目的：太極拳為東方老年人經常從事的運動模式，研究已顯示太極拳能改善老年人之平衡與體適 能，但太極拳是否能改善老年人之認知功能則尚未有統合分析之研究。本研究以系統性回顧及 統合分析探討太極拳運動對於老年人認知功能表現之效益。方法：作者於MEDLINE、PubMed、 CINAHL、CENTRAL、PsycINFO ' SPORTDiscus、思博網 CEPS 中文期刊等資料庫’以Tai Chi、 cognition、太極拳及認知功能等相關詞搜尋西元2012年7月以前的論文。論文選擇條件為受試者年 齡65歲以上及研究設計需有太極拳運動介入。再利用人工篩選方式挑選合適的單一實驗組前後測 試驗及皮卓量表（Physiotherapy Evidence Database, PEDro Scale )評分s4分之隨機對照試驗，進行 統合分析。結果：共納入4篇隨機對照試驗及1篇單一實驗組前後測試驗作分析。統計結果顯示： 對健康老年人介入至少連續10週，對輕度認知功能障礙老年人介入至少連續12週，每週至少3 次、每次至少30分鐘的太極拳運動，可以有效促進其認知功能表現（p<0.05)。太極拳尤其對於改 善老年人在認知功能測試中之語言流暢度測試（p=0.007 )、路徑描繪測試A部分（p=0.02)及數字記 憶廣度逆序背誦測試（P=0.05 )表現有顯著效益，顯示太極拳能改善老年人與工作記憶相關的語言 功能、執行功能及記憶功能。結論：連續至少10週、每週至少3次、每次至少30分鐘之規律太極 拳運動可以有效促進老年人的認知功能表現。（物理治療2012;37(4):347-358 )

Background and Purpose: Practicing Tai Chi Chuan, a common traditional exercise in the Eastern aging community, has been proven to be effective in improving physical fitness and balance ability of older adults. However, no meta-analysis has been done to investigate effects of Tai Chi Chuan on cognitive functions in this population. Therefore, the present study used systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of Tai Chi Chuan on cognitive function for older adults. Methods: A systematic search of literature published before July 2012 in the MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, CEPS databases was performed. The key words used for literature search included Tai Chi, Tai Chi Chuan, cognition, and cognitive function. The literature inclusion criteria were that the study participants had to be at least 65 years old and that the exercise intervention was Tai Chi Chuan for the experimental group. All included articles were rated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Results: Four randomized controlled trials (PEDro score >4) and one single group pretest-posttest design study were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that practicing Tai Chi Chuan at least 3 sessions per week, 30 minutes per session, for a minimum of 10 weeks for healthy older adults, or for a minimum of 12 weeks for older adults with mild cognitive impairment could significantly improve their cognitive functions (/7<0.05). The training effects were manifested in verbal fluency (p=0.007), Trail Making Test Part A (p=0.02) and digit backward span (p=0.05) tests, suggesting that practicing Tai Chi Chuan has positive effects on working memory-related cognitive functions, including language, executive, and memory function. Conclusion: Engaging in regular Tai Chi Chuan exercise practice for 3 times per week, 30 minutes each time, and a minimum of 10 weeks has beneficial effects on cognitive functions for older adults. (FJPT 2012;37(4):347-358)