Tai Chi Chuan Alters Brain Functional Network Plasticity and Promotes Cognitive Flexibility

This study explored how an 8-week Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) intervention influences brain functional network plasticity and cognitive flexibility in healthy adults. Compared to aerobic exercise and a control group, TCC significantly improved brain network specialization, increasing local efficiency and nodal clustering in regions like the thalamus and cingulate gyrus. These neural changes correlated with better cognitive flexibility, highlighting TCC's potential to enhance mental agility by strengthening brain connectivity and regional efficiency. Findings suggest TCC as a valuable mind-body practice to improve cognitive function and support brain health, though larger studies are needed.

Engage in Tai Chi Chuan three times a week for 50-minute sessions to improve cognitive flexibility and brain network efficiency. This practice benefits regions associated with attention, memory, and adaptability. While the results are promising, this study's small sample size and limited duration suggest more research is needed. TCC's focus on mindful movement and coordination makes it a practical and safe option for enhancing mental agility.