Effects of Tai Chi on executive function, single-leg dynamic balance, and brain functional connectivity in older adults

Although previous studies have confirmed the beneficial effects of Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) on improving balance ability and cognitive function in older adults, the synergistic regulatory mechanisms of TCC on bilateral lower limb muscle activation symmetry, brain functional connectivity(FC) strength, and dynamic balance ability remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the effects of a 9-week TCC training program on the executive function (EF), bilateral lower limb muscle activation symmetry, single-leg dynamic balance ability, and brain FC strength in elderly individuals. It provides valuable new insights into a field that has not been extensively explored before. After 9-week training intervention, (1) The TCC group showed significant improvements in the Y-balance Test (YBTs), with enhanced symmetry in single-leg dynamic balance between the bilateral lower limbs and a significant reduction in the laterality of lower limb muscle activation. (2) TCC training strengthened the FC of related brain regions during YBTs. When performing YBTs with the left and right legs separately, the laterality of the average brain FC strength between the two tasks was significantly reduced. (3) During EF tasks, the reaction time was significantly reduced, and the concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin in the prefrontal cortex increased. Studies have shown that TCC has significantly superior intervention effects compared to brisk walking in improving neuromuscular function in older adults. Through its multisensory integration training model, TCC simultaneously enhances neuromuscular coordination and brain network collaboration efficiency, promoting the adaptive reorganization of dynamic balance control.