The neural mechanisms underlying Tai Chi–induced neural structural remodeling and functional optimization

Abstract

Abstract: Tai Chi, as a traditional mind–body intervention integrating physical movement with mental

regulation, exhibits comprehensive benefits distinct from those of single-form aerobic or resistance

training. Through the coordinated effects of gentle movements, controlled breathing, and focused attention,

Tai Chi demonstrates multifaceted advantages for physical and psychological health. Research has shown

that Tai Chi not only enhances balance and motor performance but also improves cognitive function and

emotional regulation. Its neurobiological mechanisms involve structural remodeling of brain regions,

alterations in neural electrophysiological activity, and consequent functional optimization. At the neural

structural level, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have revealed that adults who practice Tai Chi

regularly exhibit greater gray matter volume and cortical thickness in key regions such as the prefrontal

cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum. These areas play central roles in executive function, learning and

memory, and motor coordination, and their structural preservation contributes to delaying age-related

neurodegenerative changes. In addition, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) findings indicate that Tai Chi

practice enhances white matter integrity between the frontal and hippocampal regions, thereby improving

the efficiency of neural signal transmission — an effect closely associated with sustained attention and

memory retention. At the functional network level, randomized controlled trials have shown that 12 weeks

of Tai Chi training significantly reduced the structural–functional coupling of the frontoparietal network

in individuals with subclinical depression, enhancing local efficiency in the prefrontal cortex and cingulate

gyrus — changes highly correlated with the alleviation of depressive symptoms. However, structural

remodeling alone cannot fully explain behavioral improvements; electrophysiological studies provide

critical evidence for the transformation between structure and function. EEG-based experiments have

shown that Tai Chi significantly modulates frontal theta, alpha, and beta band activity, corresponding

respectively to neural mechanisms of attention, relaxed alertness, and executive control. After 12 weeks of

24-form Tai Chi training, college students demonstrated shorter reaction times and higher accuracy in the

Stroop conflict task, accompanied by enhanced frontal theta/alpha/beta power, suggesting improved

prefrontal processing efficiency. Event-related potential (ERP) studies further support these findings:

long-term Tai Chi practitioners maintain stronger inhibitory control under negative emotional stimuli, as

reflected by enhanced N2 and P3 components in frontal ERP, indicating improved allocation of attentional

resources. These results suggest that Tai Chi enhances neural network processing efficiency, enabling

individuals to perform higher-level cognitive tasks with lower energy expenditure. In recent years, multiple

empirical studies and meta-analyses have consistently demonstrated that Tai Chi, as a mind – body

integrative exercise, exerts broad and significant effects across cognitive, emotional, and motor domains.

For individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Tai Chi training significantly improves key

cognitive assessment scores, such as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Mini-Mental

State Examination (MMSE), with particularly notable improvements in executive function and attentional

control. This indicates that Tai Chi not only has the potential to slow cognitive decline but may also

enhance information processing and regulatory capacity in complex tasks through remodeling of

prefrontal-related networks. In studies of healthy young adults, Tai Chi forms such as the “Eight Methods

and Five Steps” have been shown to systematically improve the three core components of executive

function — updating, shifting, and inhibition. These improvements are not only reflected in behavioral

performance but also align with increased efficiency of prefrontal functional networks, providing direct

neural evidence for the “exercise–cognition improvement” relationship. In the domain of emotional

regulation, Tai Chi’s effects have also received extensive attention. Research indicates that Tai Chi can

significantly reduce depression and anxiety levels by enhancing the connectivity efficiency of the

prefrontal–cingulate network. Compared with traditional single-mode physical exercises, the strength of

Tai Chi lies in its integrated training model combining movement, breathing, and mindfulness, which

strengthens prefrontal regulation over the limbic system. This allows individuals to maintain higher

cognitive inhibition and emotional control when facing negative stimuli. The close link between neural

network optimization and emotional improvement further underscores Tai Chi’s value as a holistic mind

–body practice for mental health promotion. Regarding motor function, numerous systematic reviews and

randomized controlled trials have confirmed that Tai Chi effectively improves balance and significantly

reduces fall risk among older adults. The potential mechanism may involve adaptive modulation of the

cerebellar – vestibular system and enhanced sensory – motor cortical integration. Through training in

postural control, weight shifting, and lower-limb stability, Tai Chi helps older adults maintain better motor

coordination and safety in complex environments, providing a low-risk, high-benefit approach for fall

prevention and rehabilitation. In summary, Tai Chi promotes health through a multilayered “ neural

structure–electrophysiology–function” pathway: increased gray matter volume, improved white matter

integrity, and optimized network topology establish the anatomical foundation; enhanced frontal EEG and

ERP activities reflect greater neural efficiency; and these culminate in improved cognition, emotional

regulation, and motor function. Together, these findings reveal the neurobiological mechanisms underlying

Tai Chi’s role in promoting brain health and development, offering theoretical support for its application in

clinical rehabilitation and public health. Future studies should integrate multimodal imaging,

electrophysiological, and biochemical indicators, and employ long-term follow-up and dose– response

designs to further elucidate Tai Chi’s neural effects across populations and health conditions.