All Studies · Cognition & Neurodegeneration · Liu (2026)

Liu (2026)

Moderate · Systematic Review/Meta-Analysis · Synthesis (Review/Meta-analysis)
Quality Index (Adjusted QI) 0.723
0 Low < 0.56 Moderate 0.56–0.77 High ≥ 0.78 1
Study Details
ConditionMeta-analysis: MCI, AD, PD, SCD (cognitive function)
Clinical domainCognition & Neurodegeneration
Population21 RCTs; adults with NDD or prodromal cognitive decline (MCI, SCD, AD, PD); n=22-389 per study
Sample size—
Country / SettingMultiple countries (China, USA, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan)
Protocol clusterGeneral/Varied KY
DurationN/A - Review/Meta-analysis
Control typeOther/Mixed
ComparatorN/A - Review/Meta-analysis (included studies used passive controls, active controls, non-exercise interventions)
Outcomes & Effect Sizes
Primary outcomeCognition (global, executive, memory, attention, language)
Scales usedMMSE; MoCA; TMT-A/B; Digit Span; Stroop; AVLT; Verbal Fluency; MFQ
Key resultTMBE significantly improved global cognition (MoCA MD=0.87, MMSE MD=0.65), executive function, verbal fluency; memory benefits population-dependent; KY showed unique episodic memory and subjective memory benefits
Effect sizeMoCA MD=0.87 (0.46-1.29); MMSE MD=0.65 (0.20-1.09); TMT-B MD=-1.18 (-1.70 to -0.67); Verbal fluency MD=0.36 (0.14-0.57)
RetentionN/A - systematic review/meta-analysis
SafetyNot specifically assessed in meta-analysis; TMBE described as safe and suitable for older adults
View PDF
Methodological Summary

Well-conducted meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Public Health (PubMed-indexed, IF ~5.2). PROSPERO-registered, PRISMA-compliant, Cochrane RoB 2 assessment. 21 RCTs included; random-effects models; meta-regression identified intervention duration as significant moderator. Limitations: high heterogeneity in some analyses (I²>50%), only 2 KY-specific studies among 21, most evidence from East Asian Tai Chi/Baduanjin populations. KY evidence is limited but consistent with broader TMBE findings. Authors note effect sizes may be below minimal clinically important difference thresholds.

KY Protocol Components

Systematic Review/Meta-Analysis: Traditional Mind-Body Exercises (TMBE) for cognitive function in NDD/prodromal decline DESIGN: Meta-analysis of 21 RCTs (PRISMA, PROSPERO CRD420251106629). Includes Tai Chi (k=10), Baduanjin (k=7), Yoga/KY (k=2), Wuqinxi (k=1), Ruesi Dadton (k=1). KY STUDIES INCLUDED: Kilpatrick 2023 (KY for AD, n=22), Grzenda 2025 (KY for MCI/SCD, n=79). DATABASES: PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Embase (through Oct 2025). OUTCOMES: Global cognition (MMSE, MoCA), executive function (TMT-B, Digit Span, Stroop), memory (AVLT immediate/delayed recall), attention (TMT-A, Digit Span Forward, Visual Span), language (verbal fluency). KEY FINDINGS: TMBE significantly improved global cognition (MoCA MD=0.87, p<0.001; MMSE MD=0.65, p=0.004), executive function, verbal fluency. Memory benefits varied by population (mild dementia > MCI). Longer intervention duration correlated with greater MoCA improvement. KY specifically: Kilpatrick showed protective benefits for long-term episodic memory in AD; Grzenda showed significant improvement in MFQ Factor 2 at 24 weeks. NOTE: KY represents 2 of 21 included studies; findings predominantly reflect Tai Chi and Baduanjin evidence. Relevant to KY database as comparative context for mind-body interventions in cognition.

Quality Item Scores — 1 fail · 2 partial · 3 pass · ★ critical
★A1
3
A2
3
B3
3
B4
2
★B5
2
B6
1
★B7
2
★B8
3
B9
2
JP1
3
Critical fails0
Raw QI0.800
SAF0.904
Adjusted QI0.723
Final ratingModerate