TITLE:
The Association between Tai Chi Level and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function Adult-Version: Exploring the Benefits of Tai Chi on Executive Functions
AUTHORS:
Darrin Sime Nkemeni, Hao Hong, Duangchit Chanthavone
KEYWORDS:
Executive Function, Inhibition, Tai Chi, College Student, Physical Health
JOURNAL NAME:
Psychology,
Vol.16 No.2,
February
11,
2025
ABSTRACT: This study uses the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Version (BRIEF-A) to explore the link between Tai Chi and executive function in young adults. The results reveal an unexpected finding: elite Tai Chi practitioners, known for their high physical coordination, perform worse on inhibition tasks. This suggests that achieving motor automaticity may influence cognitive processing. As these individuals develop instinctive skills, their cognitive resources might be diverted, leading to reduced inhibitory control during simultaneous cognitive tasks. In the second phase of the study, broader cognitive benefits associated with regular Tai Chi practice are identified, including improvements in emotional control, working memory, and organizational skills. Overall, these findings show that Tai Chi promotes physical health and aids emotional regulation. This research adds to the growing literature on the positive effects of Tai Chi on cognitive functions and highlights potential applications in various settings. It aims to provide further evidence of Tai Chi’s benefits in academic environments, enhancing physical fitness, cognitive abilities, and emotional well-being among diverse adult groups.