Tai Chi versus yoga for flexibility, anxiety, and sleep in healthy women

The Effect of Tai Chi and Yoga on Flexibility, Anxiety, and Sleep Quality in Women

Not applicable Interventional Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa · NCT07480174

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

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexFemale
SponsorIstanbul University - Cerrahpasa Academic / other
Locations1 site (Istanbul)
Trial IDNCT07480174 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

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.

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 performed: Previous studies of Tai Chi and yoga have generally shown modest benefits for flexibility, anxiety, and sleep, though head-to-head comparisons are limited.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Istanbul

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Healthy LifestyleFlexibilityAnxietySleep QualityTai ChiYoga
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.