Tai chi, irisin and cognitive performance: a clinical and biological investigation in older adults

Skeletal muscle is the main source of circulating irisin, both at rest and during physical activity. Previous studies have suggested that irisin can improve cognitive abilities.

We explored whether six months of Tai Chi (TC) practice can modulate such a relationship in healthy older persons.

This is a prospective clinical study to evaluate the effects of TC practice as compared with low intensity exercise (LI) and no exercise (NE) control groups on plasmatic irisin levels and cognitive performance. Forty-two healthy older persons were stratified into three groups according to physical activities. Biochemical assay and cognitive functions were assessed at the baseline and after six months.

A significant change was found in circulating irisin levels in TC as compared with NE group (p = 0.050) across time. At six months in TC group irisin levels significantly correlated with a verbal memory test (p = 0.013) controlled by age and education.

Our results suggest the potential benefits for cognitive health of TC practice by irisin levels modulation.