Neuromuscular Balance Exercise Effects in Overweight and Obese Individuals

Official title

Investigation of the Effectiveness of Neuromuscular Control-Based Exercises Combined With Aerobic and Strength Training Exercises on Balance in Overweight and Obese Individuals

Overview

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.

Detailed description

This project will begin with initial assessments of volunteers to examine the effects of balance exercises on postural control and neuromuscular connections in obesity treatment. A multimodal exercise program (neuromuscular balance exercises, aerobic training, and resistance training) will be designed for individuals with obesity, and its effects on physical function, balance impairment, and weight management will be evaluated. In the first phase, participants' static and dynamic balance will be analyzed using clinical scales. In the second phase, an 8-week multimodal exercise program will be implemented, and the outcomes will be comparatively examined in relation to the weight loss process.

The study aims to provide scientific data to support the individualization of exercise programs by examining postural balance adaptations in response to changes in body composition during weight loss. The findings are expected to contribute to more comprehensive physical activity approaches in obesity management and to guide clinical applications.

This study adds a different perspective by evaluating the functional benefits of neuromuscular-based balance exercises in addition to traditional aerobic and strength training exercises. The assessment, conducted in individuals with obesity who have experienced weight loss, is expected to provide important findings for the interpretation and discussion of outcomes.

Interventions

• Behavioral Aerobic and strength training
  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.
• Behavioral Neuromuscular balance exercises
  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.

Primary outcome measures

• Dynamic Balance Performance (Four Step Square Test) [Time frame: Baseline, at the 4th weeks and at the end of 8 weeks]
• Postural Control (Functional Reach Test) [Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8]
• Walking Endurance (2-Minute Walk Test) [Time frame: Baseline, at the 4th weeks and at the end of 8 weeks]
• Lower Extremity Functional Strength (30-Second Chair Stand Test) [Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8]

Secondary outcome measures (1)

• Health-Related Quality of Life Assessed by the Short Form-12 (SF-12) [Time frame: Baseline, at the 4th weeks and at the end of 8 weeks]

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion criteria

• 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

Exclusion criteria

• 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

Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.

Healthy volunteers: Yes

Study design

Allocation

Randomized

Model

Parallel assignment

Masking

Open label

Primary purpose

Treatment

Study locations

Turkey (Türkiye) · 1 center

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

Identifiers

NCT: NCT07372157 · 130.2024fbu

Primary sources (government registries)

• ClinicalTrials.gov (US NIH)

View this study on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗