Neuromuscular Balance Exercise Effects in Overweight and Obese Individuals

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

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.

Study Overview

• Status: Recruiting
• Conditions: Overweight and Obesity
• Intervention / Treatment: Behavioral: Aerobic and strength training; Behavioral: Neuromuscular balance exercises

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.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Estimated): 40
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

• Study Contact: Name: Ekin UĞUR CANÖZ, MSc; Phone Number: +905374525191; Email: ekinugur@marun.edu.tr
• Study Contact Backup: Name: Mine Gülden G Polat, PhD; Phone Number: 5710 +90216 777 57 00; Email: gpolat@marmara.edu.tr

Study Locations

• Turkey (Türkiye)
  • Istanbul
    • Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye), 34672
      • Recruiting
      • Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, Diabetes and Obesity Treatment Center
      • Contact: Özden Ezgi E Üner, MD; Phone Number: +905323072789

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Description

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

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Active Comparator: Control group; Participants in the control group are individuals with obesity or overweight who receive a standardized exercise program that includes aerobic and strength training exercises. The program is performed three times per week over an eight-week period.	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.
Experimental: Intervention group; Participants in the intervention group consist of individuals with obesity or overweight who receive the same aerobic and strength training program as the control group, with the addition of neuromuscular balance exercises. The intervention is performed three times per week for eight weeks.	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.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Dynamic Balance Performance (Four Step Square Test)	Dynamic balance will be assessed using the Four Step Square Test, which measures the time (in seconds) required to complete a multidirectional stepping sequence.	Baseline, at the 4th weeks and at the end of 8 weeks
Postural Control (Functional Reach Test)	Postural control will be evaluated using the Functional Reach Test, which measures the maximal forward reach distance (in centimeters) while maintaining a fixed base of support.	Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8
Walking Endurance (2-Minute Walk Test)	Walking endurance will be assessed using the 2-Minute Walk Test, which measures the total distance walked in meters over a two-minute period.	Baseline, at the 4th weeks and at the end of 8 weeks
Lower Extremity Functional Strength (30-Second Chair Stand Test)	Lower extremity functional strength will be evaluated using the 30-Second Chair Stand Test, which measures the number of full stands completed within 30 seconds.	Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Health-Related Quality of Life Assessed by the Short Form-12 (SF-12)	Health-related quality of life will be evaluated using the Short Form-12 (SF-12) Health Survey, which assesses physical and mental health components.	Baseline, at the 4th weeks and at the end of 8 weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Marmara University
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Mine Gülden G Polat, PhD, Marmara University Faculty of Health Sciences

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): June 15, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): June 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): June 1, 2026

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: December 18, 2025
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: January 20, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): January 28, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): January 28, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: January 20, 2026
• Last Verified: December 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Exercise; Obesity; Quality of life; Postural stability; Neuromuscular control
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Nutrition Disorders; Overnutrition; Body Weight; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Behavior; Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases; Signs and Symptoms; Overweight; Obesity; Motor Activity; Motor Activity; Movement; Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena; Musculoskeletal and Neural Physiological Phenomena; Therapeutics; Physical Therapy Modalities; Patient Care; Exercise Therapy; Rehabilitation; Aftercare; Continuity of Patient Care; Physical Conditioning, Human; Exercise; Resistance Training
• Other Study ID Numbers: 130.2024fbu

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO
• IPD Plan Description: Individual participant data will not be shared.

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No