NCT06717828 The Effects of Tai Chi on Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Fatty Liver Disease in Middle-Aged and Older Adults
| NCT ID | NCT06717828 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Fujian Provincial Hospital |
| Condition | Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 250 participants |
| Start Date | 2024-11-01 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-12-31 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
Enter your details for a quick preliminary check. This does not replace medical advice.
What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 250 participants in total. It began in 2024-11-01 with a primary completion date of 2026-12-31.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a liver condition primarily driven by metabolic dysfunctions that may progress to hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. It is also implicated in the development of other metabolic dysfunction-related diseases. MAFLD has emerged as a growing public health concern in China. Despite its potential benefits, Tai Chi exercise has not been widely adopted for individuals with MAFLD, and there is limited research investigating its therapeutic efficacy. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a structured Tai Chi intervention on middle-aged and elderly individuals with MAFLD. Methods: The study employs a comprehensive open, randomized, parallel, and controlled design. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated into three groups: Tai Chi, conventional exercise, and control. A total of 250 participants will be enrolled, comprising 100 participants each for the Tai Chi and conventional exercise groups and 50 for the control group. Both the Tai Chi and conventional exercise groups will participate in a structured 6-month exercise program. During the intervention, both groups will also receive regular health education on fatty liver disease. Participants will be encouraged to maintain their usual activities but will be advised against starting new exercise regimens. The control group will receive only health education on fatty liver disease. The primary efficacy endpoint is the change in hepatic triglyceride content measured via validated imaging techniques after 6 months. Secondary endpoints include changes in total body fat, waist circumference, body weight, blood pressure, blood lipids, blood glucose, insulin sensitivity, pancreatic beta-cell function, kidney function, and pulse wave velocity. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Discussion: Tai Chi exercises demonstrate therapeutic potential in reducing intrahepatic fat content, promoting weight loss, and mitigating cardiovascular risk factors. Furthermore, their efficacy appears superior to that of conventional exercise modalities.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age between 40 and 75 years; 2. Liver fat content measured by mDixon QUANT is ≥5%; 3. Diagnosis of metabolic associated fatty liver disease; 4. Overweight/obesity (BMI ≥ 24 kg/m²); 5. Signed written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Excessive alcohol consumption (definition: in the past 6 months, males have consumed more than 140g of alcohol per week, and females have consumed more than 70g); 2. Fatty liver due to other causes: such as alcoholic fatty liver, acute and chronic viral hepatitis, drug-induced hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, etc.; 3. Severe cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction within the past 6 months; 4. Heart failure (NYHA classification: III - IV); 5. Biliary diseases: such as obstructive biliary diseases; 6. Other diseases affecting glucose and lipid metabolism: diabetes, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, etc.; 7. Poorly controlled blood pressure: SBP ≥ 180 mmHg, DBP ≥ 100 mmHg; 8. Chronic kidney disease or severe renal impairment, defined as serum creatinine of 135 µmol/L (1.5 mg/dL) for males and 110 µmol/L (1.3 mg/dL) for females; 9. Patients unable to communicate normally, such as those with dementia or cognitive impairment; 10. Currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the near future; 11. Other conditions preventing participation in follow-up interventions; 12. Other clinical diseases that make participation in exercise unsuitable, such as inability to cooperate with exercise therapy due to severe pain or joint deformities, or the use of medications that may interfere with the assessment of exercise effects (such as corticosteroids, liver protection drugs, etc.), or medications that affect heart rate (such as beta-blockers).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT06717828 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 40 Years or older, up to 75 Years, studying Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT06717828 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT06717828 is actively recruiting participants. Visit ClinicalTrials.gov or contact Fujian Provincial Hospital to inquire about joining.
Where is the NCT06717828 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Fuzhou, China.
Who is sponsoring the NCT06717828 clinical trial?
NCT06717828 is sponsored by Fujian Provincial Hospital. The trial plans to enroll 250 participants.