The Effect of Tai Chi and Therapy by Dance and Movement on Blood Irisin Levels in Older Adults Over 65 Years of Age.

Summary

The aim of this project is to estimate the effects of therapy with dance and movement and Tai Chi on irisin plasma levels, a myokine with proven neuroprotective effects, in the context of baseline levels of cognitive function and physical performance in seniors over 65 years of age.

It is empirically verified that physical activity can have a positive effect on cognitive function even in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. There may be a number of reasons why this is the case. Recently, research investigating the relationship between the secretion of certain myokines and their neuroprotective effects has gained importance. One of these myokines is irisin, which has recently been shown to have beneficial effects on the CNS by upregulating the expression of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus in an animal model. Increased irisin levels as a consequence of exercise have recently been partially demonstrated in humans. What type of physical activity is most effective in terms of its effect on cognitive function in humans is another important scientific challenge. The possibility of influencing endocrine secretion of bioactive substances with proven effects on synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis and neuroprotection through effective therapies may help to combat neurodegenerative diseases, the prevalence of which is increasing with the average age of the population. According to Alzheimer's Disease International, 50 million people worldwide were affected by some form of neurodegenerative disease in 2017. The number of people affected is still rising. It is predicted that this number will reach 75 million sufferers by 2030 (https://www.alz.co.uk/research/statistics). Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis are the two most common manifestations of neurodegenerative diseases. The effect of therapy with dance and movement and the effect of Tai Chi on blood irisin levels in the context of cognitive function and physical performance levels, has not yet been conclusively demonstrated.

Conditions

• Memory Deficits
• Aging
• Cognitive Impairment
• Physical Activity
• Mood Change

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Therapy by Dance and Movement

Therapy by dance and movement is based on the principals of movement-analysis by Rudolf Laban and Irmgard Bartenieff. Participants will attend sessions twice a week (90 minutes each) for the duration of three months.

BEHAVIORAL

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is based on somatic approach. Participants will attend sessions twice a week (90 minutes each) for the duration of three months.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University Hospital Vinohrady

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Faculty of Physical Education and Sport

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Charles University, Czech Republic

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

65 Years

Max Age

80 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2021-08-01

Primary Completion

2023-01-30

Completion

2023-01-30

Countries

• Czechia

Study Locations