The selective cognitive benefits of long-term Tai Chi practice on executive function of students: a study on young adults

Darrin, Sime Nkemeni; Hao, Hong; Long, Cheng; Duangchit, Chanthavone; Fangfang, Xu; Tiegang, Zhang · 2026 · DOAJ

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1702253

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Summary

This study investigates the specific cognitive effects of long-term Tai Chi practice on the executive functions of young adults, addressing a gap in research regarding the long-term impacts of this mind-body exercise. While previous studies have documented short-term benefits or produced mixed results, this research aims to determine whether years of practice selectively enhance specific domains of executive function—namely inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. The authors hypothesized that long-term practitioners would demonstrate superior performance in these areas compared to non-practitioners. The study employed a comparative design involving 21 young adult students with an average of 2.7 years of Tai Chi experience and 24 non-Tai Chi students matched for age and gender. Participants were recruited from Henan University and assessed using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function–Adult Version (BRIEF-A) for self-reported executive function and three computer-based neuropsychological tasks: the Flanker task (inhibitory control), the More-Odd Shift Task (cognitive flexibility), and the N-back task (working memory). Physical activity levels were verified using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form, confirming that the Tai Chi group engaged in significantly higher levels of physical activity. Statistical analyses, including independent samples t-tests, were conducted to compare mean differences between the groups. The results revealed that long-term Tai Chi practice selectively enhances specific executive functions. Tai Chi students demonstrated significantly superior inhibitory control and working memory compared to non-students, as evidenced by both BRIEF-A scores and performance on the N-back task. However, no significant difference was found in cognitive flexibility. The authors attribute this lack of improvement in flexibility to the repetitive, routine nature of Tai Chi movements, which may foster automatic reflexes rather than adaptive strategy shifts. Additionally, gender-specific analyses indicated that Tai Chi practice improved emotional control and working memory in female practitioners, while enhancing task initiation in male practitioners. Overall, the Tai Chi group reported significantly better performance on global executive composite scores. The findings challenge the assumption that Tai Chi uniformly enhances all aspects of cognitive function, highlighting instead its selective benefits for inhibition and working memory. The authors suggest that these improvements stem from the integration of physical movement, cognitive engagement, and mindfulness through rhythmic breathing, which promotes mental clarity and attentional discipline. These results imply that Tai Chi can serve as a targeted intervention for enhancing specific cognitive domains in young adults. The study underscores the need for further research into the mechanisms underlying these selective enhancements to optimize Tai Chi practices for broader cognitive health applications.

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• executive function