# TaiChi-MSS protocol: enhancing cognitive and brain function in MCI patients through Tai Chi exercise combined with multisensory stimulation

## TL;DR

This study tests if combining Tai Chi with multisensory stimulation improves brain and cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel TaiChi-MSS protocol combining Tai Chi and multisensory stimulation for MCI treatment.

## Key findings

- A multi-center RCT is being conducted to evaluate cognitive and sensory outcomes in MCI patients.
- fMRI will assess brain activation and connectivity changes related to neuroplasticity.
- Results will be analyzed using mixed-effects models and FDR correction for multiple comparisons.

## Abstract

The aging population in China is confronted with considerable challenges, with 14.71% of elderly individuals affected by mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The practice of Tai Chi has been demonstrated to enhance cognitive function, while sensory stimulation has been shown to facilitate neural activity. Nevertheless, the combined impact of Tai Chi and sensory stimulation on cognitive, sensory functions, and brain activation in older adults with MCI remains uncertain. This study aims to ascertain whether the integration of Tai Chi with sensory stimulation can facilitate more efficacious interventions for these outcomes.

The TaiChi-MSS (Tai Chi and Multisensory Stimulation for Cognitive Function) study is a multi-center, randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted in Suzhou and Shanghai, enrolling 88 participants aged 60 years or older with MCI. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups: Tai Chi, multisensory stimulation, Tai Chi combined with multisensory stimulation or control. The intervention will last 6 months, with follow-up assessments at 3, 6, and 9 months. Primary outcomes include cognitive and sensory assessments, assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), domain-specific cognitive tests, Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA), and Sniffin’ Sticks Odor Identification Test. Secondary outcomes involve brain activation, measured through functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) scans. fMRI will be used to assess brain structure and connectivity changes, focusing on neuroplasticity. Data will be analyzed using mixed-effects models. The False Discovery Rate (FDR) will be the correction method for multiple comparisons to control for the expected proportion of false positives.

This study was approved by the ethics committee of Shanghai University of Sport (No. 102772023RT200). The results of this study will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and presented at academic conferences.