Tai Chi program to help adults preparing for weight loss surgery
Tai Chi as a Novel Strategy to Increase Physical Activity Among Adults Pursuing Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: A Feasibility and Acceptability Study
This study is testing a 10-week Tai Chi program to see if it helps adults who are getting ready for weight loss surgery feel more active and engaged.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Hartford Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hartford, Connecticut) |
| Trial ID | NCT06445413 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates a 10-week hybrid Tai Chi program designed for physically inactive adults seeking metabolic and bariatric surgery. Participants will attend in-person Tai Chi classes and practice at home using online videos. The study aims to assess the feasibility of attendance and the acceptability of the program through participant feedback. The trial will involve four individual visits for assessments and ten weekly group classes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-70 with a BMI of 35 or higher who are physically inactive and seeking metabolic and bariatric surgery.
Not a fit: Patients who are already physically active or do not speak English may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could enhance physical activity levels and improve readiness for metabolic and bariatric surgery in participants.
How similar studies have performed: While Tai Chi has been explored in various contexts, this specific approach targeting bariatric surgery candidates is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Seeking to undergo MBS at HHC. 2. Be able to give valid informed consent in English. Attending the live, in-person, group TC classes each week is the main component of the intervention. During the classes, the TC instructor will be giving instructions and communicating with the participants in English. It is not practical to having an interpreter during the live classes. Therefore, participation is limited to those who are English speakers. 3. Be 18-70 years of age. 4. Have BMI≥35 kg/m2 5. Absence of cognitive impairment since participants will need to learn and memorize the TC forms. Must score ≥24 Mini-Mental State Examination. 6. Be physically inactive defined as performing \<150 min/wk of moderate to vigorous intensity PA based on self-report. 7. Be able to ambulate independently without use of an assistive device. 8. Be able to complete questionnaires and view TC instructional videos via REDCap. 9. Be able to commute to one of the HH Medical and Surgical Weight Loss Center clinics to participate in testing sessions and in-person TC classes. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Having severe psychological or physical conditions that may impair their ability to adhere to the study protocol such as uncontrolled mental health issues, and severe arthritis. 2. Pregnant women.
Where this trial is running
Hartford, Connecticut
- Hartford Hospital — Hartford, Connecticut, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Yin Wu, PhD
- Email: yin.wu@hhchealth.org
- Phone: 860-972-5750
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.