Elderly Tai Chi practitioners exhibit superior multisensory integration in a dual-task paradigm

Objective This study aims to investigate whether elderly Tai Chi (TC) practitioners demonstrate enhanced multisensory integration when performing dual-tasking. Methods Twenty-six TC practitioners (TCP) with at least 5 years of TC experience and 28 controls (TC Naïve) without TC experience were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Standing was employed as the postural task and serial subtraction as the cognitive task to explore dual-task standing stability in the modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB), which involved increasing the balance challenge via sensory conflict. The Center of Gravity (COG) Sway Velocity was measured to evaluate standing stability in the mCTSIB. Results There was no significant difference in standing stability between the TCP and TC Naïve groups in mCTSIB during single tasks. However, the TCP exhibited significantly lower COG Sway Velocity than the TC Naïves under dual-task conditions. In the TC Naïve group, the main effects of single/dual task (Task) and balance challenge level (Level) were significant, but the main effects of Task were not seen in the TCP group. Additionally, the TCP group showed a significant interaction effect between Task and Level. Conclusion Elderly Tai Chi practitioners demonstrate enhanced dual-task standing stability when facing balance challenges.