Tai Chi versus yoga for flexibility, anxiety, and sleep in healthy women
Official title: The Effect of Tai Chi and Yoga on Flexibility, Anxiety, and Sleep Quality in Women
Run by Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa · NCT07480174 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program tries to see if 8 weeks of Tai Chi or yoga can improve flexibility, lower anxiety, and boost sleep quality in healthy women aged 18–45 with BMI under 30.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 14, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | June 2, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07480174 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are women aged 18–45 with BMI under 30 who have no history of musculoskeletal surgery and no medical contraindication to exercise.
✕Probably not a fit
Those unlikely to benefit include people outside the age/BMI range, pregnant women, or persons with chronic neurological, metabolic, cardiovascular, or musculoskeletal conditions that limit safe participation in exercise.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Healthy women meeting age and BMI criteria are randomized to either a Yang-style Tai Chi program or a yoga program delivered twice weekly for 8 weeks, with each session lasting 45 minutes and including warm-up and cool-down. Sessions are supervised in the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department laboratories at Bahçeşehir University and the outcome assessor is blinded to group assignment. Flexibility is measured with standardized physical tests and anxiety and sleep quality are measured using the Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index at baseline and after the program. The trial compares pre- and post-intervention changes between the two groups.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the programs could offer a non-drug way to increase flexibility and reduce anxiety and sleep problems for eligible women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies of Tai Chi and yoga have generally shown modest benefits for flexibility, anxiety, and sleep, though head-to-head comparisons are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Female, 18-45 years of age * BMI \<30 kg/m² * No history of musculoskeletal surgery Exclusion Criteria: * Congenital or acquired condition affecting the musculoskeletal system * Any systemic disease or condition that makes exercise contraindicated, or pregnancy * Chronic neurological, metabolic, or cardiovascular disease
Where it's running
-
Bahcesehir University
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tuğçe Tahmaz, PhD — Bahçeşehir University
- Study coordinator: Tuğçe Tahmaz
- Email: tugcetahmaz@msn.com
- Phone: 05397458072
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.