Digital Tai Chi improves cognitive function and depressive symptoms in older adults: meta-analysis

Background and objectiveDigital Tai Chi provides an expanding platform for geriatric rehabilitation. This study employs a meta-analysis to provide a preliminary evaluation of the integrated effects of digital Tai Chi interventions on physical function, psycho-cognitive health, and quality of life in older adults, with a specific focus on how varying levels of technological interaction modulate intervention efficacy.MethodsElectronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase, were searched through January 21, 2026. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating digital Tai Chi in older adults were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the RoB 2.0 tool, and effect sizes were synthesized using a random-effects model.ResultsA total of 10 RCTs involving 907 participants were included. Meta-analysis results indicated that, in terms of psychological and cognitive outcomes, digital Tai Chi significantly improved global cognitive function (SMD = 0.64; 95% CI [0.09, 1.19]; p = 0.02) and alleviated depressive symptoms (SMD = −0.55; 95% CI [−1.03, −0.08]; p = 0.02). Notably, high-interaction technologies (e.g., AI feedback, VR) demonstrated superior effect stability in improving depression. Regarding physical function, improvements in the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) (MD = −0.63 s; 95% CI [−1.41, 0.16]; p = 0.12) and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) (MD = 0.45; 95% CI [−0.94, 1.84]; p = 0.52) did not reach statistical significance. Subgroup analysis revealed that for quality of life and physical function indicators, the effects of digital Tai Chi were highly congruent with traditional face-to-face exercise, and significant benefits were primarily derived from comparisons with passive controls (e.g., routine care). GRADE assessment indicated that the quality of evidence ranged from “very low” to “moderate.”ConclusionDigital Tai Chi demonstrate significant advantages in promoting cognitive function and mental health in older adults, with high-interaction technologies providing more stable psychological benefits. However, in the dimension of physical function remodeling, digital Tai Chi currently exhibits efficacy comparable to traditional exercise, without generating significant incremental advantages. This may be attributed to the limitations of existing technologies in providing deep proprioceptive feedback and high-precision motion correction. Future research should focus on the minimalist design of age-appropriate interfaces and develop high-precision interaction systems equipped with three-dimensional gravity and tactile feedback to overcome the “digital barriers” for older adults and enhance the precision of physiological interventions.Systematic review registrationThis systematic review and meta-analysis has been registered in PROSPERO (www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero), identifier CRD420261340491.