Whether you are a student looking for an academic edge or a member of the general public seeking better mental clarity, these findings prove that Tai Chi is a sophisticated "moving meditation" that strengthens the mind from the inside out.
At Wulong Tai Chi Kung Fu, know our practice is about much more than physical movement; it is a profound discipline for the mind. A newly released research study provides exciting evidence for what our students experience in every class: Tai Chi is a powerful tool for enhancing cognitive health and executive function.
Published on 9 January 2026, in Frontiers in Psychology, this study investigated the cognitive effects of long-term Tai Chi practice on young adults.
Researchers compared a group of students with an average of 2.7 years of Tai Chi experience against a control group of non-practitioners. The study used a "multi-faceted approach," combining multiple tests and tasks to measure core executive functions.
The research specifically targeted "Executive Function"— the higher-order mental processes that allow us to focus, plan, and manage information.
The study revealed that long-term Tai Chi practice selectively enhances specific cognitive functions, particularly inhibitory control and working memory. The findings highlight three major areas where Tai Chi practitioners demonstrated a "cognitive edge":
Superior Inhibitory Control: Practitioners were significantly faster and more efficient at filtering out distractions. This "attentional discipline" means you can better suppress irrelevant information to focus on the task at hand.
Enhanced Working Memory: Tai Chi students showed higher accuracy in tasks requiring them to hold and update information. The study attributes this to Tai Chi’s "dual-task" nature—the challenge of coordinating intricate movements while maintaining mental focus.
Improved Emotional Control: Female practitioners, in particular, reported significantly fewer difficulties with emotional regulation. The combination of rhythmic breathing and mindfulness fosters a state of "calm endurance" that reduces stress and anxiety.
For our Wulong community, this research is a powerful validation of your dedication. When you practice your forms, you aren't just moving your body; you are training your brain to manage complexity, resist distractions, and remain emotionally balanced.
Read the research published 09 January 2026 here: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1702253
If you are looking for a program to support your health, try a Wulong class today. Click here to see all our class locations and timings. https://www.wulongtaichi.com.au/tai-chi-classes