The Influence of Tai Chi Practice on Blood Pressure and Brain Health Among Older Adults with Hypertension (ACTION)

Summary

High blood pressure and poor cognitive function are two common health problems among older adults in the United States. They are also closely related because high blood pressure may lead to negative changes in brain structure and function such as poor brain blood flow that can cause poor cognitive function. Executive function is one type of cognitive function that let people plan and perform difficult tasks. It is commonly damaged by high blood pressure. It is also very important for older adults because they need good executive function to live on their own. Tai Chi is a good exercise option for older adults because it is safe, fun, and social. Research studies show that Tai Chi can reduce blood pressure and improve cognitive function, especially executive function. However, researchers do know if these heart and brain health benefits of Tai Chi are connected.

In the ACTION study, researchers will first measure how a single session of Tai Chi followed by a 12-week online Tai Chi program with easy movements changes blood pressure and cognitive function, focusing on executive function. Then, researchers will test if these changes in heart and brain health are connected, and if they are connected through the changes in brain structure and function. Both the single session and 12-week online Tai Chi program will be practiced by a group of older adults with high blood pressure and normal cognitive function. They will be new to Tai Chi and not exercising regularly.

The hypotheses of the ACTION study are that practicing Tai Chi is good for the heart and brain of older adults with high blood pressure. Specifically, relaxing Tai Chi with gentle movements will reduce blood pressure, and thereby improve cognitive function, particularly executive function.

Conditions

• Hypertension
• Cognitive Decline

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Tai Chi

Participants in the Tai Chi group will practice a Yang style, 8-form Tai Chi routine. Specifically, the routine will incorporate slow, deep breathing and mental relaxation by utilizing Tai Chi movements which: 1) are slow and smooth; 2) without break or pause; and 3) have minimal muscular force and exertion. In addition, investigators will emphasize the breathing techniques of Tai Chi exercise. Investigators will adopt methods of progression to enable the participants learn and safely adapt to the Tai Chi routine and improve skills of practicing, specifically: 1) Tai Chi forms will be taught one at a time; 2) participants will receive instructional videos with step-by-step instructions of how to perform the new Tai Chi form that has been taught in the live online Tai Chi exercise session. Participants will be encouraged to practice Tai Chi offline between live online Tai Chi exercise sessions; however, no time requirement will be proposed.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Connecticut

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Linda S Pescatello, PhD · University of Connecticut

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

55 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2021-06-01

Primary Completion

2023-06-30

Completion

2025-12-31

Countries

• United States

Study Locations