Neuromuscular Balance Exercise Effects in Overweight and Obese Individuals

NCT07372157 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 130.2024fbu
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 40
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effects of adding neuromuscular balance exercises to exercise programs on functional capacity, balance, and physical fitness in individuals with obesity. Forty participants will be randomly assigned to either a control group receiving aerobic and strength training exercises or an intervention group receiving aerobic and strength training combined with neuromuscular balance exercises. Both exercise programs will be conducted three times per week for eight weeks. Functional capacity, balance, and physical fitness outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after the intervention period. The findings are expected to contribute to the integration of balance-focused exercises into rehabilitation programs for individuals with obesity.

Conditions

Overweight and Obesity

Keywords

Obesity; Exercise; Neuromuscular control; Quality of life; Postural stability

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (4)

• Dynamic Balance Performance (Four Step Square Test)

  Dynamic balance will be assessed using the Four Step Square Test, which measures the time (in seconds) required to complete a multidirectional stepping sequence.

  Baseline, at the 4th weeks and at the end of 8 weeks

• Postural Control (Functional Reach Test)

  Postural control will be evaluated using the Functional Reach Test, which measures the maximal forward reach distance (in centimeters) while maintaining a fixed base of support.

  Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8

• Walking Endurance (2-Minute Walk Test)

  Walking endurance will be assessed using the 2-Minute Walk Test, which measures the total distance walked in meters over a two-minute period.

  Baseline, at the 4th weeks and at the end of 8 weeks

• Lower Extremity Functional Strength (30-Second Chair Stand Test)

  Lower extremity functional strength will be evaluated using the 30-Second Chair Stand Test, which measures the number of full stands completed within 30 seconds.

  Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Health-Related Quality of Life Assessed by the Short Form-12 (SF-12)

  Baseline, at the 4th weeks and at the end of 8 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Control group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in the control group are individuals with obesity or overweight who receive a standardized exercise program that includes aerobic and strength training exercises. The program is performed three times per week over an eight-week period.

Behavioral: Aerobic and strength training

Intervention group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in the intervention group consist of individuals with obesity or overweight who receive the same aerobic and strength training program as the control group, with the addition of neuromuscular balance exercises. The intervention is performed three times per week for eight weeks.

Behavioral: Aerobic and strength training; Behavioral: Neuromuscular balance exercises

Interventions

Aerobic and strength training BEHAVIORAL

The aerobic and strength training program consists of supervised exercise sessions performed three days per week for eight weeks. Aerobic exercises are conducted at a moderate intensity, and strength training targets major muscle groups using body weight and resistance-based exercises. Each session is structured to include warm-up, main exercise components, and cool-down phases.

Control group; Intervention group

Neuromuscular balance exercises BEHAVIORAL

Neuromuscular balance exercises are added to the standard exercise program and are designed to improve postural control and balance. The exercises include progressive static and dynamic balance tasks and are performed three times per week for eight weeks under supervision.

Intervention group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: female
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Volunteering to participate in the study
• Having a BMI of 25-35 kg/m2
• Not having undergone any surgical operation in the last 6 months

You may not qualify if:

• Any musculoskeletal disorder or systemic disease that would prevent exercise
• Balance problems due to any disease that could prevent exercise
• Psychiatric or neurological disease affecting cooperation and cognitive functions
• Acute pain for any reason
• Chest pain
• History of myocardial infarction within the last year
• Congestive heart failure
• Patient's inability to adhere to treatment

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Marmara University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, Diabetes and Obesity Treatment Center

Istanbul, Istanbul, 34672, Turkey (Türkiye)

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Overweight; Obesity; Motor Activity

Interventions

Resistance Training

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Overnutrition; Nutrition Disorders; Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases; Body Weight; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Behavior

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Exercise Therapy; Rehabilitation; Aftercare; Continuity of Patient Care; Patient Care; Therapeutics; Physical Therapy Modalities; Physical Conditioning, Human; Exercise; Motor Activity; Movement; Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena; Musculoskeletal and Neural Physiological Phenomena

Study Officials

• Mine Gülden G Polat, PhD

  Marmara University Faculty of Health Sciences

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Ekin UĞUR CANÖZ, MSc

CONTACT

+905374525191; ekinugur@marun.edu.tr

Mine Gülden G Polat, PhD

CONTACT

+90216 777 57 00; gpolat@marmara.edu.tr

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Masking Details: This is an open-label study with no blinding of participants or investigators.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Professor of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

Model Details: Participants are randomly assigned to either a control group or an intervention group, and both groups are followed in parallel throughout the study period.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: December 18, 2025
• First Posted: January 28, 2026
• Study Start: June 15, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): June 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): June 1, 2026
• Last Updated: January 28, 2026

Record last verified: 2025-12

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)