Effect of Tai Chi and Multimodal Exercise in Overweight and Obese Women

NCT07536893 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: E-60116787-020-643319
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 75
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Obesity is a health problem that results from the interaction of genetic, socio-economic, and socio-cultural factors, leading to excessive accumulation of body fat that harms the body and poses a risk to health. Excess weight and obesity negatively affect the musculoskeletal system, leading to limitations associated with physical functionality. In overweight and obese individuals, the musculoskeletal system experiences increased stress on bones, joints, and soft tissues. This causes balance and gait disorders, frequently leading to injuries from falls. Regular exercise is known to play a significant role in regulating energy balance, reducing the risk of obesity-related health problems, and decreasing the morbidity and mortality associated with these problems. However, while the literature shows numerous weight-focused studies on excess weight and obesity, intervention and comparative studies aimed at improving balance ability as a primary goal affecting an individual's physical mobility are limited. Furthermore, studies examining the effects of tai chi and multimodal exercise training on overweight and obese individuals are also limited. In the present study, it is aimed to examine the effects of a 10-week Tai Chi and Multimodal exercise program on balance in overweight and obese women, and to compare the effectiveness of Tai Chi and Multimodal exercises. This study shows that a 10-week Tai Chi and Multimodal exercise program significantly improves balance parameters and can be used to enhance balance ability without posing any risks. The results of this study can guide the development of exercise programs to be used in the treatment of obesity and provide a scientific basis for creating more effective and sustainable rehabilitation strategies in the long term.

Conditions

Overweight and Obesity

Keywords

Multimodal exercise; Tai chi exercise; Balance; Women; Overweight and obesity; Exercise programs; Balance exercises

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (5)

• Timed Up and Go (TUG) test time

  The test used a chair approximately 45 cm high. Participants were asked to stand up from the chair, walk 3 meters at a comfortable pace, pass and turn around a marker on the floor, walk back to the chair, and sit down. A time taken to complete the test of ≥13.5 seconds indicates individuals at high risk of falling. A shorter time indicates better functional performance. The test was administered twice and the best performance was accepted as the final result.

  Baseline, end of intervention (10 weeks)

• Single-leg stance test time

  For the test, the person is asked to balance on one leg, and the time they maintain their balance is recorded in seconds.The test involved standing on one leg for 60 seconds; the test was terminated if there was any swaying from side to side, loss of balance, or the foot touching the ground. The test was repeated twice for each extremity. The highest score was considered the best result.

  Baseline and end of intervention (10 weeks)

• Y-Balance Test

  The test area was created by attaching a measuring tape to a flat surface. Participants were asked to stand on one leg at the midpoint of the test setup (the setup created with the measuring tape), with their hands placed on their iliac crests, without shoes. They were instructed to maintain balance and touch the tip of their toe to the maximum distance without lifting the heel of their foot from the ground, moving anteriorly, posteromedially, and posterolaterally with the other leg. If the hands left the iliac crests or balance was lost during the test, the test was terminated and repeated. To eliminate the learning effect, participants were allowed to try the test four times in each direction before evaluation. The test was repeated three times in each direction and applied to both lower extremities. The distance reached with the toes was recorded in centimeters using the measuring tape.

  Baseline and end of intervention (10 weeks)

• Five Times Sit to Stand Test

  The 5-repetition sit-up test is used to assess fall risk, endurance, and functional strength. Participants were instructed to cross their arms over their chest and stand up fully and then sit down fully again as quickly as possible, five times. The test was administered twice. The test result was recorded in seconds (s). The participant's best performance (shortest time) was considered the test result.

  Baseline and end of intervention (10 weeks)

• Four Square Step Test (FSST)

  This functional task and cognitive function test assesses dynamic balance ability. Four squares are created on a flat surface using tape. The squares are numbered 1-2-3-4. Before the test begins, the participant is instructed to lift their foot as quickly as possible, step without touching the tape, and ensure both feet touch the ground in each square. The participant is given one attempt to remember the sequence. The test is repeated if the participant fails to complete the sequence successfully, loses balance, or touches the tape. The test time starts when the participant's first foot touches the second square and ends when the last foot touches the first square. The test result is recorded in seconds (s).

  Baseline and end of intervention (10 weeks)

Secondary Outcomes (5)

• Body Mass Index

  Baseline and end of intervention (10 weeks)

• Waist Circumference

  Baseline and end of intervention (10 weeks)

• Leg Length

  Baseline and end of intervention (10 weeks)

• Rate of Perceived Exertion (Borg RPE 15)

  Baseline and end of intervention (10 weeks)

• Exercise Diary

  After each exercise session (for 10 weeks)

Study Arms (3)

Tai chi group (TCG)

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants followed an exercise program for 10 weeks, 2 days a week, lasting 45-60 minutes each time. The movements were primarily slow, fluid, and continuous, performed mainly in a semi-squat position. The Tai chi exercise program consisted of a 10-minute warm-up, Tai chi exercises, and a 10-minute cool-down period.

Other: Tai chi exercise

Multimodal group (MMG)

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants followed an exercise program for 10 weeks, 2 days a week, lasting 45-60 minutes each time. Exercise included aerobic, strength, balance, and flexibility activities. The multimodal exercise program consisted of a 10-minute warm-up, multimodal exercises, and a 10-minute cool-down period.

Other: Multimodal Exercise

Control group (CG)

NO INTERVENTION

The control group received no intervention and participants were asked to continue their daily routines.

Interventions

Multimodal Exercise OTHER

The 10-week program aimed to improve balance skills. Exercise intensity was adjusted using the Borg Perceived Exertion Rating scale. Multimodal exercise included aerobic, strength, balance, and flexibility activities. Exercise interventions were conducted in standing, sitting, and supine positions. Exercise programs were conducted in groups and the difficulty level was gradually increased.

Multimodal group (MMG)

Tai chi exercise OTHER

The 10-week program aimed to improve balance skills. Exercise intensity was adjusted using the Borg Perceived Exertion Rating scale. Tai chi exercise; involved movements performed slowly, fluidly, and continuously, primarily in a semi-squat position. Intervention was conducted in a standing position. Exercise programs were conducted in groups and the difficulty level was gradually increased.

Tai chi group (TCG)

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 60 Years
• Sex: female
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m².
• Being between 18-60 years old.
• Willingness to participate.

You may not qualify if:

• Conditions that prevent exercise training; cognitive impairment, musculoskeletal or neuromuscular disorders.
• Pregnancy.
• Using medications that affect bone metabolism.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Pamukkale University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Pamukkale University, Faculty of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

Denizli, Denizli, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Overweight; Obesity

Interventions

Aquatic Therapy

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

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

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Hydrotherapy; Physical Therapy Modalities; Therapeutics; Rehabilitation

Study Officials

• Ummuhan Baş Aslan

  Pamukkale University, Faculty of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Denizli, Türkiye

  STUDY DIRECTOR

• Eda Aydın

  Pamukkale University, Faculty of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Denizli, Türkiye

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Raziye Şavkın

  Pamukkale University, Faculty of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Denizli, Türkiye

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Professor, Faculty of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

Model Details: Participants were randomly assigned to three groups-Tai Chi Group (TCG), Multimodal Group (MMG), and Control Group (CG)-using a computer-assisted randomization method.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 11, 2026
• First Posted: April 17, 2026
• Study Start: February 21, 2025
• Primary Completion: April 11, 2025
• Study Completion: June 23, 2025
• Last Updated: April 17, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)