Tai Chi for Obesity

(ACHIEVE Trial)

Overseen By Yin Wu, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Hartford Hospital

Disqualifiers: Uncontrolled mental health, Severe arthritis, Pregnancy, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

Duration: 10 weeks

24 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a 10-wk hybrid Tai Chi (TC) program with in-person classes and online TC videos among 24 physically inactive adults who are seeking metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) in a single-arm trial. The aims are: Aim 1: Feasibility: To evaluate whether TC is feasible, defined as a mean attendance rate of ≥70% in-person TC classes attended. Aim 2: Acceptability: To evaluate whether TC is acceptable, defined as a mean rating of ≥4 across 4 acceptability questionnaire items measured on a 5-point Likert scale (e.g., rate "Tai Chi practice is appealing to me" on a scale from 1 \[completely disagree\] to 5 \[completely agree\]). Participants will complete four individual in-person visits where they will complete study assessments and ten weekly group in-person Tai Chi classes where they will practice Tai Chi with up to 5 other study participants. Additionally, they will be asked to practice Tai Chi at home with the aid of instructional online videos and log their practice.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the Tai Chi for Obesity trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to consult with the trial coordinators for guidance.

What data supports the effectiveness of Tai Chi as a treatment for obesity?

Research shows that traditional Chinese exercises, including Tai Chi, have beneficial effects on managing obesity. These exercises can help with weight loss and improve overall health, making them a good option for people looking to manage their weight. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is Tai Chi generally safe for humans?

Research shows that Tai Chi is generally safe for humans, with very few reports of adverse events (unwanted side effects) in studies. However, adverse events are often underreported, so it's important to practice under proper guidance, especially if you have health concerns. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

How does the treatment Tai Chi differ from other treatments for obesity?

Tai Chi is unique for obesity treatment because it combines gentle physical activity with mindfulness, which can improve both physical and mental well-being without the need for medication or surgery. Unlike other treatments that may focus solely on diet or intense exercise, Tai Chi offers a holistic approach that is accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. ^{11 12 13 14 15}

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults who are physically inactive and planning to undergo metabolic and bariatric surgery. They should be willing to attend Tai Chi classes in person, practice at home using online videos, and participate in study assessments.

Inclusion Criteria

Absence of cognitive impairment (must score ≥24 Mini-Mental State Examination)

Have BMI≥35 kg/m2

I can travel to the HH Medical and Surgical Weight Loss Center for tests and classes.

Exclusion Criteria

I do not have severe mental health issues or physical conditions like severe arthritis that would stop me from following the study's requirements.

Pregnant women

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in a 10-week hybrid Tai Chi program with in-person classes and online videos

10 weeks

4 individual in-person visits, 10 weekly group in-person classes

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for feasibility and acceptability of the Tai Chi program

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Tai Chi

Trial Overview The trial is testing a hybrid Tai Chi program consisting of weekly group classes and online instructional videos over a period of 10 weeks. The focus is on determining if the program is feasible and acceptable for participants.

Participant Groups

Group I: Tai Chi class Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participation in ten weekly group in-person Tai Chi classes

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Hartford Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials

140

Recruited

19,700+

Findings from Research

This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of moxibustion as a treatment for obesity, addressing a gap in the existing literature by combining evidence from multiple databases.

The primary outcome of the analysis will focus on body weight reduction, with secondary outcomes including body mass index and waist measurements, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of moxibustion's effects on obesity.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of moxibustion for obesity: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. Kim, H., Kim, KW., Chung, WS.[2022]

This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of various academic schools of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in treating obesity, addressing a gap in the current literature.

By analyzing clinical randomized controlled trials, the study seeks to provide a broader range of treatment options for obesity, potentially improving patient outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness and safety of different academic schools of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of obesity: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. Gang, X., Gao, T., Han, Y., et al.[2023]

Acupuncture using magnetic needles showed a high total effective rate of 97% in treating obesity after 15 sessions.

The treatment appears to aid weight loss by increasing digestive movement (peristalsis) and reducing feelings of hunger.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Acupuncture treatment of obesity with magnetic needles--a report of 100 cases. Wang, B., Lei, F., Cheng, G.[2016]

This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for treating simple obesity by analyzing data from various clinical trials, focusing on outcomes like body mass index (BMI) and lipid levels.

The findings will help establish guidelines for acupuncture treatment in simple obesity, providing a prioritized regimen based on the effectiveness and safety of different acupuncture approaches.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A prioritization regimen of the acupuncture treatment for simple obesity: Protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis. Zhou, R., Wang, Z., Chen, W., et al.[2022]

Traditional Chinese exercises, such as Tai Chi and Ba Duan Jin, have shown beneficial effects in treating simple obesity, highlighting their potential as effective weight loss interventions.

To enhance the effectiveness of these exercises, it is important to tailor the type or combination of exercises to the specific characteristics of different obese populations, which can help improve weight loss efficiency and reduce the risk of injury.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Beneficial Effect of Traditional Chinese Exercises on the Management of Obesity. Qin, Y., Xia, W., Huang, W., et al.[2020]

Tai chi (TC) is generally safe, with no serious adverse events reported in a review of 153 randomized controlled trials, primarily involving older adults, although minor musculoskeletal issues like knee and back pain were noted.

Only 33% of the trials reported adverse events, and just 12% had a clear protocol for monitoring them, indicating that the inconsistent reporting limits our understanding of TC's safety profile.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

What do we really know about the safety of tai chi?: A systematic review of adverse event reports in randomized trials. Wayne, PM., Berkowitz, DL., Litrownik, DE., et al.[2022]

A significant increase in clinical studies on Tai Chi was observed from 2010 to 2020, with 987 studies identified, primarily randomized controlled trials, indicating growing interest in its health benefits, especially for older adults and conditions like hypertension and depression.

Most studies showed positive outcomes for Tai Chi, with 93.8% reporting at least one favorable result, although adverse events were underreported, highlighting the need for better reporting standards in Tai Chi research.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Tai Chi for health and well-being: A bibliometric analysis of published clinical studies between 2010 and 2020. Yang, GY., Sabag, A., Hao, WL., et al.[2021]

In a study of 213 centrally obese participants, a 24-week Tai Chi program significantly reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress compared to a control group, with improvements noted as early as 12 weeks.

The Tai Chi group also showed enhanced leg strength, indicating that this low-impact therapy not only helps with mental health but may also improve physical fitness in individuals with elevated depression symptoms.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effects of tai chi in centrally obese adults with depression symptoms. Liu, X., Vitetta, L., Kostner, K., et al.[2022]

A review of 256 randomized controlled trials involving tai chi (TC) found that it does not lead to a higher frequency of adverse events (AEs) compared to both active and inactive control groups, indicating its safety as an intervention.

In studies involving participants with heart failure, tai chi was associated with fewer serious adverse events compared to inactive interventions, suggesting it may be a safer option for this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The safety of tai chi: A meta-analysis of adverse events in randomized controlled trials. Cui, H., Wang, Q., Pedersen, M., et al.[2020]

A systematic review of 25 randomized controlled trials involving 1,947 participants found that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) significantly reduced Body Mass Index (BMI), weight, waist circumference, and improved cholesterol levels compared to placebo, indicating its efficacy in treating obesity.

TCM preparations were also shown to lower blood pressure in individuals with hypertension, while demonstrating good safety profiles, suggesting they may be a suitable long-term treatment option for overweight and obesity in adults.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy and safety of traditional chinese medicine treatment for overweight and obese individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Wen, ZG., Zhang, QQ., Zhang, LL., et al.[2022]

A systematic review of 20 studies found that comprehensive interventions combining physical activity, dietary changes, and health education were effective in reducing obesity among Chinese children, with 85% of studies reporting significant improvements in body measurements.

Current evidence for effective obesity interventions in adults is limited, highlighting a need for more research in this area, especially considering the unique family dynamics in China, such as the role of grandparents in child care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Community-based interventions to reduce overweight and obesity in China: a systematic review of the Chinese and English literature. Gao, Y., Griffiths, S., Chan, EY.[2018]

By 2002, China faced significant rates of overweight (18.9%) and obesity (2.9%) among adults, largely due to the shift from traditional diets to Western diets and increased sedentary lifestyles.

Despite the introduction of various guidelines and policies aimed at preventing obesity, such as the 2010 Nutrition Improvement Work Management Approach, effective education programs and comprehensive interventions targeting the entire population remain limited, highlighting the need for stronger government policies and community involvement.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Programme and policy options for preventing obesity in China. Wang, H., Zhai, F.[2022]

In a study of 1,054 elderly residents in Guangzhou, a significant correlation was found between obesity/overweight and specific Chinese medicine constitution types, particularly phlegm dampness, dampness heat, and qi deficiency, which were more prevalent in obese individuals.

Obese and overweight elderly individuals exhibited higher incidences of cardiovascular risk factors, including abdominal obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, compared to those with normal weight, indicating a need for targeted health interventions in this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Correlation Analyses between Obesity/Overweight and Constitutions of Chinese Medicine/Cardio- vascular Risk Factors in Elderly Residents of a Community in Guangzhou]. Huang, Q., Zhao, XS., Sun, SN., et al.[2019]

China faces a significant obesity challenge, with a lack of evidence-based clinical guidelines tailored to its population, highlighting the need for large-scale clinical trials to improve obesity management.

A tiered approach combining health management centers, lifestyle interventions, and medical treatments, along with public education and support, is essential for effective obesity prevention and treatment in China.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clinical management and treatment of obesity in China. Zeng, Q., Li, N., Pan, XF., et al.[2021]

A consensus report drafted by 34 experts highlights the ongoing challenge of obesity and related chronic diseases in China, despite existing prevention and control policies.

The report provides comprehensive strategies for obesity prevention and treatment across the entire life cycle, aiming to enhance societal participation and support the national 'Healthy China' goals.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Expert Consensus on Obesity Prevention and Treatment in China]. [2022]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of moxibustion for obesity: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. [2022]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness and safety of different academic schools of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of obesity: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. [2023]

3. China pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Acupuncture treatment of obesity with magnetic needles--a report of 100 cases. [2016]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A prioritization regimen of the acupuncture treatment for simple obesity: Protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis. [2022]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Beneficial Effect of Traditional Chinese Exercises on the Management of Obesity. [2020]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

What do we really know about the safety of tai chi?: A systematic review of adverse event reports in randomized trials. [2022]

7. Scotland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Tai Chi for health and well-being: A bibliometric analysis of published clinical studies between 2010 and 2020. [2021]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effects of tai chi in centrally obese adults with depression symptoms. [2022]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The safety of tai chi: A meta-analysis of adverse events in randomized controlled trials. [2020]

10. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy and safety of traditional chinese medicine treatment for overweight and obese individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis. [2022]

11. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Community-based interventions to reduce overweight and obesity in China: a systematic review of the Chinese and English literature. [2018]

12. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Programme and policy options for preventing obesity in China. [2022]

13. China pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Correlation Analyses between Obesity/Overweight and Constitutions of Chinese Medicine/Cardio- vascular Risk Factors in Elderly Residents of a Community in Guangzhou]. [2019]

14. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clinical management and treatment of obesity in China. [2021]

15. China pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Expert Consensus on Obesity Prevention and Treatment in China]. [2022]