Home-Based Circuit Training in Adults With Obesity

Obesity is associated with impaired vascular function, metabolic dysfunction, and reduced physical fitness, which increase cardiovascular disease risk. This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of a 12-week home-based circuit training program using light-to-moderate resistance on vascular health, body composition, metabolic function, resting metabolic rate, substrate oxidation, physical activity, and physical fitness in adults with obesity. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a home-based circuit training group or a control group maintaining usual daily activities. The findings may support the use of home-based exercise as a practical and time-efficient strategy for obesity management and cardiovascular risk reduction.

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Key information

Conditions

Obesity Body Weight Nutrition Disorders Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases Overnutrition Overweight Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

19 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Faculty of Sports Science, Chulalongkorn University

Bangkok, ฺBangkok, 10330, Thailand

About this study

Obesity is a major public health concern associated with endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffness, metabolic impairment, and reduced physical fitness. Although exercise training is recommended for obesity management, adherence to supervised exercise programs may be limited by time constraints and accessibility. Home-based circuit training may provide a feasible alternative that combines aerobic and resistance exercise within a time-efficient format.

This randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of a 12-week home-based circuit training intervention on vascular function, body composition, metabolic function, resting metabolic rate, substrate oxidation, physical activity, and physical fitness in adults with obesity.

Participants with obesity (BMI ≥ 27.5 kg/m²) will be randomly assigned to either a circuit training group or a control group. The intervention group will perform home-based circuit training using light-to-moderate resistance three times weekly for 12 weeks, while the control group will maintain usual activities.

Primary vascular outcomes include flow-mediated dilation, carotid intima-media thickness, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, and post-occlusive reactive hyperemia. Secondary outcomes include body composition, fasting plasma glucose, resting metabolic rate, substrate oxidation, physical activity, muscular strength, flexibility, and cardiorespiratory fitness.

The study aims to determine whether home-based circuit training can improve vascular and metabolic health and serve as a practical strategy for reducing cardiovascular risk in adults with obesity.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

Adults with obesity according to the Asia-Pacific criteria (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 27.5 kg/m²).
Able to participate in a home-based exercise program.
Willing to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

History of uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c ≥ 10% or blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL).
Uncontrolled hypertension (≥ 140/90 mmHg).
Cardiovascular disease.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Orthopedic conditions limiting exercise participation.
Participation in regular exercise programs or sports activities within the previous 3 months

Treatment and study plan

Home-Based Circuit Training

Behavioral

Participants will perform a 12-week home-based circuit training program three times per week. Each session includes warm-up, circuit-based exercises targeting major muscle groups, and cool-down activities. The intervention is designed to improve vascular and metabolic health in adults with obesity.

The training program consisted of two phases: phase 1 (weeks 1-6) and phase 2 (weeks 7-12).

During phase 1, participants performed resistance exercises at an intensity of 65-70% of one-repetition maximum (1RM). Each exercise consisted of 12 repetitions, with a 1-minute rest between exercises. The lifting tempo was maintained at 2:2 (concentric: eccentric). Participants completed 8 exercises per circuit for a total of 3 circuits, with a 2-minute rest between circuits.

During phase 2, the intensity was increased to 70-75% of 1RM, while maintaining 12 repetitions per exercise. The rest interval between exercises was reduced to 30 seconds, with the same lifting tempo (2:2). Participants complete

Primary outcomes

Vascular Function

Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks

Change in flow-mediated dilation from baseline to 12 weeks.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Chulalongkorn University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Home-Based Circuit Training on Vascular and Metabolic Health in Adults With Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Acronym: HBCT

Important dates

Study start: 2025
Primary completion: 2025
Study completion: 2025
First posted: Jun 2, 2026
Registry last updated: Jun 2, 2026

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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Completed