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

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07133542
Enrollment
50
Registered
2025-08-21
Start date
2025-04-20
Completion date
2025-08-09
Last updated
2025-08-21

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Overweight and/or Obesity

Brief summary

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

Interventions

BEHAVIORALDynamic Matrix Management for Weight Control (DMM-WC)

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.

BEHAVIORALStandard Aerobic Prescription

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.

Sponsors

Hainan Normal University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
DIAGNOSTIC
Masking
TRIPLE (Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 36 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

1. Age & Status: * Full-time university students aged 18-36 years 2. 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 3. Exercise Capacity: * Able to safely perform moderate-intensity exercise (confirmed by Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire \[PAR-Q\], all items No) 4. Tech Compliance: * Own smartphone with proficiency in health apps (e.g., WeChat Sport) 5. Informed Consent: * Signed written consent with commitment to complete 12-week intervention

Exclusion criteria

1. Metabolic Diseases: * Diagnosed diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, or history of cardiovascular disease 2. Exercise Contraindications: * Orthopedic/neurological conditions limiting exercise 3. Confounding Medications: * Use of weight/metabolism-affecting drugs in past 3 months 4. Special Physiological Status: * Pregnancy or lactation 5. Conflicting Participation: * Concurrent enrollment in other weight-management trials

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR)Baseline, Week 4, Week 8
Body Mass Index (BMI)Baseline, Week 8
Adherence to exerciseWeek 4, Week 8Exercise 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.
Body Fat PercentageBaseline, Week 4, Week 8

Countries

China

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026