OBJECTIVE: To objectively evaluate the most common forms of mind body exercise (MBE) (Tai Chi, Yoga, and Qigong) on cognitive function among people with MCI.
DATA SOURCES: We searched six electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO, WanFang, Web of Science, and CNKI) from inception until September, 2018.
STUDY SELECTION: Nine randomized controlled trials and three non-randomized controlled trials were included for meta-analysis.
DATA EXTRACTION: Two researchers independently performed the literature searches, study selection, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment using the revised Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale.
DATA SYNTHESIS: The pooled effect size (standardized mean difference, SMD) was calculated while random-effect model was selected. Overall results of the meta-analysis (N = 1298 people with MCI) indicated that MBE significantly improved attention (SMD = 0.39, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.71, p = 0.02, I2 = 31.6%, N = 245), short-term memory (SMD = 0.74, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.90, p < 0.001, I2 = 0%, N = 861), executive function (SMD = -0.42, 95% CI -0.63 to -0.21, p < 0.001, I2 = 38.54%, N = 701), visual-spatial/executive function (SMD = 0.35, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.64, p < 0.05, I2 = 0%, N = 285), and global cognitive function (SMD = 0.36, 95% CI 0.2 to 0.52, p < 0.001, I2 = 15.12%, N = 902). However, the significant positive effect on cognitive processing speed was not observed following MBE interventions (SMD = 0.31, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.63, p = 0.054, I2 = 28.66%, N = 233).
CONCLUSIONS: Study findings of this meta-analysis suggest that MBE have the potential to improve various cognitive functions in people with MCI.
Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Inc.
KEYWORDS: MCI; Mind-body exercise; Qigong; Tai Chi; Yoga; mild cognitive impairment
PMID: 30986409 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2019.03.009
