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.
Age range
55 Years
Sex
ALL
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Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Chronic Change in Resting Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure (BP)
Timeframe: Chronic changes in RSBP and RDBP will be calculated as the resting BP at Visit 6 in week 15 (pre-sham control session in Control and MRI Visit B) minus resting BP measured at Visit 4 or 5 in week 2 (pre-sham control session in Control and MRI Visit A).
Chronic Change in Ambulatory Blood Pressure (BP)
Timeframe: Chronic changes in ASBP and ADBP will be calculated as ambulatory BP measured at Visit 6 in week 15 (Control and MRI Visit B) minus the ambulatory BP measured at Visit 4 or 5 in week 2 (Control and MRI Visit A).
Chronic Change in the Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT)
Timeframe: Chronic Change in the SCWT will be calculated as SCWT measured at Visit 7 in week 15 (pre-Tai Chi session in the Acute Exercise Visit B) minus the SCWT measured at Visit 4 or 5 in week 2 (pre-Tai Chi session in the Acute Exercise Visit A).
Chronic Change in the Letter and Category Fluency Test (LCFT)
Timeframe: Chronic Change in the LCFT will be calculated as the LCFT measured at Visit 7 in week 15 (pre-Tai Chi session in the Acute Exercise Visit B) minus the LCFT measured at Visit 4 or 5 in week 2 (pre-Tai Chi session in the Acute Exercise Visit A).
Chronic Change in the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT)
Timeframe: Chronic change in the HVLT will be calculated as the HVLT measured at Visit 6 in week 15 (pre-sham control session in Control and MRI Visit B) minus the HVLT measured at Visit 4 or 5 in week 2 (pre-sham control session in Control and MRI Visit A).
Chronic Change in the Trial Making Test A and B (TMT)
Timeframe: Chronic change in the TMT will be calculated as the TMT measured at Visit 6 in week 15 (pre-sham control session in Control and MRI Visit B) minus the TMT measured at Visit 4 or 5 in week 2 (pre-sham control session in Control and MRI Visit A).
Chronic Change in the Computerized California Assessment Package-Abbreviated Version (CalCAP)
Timeframe: Chronic change in the CalCAP will be calculated as the CalCAP measured at Visit 6 in week 15 (pre-sham control session in Control and MRI Visit B) minus the CalCAP measured at Visit 4 or 5 in week 2 (pre-sham control session in Control and MRI Visit A).
Chronic Change in the NIH Toolbox Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention Test (FLANKER)
Timeframe: Chronic change in the FLANKER will be calculated as FLANKER measured at Visit 6 in week 15 (pre-sham control session in Control and MRI Visit B) minus the FLANKER measured at Visit 4 or 5 in week 2 (pre-sham control session in Control and MRI Visit A).
Chronic Change in Brain Structure and Function measured by Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scans (MRI)
Timeframe: Chronic Change in MRI will be calculated as MRI obtained at Visit 6 in week 15 (Control and MRI Visit B) minus MRI obtained at Visit 4 or 5 in week 1 (Control and MRI Visit A).