Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong on cognitive and physical functions in older adults: systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of randomized clinical trials

More Than Just Movement: Exploring Embodied Group Synchrony During Seated Dance for Older Adults Living in Residential Aged Care Communities

One in six people in Australia are aged over 65, with many older adults currently living in residential aged care communities (RACC). Fostering meaningful human connection through social activities, such as dance, is imperative to maintain or improve the quality of life in these settings. Drawing from an embodied cognition framework, this mixed-methods study explored synchrony during a seated dance program with 15 older adults living in a RACC. Qualitative video content analysis was used to code movement, language and music cooccurrences, resulting in five group synchrony labels. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) was then employed to distil ten higher-order forms of embodied group synchrony. Using existing neurocognitive evidence, we detail the therapeutic and interpersonal implications of the most prominent forms of embodied group synchrony. These findings can be used to choreograph therapeutic forms of embodied group synchrony in dance programs with older adults.

Effect of berberine on cognitive function and β-amyloid precursor protein in Alzheimer's disease models: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from Berberis vulgaris, which possesses a variety of pharmacological activities. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex disease with multiple pathologic factors, with cognitive decline being the main manifestation of AD. The neuroprotective effects of berberine in animal models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been widely reported, exhibiting protective effects against risk factors associated with AD. In this study, we summarize and evaluate the effects of berberine on cognitive function and β-amyloid precursor protein in animal models of AD. Material and methods: Eligible studies were retrieved from PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases up to 1 June 2023. Risk of bias was assessed by the Systematic Review Center for Laboratory Animal Experiments (SYRCLE). Statistical analyses were performed using STATA 14.0 and Review Manger 5.4 software to calculate weighted standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), Morris water maze (MWM) test and β-amyloid precursor protein as outcome measures. Heterogeneity was tested using the I2 test. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias were also assessed. Results: 19 studies involving 360 animals met the inclusion criteria, and the results of the meta-analysis showed that berberine decreased escape latency (SMD = -2.19, 95% CI: (-2.50, -1.88), p < 0.00001), increased the number of platform crossings (SMD = 4.27, 95% CI (3.38, 5.17), p < 0.00001), time in the target quadrant (SMD = 5.92, 95% CI (4.43, 7.41), p < 0.00001) and APP expression (SMD = 0.73, 95% CI: (0.25, 1.21), p = 0.003). Conclusion: Berberine can regulate APP expression and improve cognitive function in animal models of AD, and the mechanism may be related to the involvement of berberine in APP processing and influence the expression of its related factors. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO, CRD42023437445.