Reliability and Validity of Physical Performance Tests in Individuals With Obesity

Clinician-Friendly Physical Performance Tests in Individuals With Obesity: Reliability and Validity

This study aims to investigate the reliability and validity of practical performance-based physical function tests in individuals with obesity. Functional limitations such as reduced walking ability, impaired balance, and decreased lower extremity strength are common in people with obesity and may negatively affect daily activities and quality of life.

Participants will complete several commonly used clinical functional tests, including the 1-Minute Stair Climbing Test, 40-Meter Fast-Paced Walk Test, 2-Minute Walk Test, Timed Up and Go Test, and 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test. In addition, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, balance assessment, and knee extensor muscle strength measurements will be performed.

The study will evaluate whether these simple and clinically applicable tests provide reliable results over repeated measurements and whether they are associated with objective indicators of physical function such as maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂max), balance performance, and muscle strength. The findings may help clinicians use practical and cost-effective tools to assess physical function in individuals with obesity.

Study Overview

• Status: Not yet recruiting
• Conditions: Obesity & Overweight
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: Physical Performance Tests

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Estimated): 55

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

• Sampling Method: Probability Sample

Study Population

Individuals With Obesity

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m²
• Stable body weight during the last 3 months (less than ±2 kg change)
• Ability to perform daily living activities independently

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of cardiovascular disease
• History of pulmonary disease
• History of neurological disease
• Musculoskeletal injury affecting lower extremity function
• Presence of lower extremity prosthesis or severe deformity
• Major surgery within the previous 6 months
• Pregnancy
• Postpartum period
• Vestibular disorders affecting balance
• Visual impairments affecting test performance
• Hearing impairments affecting test performance
• Cognitive impairment limiting understanding of instructions
• Participation in strenuous physical activity before testing
• Use of medications affecting cardiopulmonary responses (e.g., beta-blockers)

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
1-Minute Stair Climbing Test	A performance-based functional test used to assess stair climbing ability and lower extremity functional capacity. The total number of completed stair cycles within 1 minute will be recorded.	1 hour
40-Meter Fast-Paced Walk Test	A walking performance test used to evaluate fast-paced gait speed and functional mobility. The time required to complete a total walking distance of 40 meters will be measured in seconds.	1 hour
2-Minute Walk Test	A functional endurance test used to assess ambulatory capacity. The total walking distance completed within 2 minutes will be recorded in meters.	1 hour
Timed Up and Go Test	A functional mobility test used to assess dynamic balance and independent mobility. The time required to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters, return, and sit down will be measured in seconds.	1 hour
30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test	A lower extremity functional strength and endurance test. The total number of sit-to-stand repetitions completed within 30 seconds will be recorded.	1 hour

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (VO₂max)	A maximal exercise test performed using the Modified Bruce Protocol on a treadmill to assess aerobic exercise capacity. Maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂max) values will be recorded.	1 hour
Static Balance Assessment	Balance performance will be evaluated using the PROKIN® computerized balance assessment system. Parameters related to postural stability and body sway during static tasks will be recorded	1 hour
Knee Extensor Muscle Strength	Isometric knee extensor muscle strength will be measured using a hand-held dynamometer. Maximum voluntary contraction force will be recorded.	1 hour
Dynamic Balance Assessment	Description: Balance performance will be evaluated using the PROKIN® computerized balance assessment system. Parameters related to postural stability and body sway during static and dynamic tasks will be recorded	1 hour

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Yunus Emre Tutuneken

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Estimated): June 15, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): October 15, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): October 20, 2026

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: May 15, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: May 21, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): May 26, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): May 26, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: May 21, 2026
• Last Verified: May 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Balance; Obesity; Exercise capacity; Performance test
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Nutrition Disorders; Overnutrition; Body Weight; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases; Signs and Symptoms; Overweight; Obesity
• Other Study ID Numbers: 21

Drug and device information, study documents

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