Dance and walking may boost heart health in obesity — a trial puts it to the test
NCT ID NCT06127251
First seen Jul 22, 2026 · Last updated Jul 23, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot trial tests whether a program of walking, dance, and abdominal core workouts can improve certain health markers in adults with obesity who are not very active. The program, called PATH, is designed to be enjoyable and stigma-free, focusing on general health benefits rather than weight loss. Researchers will measure changes in hormones like adiponectin and leptin, which are linked to inflammation and insulin sensitivity.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- a program of walking, dance, and abdominal core workouts
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this approach could offer a more enjoyable and sustainable way for people with obesity to improve heart health without focusing on weight loss.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small pilot study, so results may not apply broadly. The program relies on self-motivation, and long-term adherence is uncertain.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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54 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Apr 2024
- Finished
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May 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * age ≥18 years, body mass index (BMI) ≥30kg/m2, * regular access to the Internet, * self-monitoring of PA via waist worn Actigraph during run-in (≥4 days with ≥10hrs wear time), * self-reported non-adherence to PA Guidelines \[\<150 min of moderate to vigorous physical activities (MVPA/wk)\]. Exclusion Criteria: * pregnancy/intention to become pregnant within 12 weeks, * involvement in litigation related to a health issue, or a condition that requires supervised PA (e.g., stroke). * Individuals with a history of cerebrovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes (T2D), * any affirmative response to any question in the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) will require primary care physician (PCP) clearance before enrollment.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Emory University
Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States
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