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

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.

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

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Multimodal Exercise

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.

BEHAVIORAL

Tai chi exercise

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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Pamukkale University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Ummuhan Baş Aslan · Pamukkale University, Faculty of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Denizli, Türkiye

• Eda Aydın · Pamukkale University, Faculty of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Denizli, Türkiye

• Raziye Şavkın · Pamukkale University, Faculty of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Denizli, Türkiye

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

60 Years

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-02-21

Primary Completion

2025-04-11

Completion

2025-06-23

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations