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AgingNCT07567976

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

A study testing Tai Chi Exercise and Health Education in people with Aging and Postural Balance, run by Zhide Liang.

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

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. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 55 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Aging, Postural Balance, Accidental Falls
What is being tested?
Tai Chi Exercise and Health Education
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
90 participants
Where
No sites listed yet
Study dates
1 Jun 2026to Mar 2027
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 55 years and older
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Aged 55 years or older
  • Community-dwelling
  • Able to walk independently (assistive devices such as canes are permitted)
  • Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score ≤52 at screening
  • Able to understand and follow verbal instructions
  • Willing to wear a wrist accelerometer continuously for 7 days at baseline
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  • Willing to accept random group assignment
  • Willing to undergo blood collection during the study
  • Provides written informed consent

Who cannot join

  • Regular Tai Chi or yoga practice (more than once per week) within the past 6 months
  • Severe cognitive impairment (Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA] score <20 at screening, or previously diagnosed dementia)
  • Unstable cardiovascular disease (myocardial infarction, stroke, or hospitalization within the past 3 months)
  • Severe musculoskeletal disease that limits exercise participation
  • Neurological diseases affecting balance (e.g., Parkinson's disease, severe peripheral neuropathy)
  • Currently participating in another exercise intervention study
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  • Planned surgery or extended absence during the study period
  • Contraindications to functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) examination (e.g., scalp injury, metallic implants in the head region)
  • Severe psychiatric illness (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder)
  • Considered unable to safely participate in moderate-intensity physical activity as judged by the study physician or attending healthcare provider

Trial locations and contacts

No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Zhide Liang, MS contact

0853-65597656

p2516238@mpu.edu.mo

About this study

Official title: Effects of Tai Chi on Balance Function in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial Examining the Predictive and Modifying Roles of Circadian Age, With Multi-Omics and Brain Function Assessments

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.

Read the detailed description

BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE Falls are a leading cause of injury and disability in older adults, and balance dysfunction is a key modifiable risk factor. Tai Chi, a traditional Chinese mind-body exercise, has been shown to improve balance, reduce fall risk, and benefit cognitive health in older populations. However, individual variability in response to Tai Chi remains poorly understood, and the biological mechanisms underlying its benefits are incompletely characterized.

Circadian rhythm disruption has emerged as a hallmark of biological aging. The investigators have developed and validated a circadian age (CircAge) assessment system based on the UK Biobank cohort (N>90,000), which independently predicts mortality risk. Whether individuals with accelerated circadian aging benefit more from Tai Chi intervention is unknown. This trial addresses this gap by integrating circadian age assessment with multi-modal outcome evaluations.

OBJECTIVES The primary objective is to evaluate the effect of a 12-week Tai Chi intervention on balance function in community-dwelling older adults. Secondary objectives are to assess effects on physical function, psychological health, cognitive function, and sleep quality. Exploratory objectives are to examine the predictive and modifying roles of baseline circadian age acceleration on intervention outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN This is a two-arm parallel, single-blind (assessor-blinded) randomized controlled trial. Ninety community-dwelling older adults are randomly allocated 1:1 to a Tai Chi group or a health education control group. Randomization is computer-generated using variable block sizes, stratified by sex and baseline Berg Balance Scale score (≤45 vs >45). Allocation concealment is maintained via sequentially numbered opaque sealed envelopes. Outcome assessors are blinded to group allocation. After the 12-week intervention, the control group is offered free Tai Chi classes to ensure ethical equipoise.

ASSESSMENT SCHEDULE Wrist-worn accelerometer (ActiGraph) recordings are collected at baseline over 7 consecutive days for circadian age computation. All baseline accelerometer recordings are completed prior to randomization. Full outcome assessments are conducted at baseline (week 0) and at the end of intervention (week 12). A streamlined midpoint assessment (week 6) includes only the Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go test. Fasting blood samples for routine clinical chemistry are collected at week 0 and week 12.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS A sample size of 90 (45 per group) provides >80% power to detect a standardized effect size of d=0.50 in Berg Balance Scale change at week 12, assuming α=0.05 (two-sided) and 20% attrition. The primary analysis follows the intention-to-treat principle using linear mixed-effects models adjusted for baseline score, age, sex, and circadian age acceleration, with class as a random effect for the Tai Chi group. Exploratory analyses include circadian age × group interaction terms.

LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP After the 12-week intervention, participants are invited to enter a long-term health database with periodic follow-ups tracking balance function, fall events, and overall health status.

Being tested
Tai Chi Exercise, Health Education
Keywords
Tai Chi, Tai Ji Quan, Mind-Body Exercise, Older Adults, Fall Prevention, Circadian Rhythm

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Tai Chi ExerciseBehavioural

    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 EducationBehavioural

    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 groups in NCT07567976
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Tai Chi GroupExperimentalParticipants 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.
Receives: Behavioral: Tai Chi Exercise
Health Education Control GroupActive comparatorParticipants 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.
Receives: Behavioral: Health Education

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change in Berg Balance Scale (BBS) Score

    The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is a 14-item performance-based measure of static and dynamic balance. Each item is scored 0-4 based on the participant's ability to perform tasks such as sitting to standing, transfers, standing unsupported with eyes closed, turning, and single-leg stance. Total scores range from 0 to 56, with higher scores indicating better balance function. Lower scores are associated with increased fall risk.

    Measured: Change from baseline to end of intervention, up to 12 weeks

Secondary outcomes (11)
  1. Change in Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test

    Functional mobility and dynamic balance test. Participants stand from an armed chair, walk 3 meters, turn, walk back, and sit down. Time to complete the task is recorded in seconds. Longer times indicate poorer mobility and higher fall risk.

    Measured: Change from baseline to end of intervention, up to 12 weeks

  2. Change in Grip Strength

    Maximum grip strength measured using a handheld dynamometer, in kilograms. Three trials per hand; maximum value recorded. Higher values indicate greater muscle strength.

    Time Frame: Change from baseline to 12 weeks

    Measured: Change from baseline to end of intervention, up to 12 weeks

  3. Change in Balance Performance Measured by InBody Balance Trainer

    Static balance assessed via center-of-pressure trajectory recorded by the InBody Balance Trainer during quiet standing, reported in millimeters. Shorter path length indicates better postural control.

    Measured: Change from baseline to end of intervention, up to 12 weeks

  4. Change in Single-Leg Eye-Closed Standing Time

    Static balance is assessed by measuring the time (in seconds) participants can maintain single-leg standing with eyes closed. Both legs are tested. Longer times indicate better static balance and proprioception.

    Measured: Change from baseline to end of intervention, up to 12 weeks

  5. Change in Vertical Jump Height

    Vertical jump test measures lower-extremity power and neuromuscular function. Participants perform three consecutive jumps, and the maximum jump height (in centimeters) is recorded.

    Measured: Change from baseline to end of intervention, up to 12 weeks

  6. Change in Reaction Time

    Reaction time test measures central nervous system processing speed using a portable reaction time device. Faster reaction times are associated with lower fall risk and better cognitive processing.

    Measured: Change from baseline to end of intervention, up to 12 weeks

  7. Change in Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale

    The ABC Scale is a 16-item self-report measure of balance confidence during specific activities (e.g., walking, reaching, climbing stairs). Each item is rated 0-100%, with higher scores indicating greater balance confidence.

    Measured: Change from baseline to end of intervention, up to 12 weeks

  8. Change in Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) Score

    The 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) screens for depressive symptoms in older adults. Total scores range from 0 to 15, with scores ≥5 suggesting depression.

    Measured: Change from baseline to end of intervention, up to 12 weeks

  9. Change in Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) Score

    The 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) measures anxiety severity. Total scores range from 0 to 21, with scores ≥10 indicating moderate-to-severe anxiety.

    Measured: Change from baseline to end of intervention, up to 12 weeks

  10. Change in Shape Trail Test (STT) Part A and Part B Completion Time

    The Shape Trail Test (STT) is a culturally adapted variant of the Trail Making Test developed for Chinese populations, avoiding reliance on the Latin alphabet. In Part A, participants connect numbered circles in sequence; in Part B, they alternate between circles and squares while ignoring the numbers. Completion time for each part is recorded in seconds, with longer times indicating poorer processing speed and executive function. STT-A and STT-B completion times are reported separately.

    Measured: Change from baseline to end of intervention, up to 12 weeks

  11. Change in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) Score

    The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) is a 19-item self-report questionnaire assessing sleep quality over the past month. Total scores range from 0 to 21, with scores >5 indicating poor sleep quality.

    Measured: Change from baseline to end of intervention, up to 12 weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted5 May 2026
  2. Study start1 Jun 2026 (estimated)
  3. Primary completionMar 2027 (estimated)
  4. Study completionMar 2027 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Prevention
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial. Participants are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the Tai Chi intervention group or the health education control group. Both groups undergo the intervention concurrently for 12 weeks. After the intervention, the control group is offered free Tai Chi classes to ensure ethical equipoise.
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
90 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07567976
Sponsor's protocol ID
HainanMC-TaiChi-2026-001
Status last verified
Jun 2026
First submitted
28 Apr 2026
Last updated
2 Jul 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Tai Chi Exercise and Health Education in people with Aging and Postural Balance, run by Zhide Liang.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 9 inclusion and 10 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 2 Jul 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Zhide Liang, MS (0853-65597656, p2516238@mpu.edu.mo), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change in Berg Balance Scale (BBS) Score (time frame: Change from baseline to end of intervention, up to 12 weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 2 Jul 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 26 Oct 2026.

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