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NCT Number: NCT07133542

A Waist Circumference and Body Fat Percentage Dual-Dimension Nine-Square Grid Model for Precision Obesity Management: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Overweight/Obese University Students

The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to test whether a dual-dimensional 9-grid matrix intervention improves body composition and exercise adherence compared to standard aerobic exercise in overweight/obese college students. The main questions it aims to answer are:

Does the 9-grid model optimize fat distribution (measured by waist-hip ratio) and sustain body fat reduction better than traditional exercise?

Does dynamic risk stratification in the 9-grid system enhance long-term exercise adherence?

How does spatial migration of participants within the grid (quantified by centroid index G) reflect intervention efficacy?

Researchers will compare the 9-grid management group (receiving dynamic positioning + 5-tier personalized strategies) to the control group (receiving standardized aerobic exercise) to see if the 9-grid model:

Reduces waist-hip ratio more effectively

Delays intervention plateau in body fat loss

Increases exercise adherence at 8 weeks

Participants will:

Undergo body measurements (weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, waist/hip circumference) at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks

Complete the Exercise Adherence Rating Scale (EARS) at 4 and 8 weeks

If in 9-grid group:

* Be classified into 1 of 9 grid zones every 2 weeks based on waist circumference risk + body fat status * Receive zone-specific interventions (nutrition/exercise/behavioral guidance)

If in control group:

* Perform progressive aerobic exercise (40-90% heart rate reserve (HR) 3×/week * Use heart rate monitors for intensity tracking

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Key information

Conditions

Overweight and/or Obesity

Age range

18 year–36 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Hainan Normal University

Haikou, Hainan, China

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Age & Status:
  • Full-time university students aged 18-36 years
  • Overweight/Obesity Diagnosis (per Chinese criteria):
  • Males: Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥24 kg/m² AND waist circumference ≥85 cm
  • Females: Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥24 kg/m² AND waist circumference ≥80 cm
  • Exercise Capacity:
  • Able to safely perform moderate-intensity exercise (confirmed by Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire [PAR-Q], all items "No")
  • Tech Compliance:
  • Own smartphone with proficiency in health apps (e.g., WeChat Sport)
  • Informed Consent:
  • Signed written consent with commitment to complete 12-week intervention

Exclusion criteria

  • Metabolic Diseases:
  • Diagnosed diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, or history of cardiovascular disease
  • Exercise Contraindications:
  • Orthopedic/neurological conditions limiting exercise
  • Confounding Medications:
  • Use of weight/metabolism-affecting drugs in past 3 months
  • Special Physiological Status:
  • Pregnancy or lactation
  • Conflicting Participation:
  • Concurrent enrollment in other weight-management trials

Treatment and study plan

Dynamic Matrix Management for Weight Control (DMM-WC)

Behavioral

Precision weight management using a two-dimensional grid model. Participants undergo bi-weekly positioning on a waist risk-body fat matrix (9 grids), receiving tiered interventions (e.g., high-intensity exercise + dietary control for high-risk grids; maintenance plans for low-risk grids). Real-time progress feedback via visual spatial migration maps promotes adherence. Comparator group receives standardized aerobic prescription without dynamic adjustments.

Standard Aerobic Prescription

Behavioral

Personalized progressive aerobic exercise program. Participants receive baseline-adjusted intensity prescriptions (40-90% heart rate reserve), with adherence monitored via wearable devices. NO dynamic adjustments, tiered strategies, or visual feedback are provided throughout the 8-week intervention.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR)

    Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, Week 8

  2. Body Mass Index (BMI)

    Time frame: Baseline, Week 8

  3. Adherence to exercise

    Time frame: Week 4, Week 8

    Exercise adherence will be assessed using the standardized Exercise Adherence Rating Scale (EARS). This validated, self-reported questionnaire comprises 16 items. The first 6 items directly assess participants' behavioral adherence to the prescribed exercise regimen (e.g., session attendance, duration). The subsequent 10 items evaluate reasons for adherence or non-adherence, capturing key cognitive dimensions such as perceived barriers and motivation. All items are rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from "Completely Agree" (scored as 0) to "Completely Disagree" (scored as 4). Total scores are calculated such that higher scores indicate better exercise adherence.

  4. Body Fat Percentage

    Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, Week 8

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Hainan Normal University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The 9-Box Performance Management Framework: Impacts on Body Weight Regulation and Exercise Behaviors in Graduate Students

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Aug 21, 2025
Registry last updated
Aug 21, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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