinese Older Adults

Objective: This study explores the association of Tai Chi and square dance with cognitive function and compares the effects of the two fitness programs on cognitive function in Chinese older adults. Methods: A total of 1732 older people (aged 60 years and over) met the inclusion criteria from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Based on the frequency of participating in Tai Chi and square dance, older adults were divided into three groups: a Tai Chi group (n = 234), a square dance group (n = 345), and a control group (n = 1153). Cognitive function was measured using a modified Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Participation in Tai Chi or square dance was investigated by asking the subjects to report how often they participated in the fitness programs. Results: Older adults in both the Tai Chi group and the square dance group had higher scores in all MMSE items, including orientation, registration, attention and calculation, recall, and language, compared to those in the control group. But there were no significant differences in any MMSE items between the Tai Chi group and the square dance group. Multiple regression analysis showed that participating in Tai Chi or square dance, age, educational level, and sex can predict cognitive function in older people. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that participating in Tai Chi and square dance are associated with better cognitive function, and Tai Chi and square dance have similar effects on cognitive function in the Chinese older population.