NCT01340365

Tai Chi, Physiologic Complexity, and Healthy Aging

• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 2
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (actual)
• Sponsor: Harvard University Faculty of Medicine · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 50 Years – 79 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

To evaluate the effects of Tai Chi-a mind-body exercise--on age-related loss of physiological complexity (using fractal and entropy based measures), and to understand the relationship between complexity, function and adaptability, we will conduct a two-arm prospective randomized clinical trial. Our overarching goal is to evaluate if six months of Tai Chi training, compared to a waitlist control receiving standard medical care, can enhance physiological complexity and adaptability in older Tai Chi-naïve adults. Secondary goals of the study are to characterize the relationship between complexity biomarkers, measures of function, and resilience. This pilot study will inform a future more definitive trial by providing information on recruitment and retention, compliance, dose-dependent effects, preliminary estimates of effect size, and the optimal biomarkers of complexity, function, and adaptive capacity.

Detailed description

Specific Aim #1: To determine if 6 months of Tai Chi training can increase complexity, function, and adaptive capacity of multiple physiological systems in older healthy adults. Specific Aim #2: To determine the relationships between biomarkers of physiological complexity, conventional measures of function and adaptive capacity. Statistical regression models will be used to determine relationships, both at baseline and overtime, between a) complexity biomarkers and measures of physical and cognitive function, and b) complexity biomarkers and adaptive capacity. Elucidating these relationships will further inform the interpretation of complexity biomarkers and provide insights into underlying component mechanisms contributing to complex physiological dynamics.

Conditions

• Healthy Aging

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Tai Chi Exercise	Practicing Tai Chi exercise 4 times a week for 6 months - twice in a classroom and twice independently
BEHAVIORAL	Tai Chi	Usual care, individuals attend testing sessions for 6 months with testing at times 0, 3, and 6 months. Individuals in Usual Care receive 3 months of Tai Chi at the study end.

Timeline

• Start date: 2011-03-01
• Primary completion: 2013-10-01
• Completion: 2013-10-01
• First posted: 2011-04-22
• Last updated: 2013-11-28

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States