Walking patterns and cognitive performance in Tai Chi experts: Exploring the connection to motor control

Purpose. Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art known for its physical and mental health benefits. This study explores the potential of Tai Chi to improve motor abilities and cognitive functions, with particular attention to the integration between movement and executive control processes. Given its emphasis on controlled, deliberate movements coordinated with attention and breath, Tai Chi may foster a deeper awareness of body mechanics and enhance neurocognitive functioning. Methods. We enrolled a group of individuals who regularly practiced Tai Chi and a control group of healthy individuals with no prior Tai Chi experience or involvement in comparable mind-body practices. Gait was assessed using the harmonic ratio, a widely recognized measure of movement smoothness, stability, and motor control ability derived from trunk acceleration during walking. Participants’ cognitive condition was evaluated using a battery of standardized assessments targeting domains such as executive functioning, attention, and working memory, alongside self-report measures capturing perceived cognitive performance and daily functioning. Results. The results revealed lower harmonic ratio values (i.e., higher motor control) in Tai Chi practitioners compared to the healthy controls. The enhanced motor ability observed in the Tai Chi group may be attributed to the attentional focus operated on movement through the practice, which promotes enhanced cognitive-motor integration. These findings suggest that Tai Chi may lead to measurable changes in neuromuscular coordination. Conclusions. Furthermore, the study demonstrated a positive correlation between harmonic ratio values and executive functions’ scores in the Tai Chi group, supporting the hypothesis that regular Tai Chi practice contributes to improved cognitive efficiency and sensorimotor performance