Tai Chi Intervention for Balance Function in Older Adults: Predictive and Modifying Roles of Circadian Age

Sponsor
Zhide Liang
Study ID
NCT07567976
Status
Not Yet Recruiting

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Conditions

  • Accidental Falls
  • Aging
  • Postural Balance

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
55 Years - N/A
Healthy Volunteers
Accepted

Interventions

  • Tai Chi Exercise — BEHAVIORAL
    Yang-style 24-form Tai Chi taught by a nationally certified master coach. Classes are offered five days per week, with participants required to attend at least three sessions per week, for a total of 12 weeks (target: ≥36 sessions). Each 60-minute session includes a 10-minute warm-up, 35 minutes of Tai Chi practice, 10 minutes of cool-down (including standing meditation and breathing exercises), and 5 minutes for questions and home practice reminders. Class size is limited to 10-15 participants.
  • Health Education — BEHAVIORAL
    Structured health education program delivered by professional medical and health management staff. Seminars cover topics including nutrition and dietary guidance, chronic disease management (hypertension, diabetes), fall prevention strategies, safe medication use, and general health literacy for older adults. The intervention runs for 12 weeks. Participants receive the same health screening, evaluation, and feedback benefits as the Tai Chi group. Free Tai Chi classes are offered to this group after the intervention period ends.

Study Details

This study investigates the effects of a 12-week Tai Chi intervention on balance function in community-dwelling older adults. Participants are randomly assigned to either a Tai Chi exercise group or a health education control group. The primary outcome is balance function measured by the Berg Balance Scale. Secondary outcomes include physical function, psychological well-being, cognitive function, and sleep quality. The study also explores the predictive and modifying roles of baseline circadian age on intervention outcomes.

Key Dates

First listed
May 5, 2026
Start date
Jun 1, 2026
Status verified
Jun 2026
Primary completion
Mar 31, 2027
Completion
Mar 31, 2027

Study Design

Enrollment
90 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION

Arms

  • Experimental: Tai Chi Group
    Participants in this group receive instruction in Yang-style 24-form Tai Chi from a nationally certified master coach. Tai Chi classes are offered five days per week, and participants are required to attend at least three sessions per week. Each session lasts 60 minutes, including warm-up, Tai Chi practice, cool-down, and Q\&A. The intervention duration is 12 weeks. Class size is limited to 10-15 participants to ensure individualized guidance.
  • Active Comparator: Health Education Control Group
    Participants in this group attend health education seminars led by professional medical and health management staff. Seminar topics include nutrition, chronic disease management, fall prevention, and safe medication use. The intervention duration is 12 weeks. After the intervention ends, this group is offered free Tai Chi classes to ensure ethical equipoise.

Primary Outcome Measure

Change in Berg Balance Scale (BBS) Score [ Time Frame: Change from baseline to end of intervention, up to 12 weeks ]

Central Contacts

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