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Acute Effect of Exergaming Based Sitting Tai Chi

Sponsor: Hong Kong Metropolitan University • ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT07546916

Registry updated: 2026-09-21

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Description

This study examines whether a single session of exergaming-based seated Tai Chi can acutely improve working memory, executive function, and prefrontal cortical efficiency in younger and older adults, compared with seated stretching. Using a within-subject crossover design, 40 participants aged 18-30 years and 60-75 years will complete both conditions in counterbalanced order on separate days. Cognitive performance will be assessed with Flanker and n-back tasks, while prefrontal activity will be recorded with fNIRS over the dorsolateral, ventrolateral, and frontopolar prefrontal cortex. Neural efficiency will be estimated by integrating task performance with task-evoked oxygenated hemoglobin responses. The Tai Chi intervention is a 40-minute seated, exergame-guided 12-form routine preceded and followed by brief warm-up and cool-down periods. The control condition is a time-matched seated stretching programme without Tai Chi-specific movements or game feedback. Both conditions will be delivered at light-to-moderate intensity and supervised for safety and adherence. The study tests whether acute exergaming-based seated Tai Chi produces greater post-intervention improvements in cognitive performance and more efficient prefrontal activation than stretching, and whether these effects differ by age group. Findings may clarify how a feasible seated mind-body exergame influences acute cognitive and neural responses across the adult lifespan.

Interventions

Exergaming based sitting Tai Chi (Behavioral)
An acute exergaming-based seated Tai Chi protocol will be adapted from a newly developed 12-week training programme by our team, and will be further aligned with acute Tai Chi session parameters reported by a previous Tai Chi study, including comparable total duration, work-rest structure, and target light-to-moderate intensity. Participants will perform upper-limb and trunk movements derived from traditional Tai Chi forms, adapted for a seated posture and integrated into an interactive exergame environment that provides visual feedback and performance scoring to enhance engagement and standardize practice. Movements will be paced using on-screen cues and visual and auditory signals to control tempo across participants.
Seated Stretching (Behavioral)
In the seated stretching condition, participants will complete a series of structured, low-intensity exercise program that would contain comparable social interaction and enjoyment without providing any strength and balance training benefits of Tai Chi. This will match in overall duration and approximate movement amplitude to the Tai Chi sequence but without game-based feedback or Tai Chi-specific components.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria: * Are aged 18-30 years (young adult group) or 60-75 years (older adults) * Have no current regular participation (e.g., ≥1 session/week) in Tai Chi, martial arts, or other mind-body exercise (e.g., yoga or qigong) in the last 3-6 months * Have no self-reported or clinically documented history of mild cognitive impairment, dementia, or other neurological (e.g., stroke) or psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia) known to affect cognition * Score within the normal range on the Hong Kong version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (HK-MoCA) based on established age- and education-adjusted cutoffs * Are medically stable, with or without controlled chronic conditions (e.g., controlled hypertension or diabetes) * Are able to tolerate light-to-moderate seated exercise (Chinese version of Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire score = 0) * Have no significant sensory impairment (e.g., vision) not corrected by assistive devices (e.g., glasses) * Are not engaged in regular structured exercise involving moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (e.g., brisk walking, running, or racquet sports) more than two times per week over the preceding three months * Are able to communicate in Chinese (Moved from Exclusion for clarity) Exclusion Criteria: * Have medical conditions that may interfere with safe participation, including pacemaker implantation or prosthetic devices * Have serious orthopedic or cardiovascular disorders that could affect participation in exergaming training * Have significant motor or balance impairment that would prevent performing basic seated arm and trunk movements * Are currently undergoing other clinical trials or structured exercise or cognitive training programmes \>2 times/week during the preceding three months

Conditions

Healthy

Locations

Exergaming Research Centre, Hong Kong Metropolitan University — Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Exergaming Research Centre, Hong Kong Metropolitan University — Ho Man Tin, Hong Kong

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Official Source

Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov, a service of the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

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