Effects Of Baduanjin Exercise And Baduanjin Imagery On Cognitive Function In The Elderly

Objective:Currently,the aging of our population is increasing and the health problems of the elderly are becoming more and more prominent.Cognitive function is an important factor in ensuring the quality of life of the elderly.The actual exercise or motor imagery can improve the cognitive function of people.To help the elderly cope with cognitive aging positively,this study compares and analyzes the effects of Baduanjin exercise and Baduanjin imagery on the improvement of the cognitive function of the elderly and their neural mechanisms.And this study aims to provide a simple and effective way for the elderly to improve their cognition and contribute to the development of healthy aging in China.Methods:The elderly participants who had been performing Baduanjin exercises for a long time were recruited from the Qigong Association of Huaiyin District,Jinan City,Shandong Province,and the Qigong Team of Retired Faculty and Staff of Shandong University.72 participants with a mean age of 66.92±4.77 years who met the criteria were finally included.The participants were randomly assigned to the Baduanjin exercise group(n=25),the Baduanjin imagery group(n=24),and the control group(n=23).The behavioral performance of participants’ cognitive function was assessed using the Stroop task with outcome metrics including correct rate(AC C)and reaction time(RT),and participants’ prefrontal cortex(PFC)hemodynamic responses was monitored using the functional near-infrared spectroscopy(fNIRS),reflecting participants’ brain activation by oxyhemoglobin(oxy-Hb)concentrations.Results:(1)For the RT of Stroop incongruent tasks,the interaction effect between the test phase and group(p<0.001)were all significant.The simple effect analysis further demonstrated that the RT of the Baduanjin exercise group and Baduanjin imagery group in the post-test was faster than that in the pre-test(ps<0.001).(2)Analysis of fNIRS data showed a significant interaction effect(p=0.013)between the test phase and group in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex(L-DLPFC).Further analysis showed that,during the post-test cognitive tasks,the oxy-Hb variations were significantly higher in participants in both the Baduanjin exercise group(p=0.002)and Baduanjin imagery group(p=0.005)than in the control group;In addition,for the right inferior frontal gyrus(R-IFG),the interaction between the time and group was significant(p=0.044).Further analysis showed that,during the post-test cognitive tasks,the oxy-Hb variations were significantly higher in participants of the Baduanjin imagery group than in the control group(p<0.001),whereas there was no difference in oxy-Hb concentrations between participants in the Baduanjin exercise group and the control group(p=0.075).Conclusion:(1)Both the Baduanjin exercise and the imagery can improve their cognitive reaction speed,and enhance their cognitive control ability.(2)Both the Baduanjin exercise and Baduanjin motor imagery can activate the L-DLPFC,and the Baduanjin imagery can also activate the R-IFG.(3)Not only does the actual Baduanjin exercise,but also the Baduanjin imagery has a positive effect on the level of cognitive function in the elderly.The Baduanjin imagery can be used as a convenient and safe intervention to improve cognitive function in the elderly.It provides power to the development of healthy aging.