# A study on the brain mechanisms of postural control improvement in obese college students through traditional martial arts Tan Tui practice

## TL;DR

This study shows that practicing traditional martial arts like Tan Tui can improve brain function and balance in obese college students.

## Contribution

The study provides new evidence that Tan Tui enhances neural plasticity and brain function in obese individuals.

## Key findings

- Tan Tui practice significantly altered alpha band power in cognitive and sensorimotor brain regions.
- Training improved brain symmetry and synergy between left and right hemispheres.
- Positive correlations were found in brain region interactions after Tan Tui practice.

## Abstract

To investigate the effects of traditional martial arts Tan Tui practice on the brain mechanisms of postural control in obese college students.

Eighty obese college students were randomly divided into a Tan Tui practice group (TT) and a control group (CON), with 40 participants in each group. The TT group engaged in Tan Tui practice, while the CON group performed jogging. The intervention period was 14 weeks (3 times per week, 60 min each session). Absolute power of the alpha frequency band was assessed at baseline (pre-intervention) and after 14 weeks (post-intervention) for brain regions related to cognitive function and sensorimotor function.

(1) Absolute Brain Power: Compared to the control group, the experimental group showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in alpha band power in brain regions associated with cognitive function (prefrontal: FP1, FPz, FP2; temporal: T8, P7; occipital: O1) and sensorimotor function (posterior frontal: F7, F3, FZ; parietal: P3, P4; central: C3, CZ). Compared to pre-intervention, the experimental group showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in alpha band power after training in cognitive function (prefrontal: FPz; temporal: T7, T8, P7, P8; occipital: O1) and sensorimotor function (posterior frontal, parietal, and central lobes). (2) Brain Region Symmetry: Compared to the control group, the difference in alpha band power between the left and right hemispheres of the occipital lobe (cognitive function) and central lobe (sensorimotor function) showed significant differences (p < 0.05) after training. Compared to pre-intervention, the experimental group showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in alpha band power after training in sensorimotor function (posterior frontal and central lobes). (3) Brain Region Synergy: Compared to pre-intervention, the experimental group showed a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) in the synergy between the prefrontal and occipital lobes, and the temporal and occipital lobes, which are cognitive function brain regions. After training, there was a significant positive correlation (P < 0.05) in the synergy among sensorimotor function brain regions. Furthermore, after training, there was a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) in the synergy between different sensorimotor function brain regions (posterior frontal, parietal, central) and cognitive function-related brain regions.

A 14-week systematic traditional martial arts Tan Tui training program can significantly enhance cortical excitability, improve functional symmetry between the left and right brain hemispheres, and strengthen the synergy among multiple brain regions in obese college students. Our findings demonstrate that traditional martial arts practice induces measurable neural plasticity and improves postural control and brain function in populations. This study links Tan Tui to modern neurophysiological evidence, offering novel insights into mind–body interventions for brain health in obesity.