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Exercise Supervision Duration and Adherence in Obese Women

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Obesity (Disorder)
Registration Number
NCT07152028
Lead Sponsor
Pamukkale University
Brief Summary

Obesity is one of the most common health problems worldwide and is associated with many chronic diseases. Regular physical activity is known to play an important role in weight control, balance, quality of life, and mental health. However, obese individuals often have low adherence to exercise programs, and long-term maintenance of physical activity remains a major challenge.

Previous studies have shown that supervised exercise programs are effective in improving functional capacity and psychological well-being. On the other hand, home-based programs are less costly and more accessible, but adherence and effectiveness may be limited without professional supervision. To date, there is limited evidence on the optimal supervision duration needed to achieve sustainable improvements in obese women.

In the present study, it is aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week individualized multimodal exercise program with different supervision durations (6 weeks supervised + 6 weeks home-based vs. 12 weeks fully supervised) on adherence and health outcomes in obese women. It is thought that prolonged supervision may increase exercise adherence, improve balance and functional performance, reduce depressive symptoms, and contribute positively to the quality of life. The results of this study may guide the design of future exercise programs for obesity management and provide evidence for more effective and sustainable rehabilitation approaches.

Detailed Description

Obesity is one of the leading public health problems worldwide and is strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, and psychological problems. In addition to medical complications, obesity also negatively affects quality of life, daily activities, and mental well-being. According to epidemiological studies, the prevalence of obesity is steadily increasing, particularly among women, and this situation creates a serious burden on health systems.

Regular physical activity is one of the most effective non-pharmacological methods for the management of obesity. Exercise improves cardiovascular health, increases muscle strength, supports balance, reduces depressive symptoms, and contributes to weight control. Despite these benefits, adherence to exercise programs in obese individuals is often low, and sustaining physical activity over the long term remains a challenge.

Previous studies have reported that supervised exercise programs are more effective in ensuring adherence and providing functional and psychological benefits compared to unsupervised programs. However, home-based exercise programs are easier to access, more cost-effective, and provide flexibility in daily life. Nevertheless, lack of professional supervision may reduce motivation and exercise quality, leading to lower adherence and limited health benefits.

Physiotherapy and rehabilitation interventions for obesity generally include aerobic training, muscular endurance and strengthening exercises, posture and balance training, and core stabilization. Multimodal exercise programs that combine these approaches can improve both physical and psychological outcomes. Still, the optimal supervision duration in such exercise programs has not been clearly defined in the literature. While some studies emphasize the advantages of fully supervised training, others suggest that partial supervision combined with home-based practice may also be effective.

In this context, it is important to investigate whether extended supervision provides superior outcomes compared to a shorter period of supervision followed by home-based training. This information may help clinicians to design exercise programs that are both effective and sustainable for obese patients.

The present study aims to examine the effects of a 12-week individualized multimodal exercise program with different supervision durations (6 weeks supervised + 6 weeks home-based vs. 12 weeks fully supervised) in obese women. The investigators hypothesize that longer supervision will improve adherence, enhance functional capacity and balance, reduce depressive symptoms, and increase overall quality of life. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the development of more effective and practical rehabilitation approaches for the management of obesity.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
Female
Target Recruitment
21
Inclusion Criteria
  • Age between 18 and 60 years
  • Body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m²
Exclusion Criteria
  • Clinically unstable cardiopulmonary disease (e.g., recent myocardial infarction, unstable angina)
  • Musculoskeletal or neuromuscular disorders
  • Cognitive impairments that could limit exercise participation
  • Use of medications affecting bone metabolism

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Exercise adherence12 weeks

Adherence to the exercise program was assessed by the percentage of completed exercise sessions recorded in exercise diaries (participant-reported), attendance checklists maintained by the supervising physiotherapist during supervised sessions, and weekly telephone follow-up logs during the home-based phase (weeks 7-12 for Group 1).

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Functional lower extremity strengthBaseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks

Assessed using the 30-second Chair Sit and Stand Test; higher repetitions indicate better functional strength.

Aerobic exercise capacityBaseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks

Evaluated using the 6-minute Walk Test; longer walking distance indicates higher aerobic capacity.

BalanceBaseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks

Measured using the Timed Up and Go Test; shorter completion time indicates better balance and mobility.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Pamukkale University

Denizli, Denizli, Turkey (Türkiye)

Pamukkale University
Denizli, Denizli, Turkey (Türkiye)

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