Completed

NCT Number: NCT07778576

Effects of 12-Week Combined Exercise on Semen Quality and Metabolic Health in Healthy Men

This study evaluated whether a 12-week combined aerobic and resistance exercise program could improve semen quality and metabolic health in healthy adult men. A total of 34 men aged 18-24 years participated in the study. Participants were assigned to either an exercise group or a passive control group based on their willingness and ability to attend the exercise program; assignment was not randomized.

Participants in the exercise group completed supervised combined exercise sessions three times per week for 12 weeks. Each session included aerobic and resistance exercises. Participants in the control group were asked to maintain their usual daily activities and not begin a structured exercise program during the study.

Semen quality, metabolic biomarkers, and body composition were assessed before and after the 12-week study period. Semen assessments included semen volume, pH, sperm concentration, motility, and normal sperm morphology. The study aimed to determine whether regular combined exercise was associated with changes in reproductive and metabolic health compared with no structured exercise program.

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Key information

Conditions

Semen Quality in Healthy Adult Men

Age range

18 year–24 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Sivas Cumhuriyet University

Sivas, 58140, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

This completed, non-randomized, parallel-group interventional study investigated the effects of a 12-week supervised combined aerobic and resistance exercise program on semen quality, metabolic biomarkers, and body composition in healthy adult men.

A total of 34 men aged 18-24 years were enrolled. Participants were allocated to an exercise group or a passive control group according to their willingness and availability to participate in the supervised exercise program. Therefore, no random sequence generation or concealed allocation procedure was used.

Participants assigned to the exercise group completed a 12-week combined exercise program consisting of three supervised sessions per week. The program incorporated both aerobic and resistance exercise components. Exercise sessions were progressively organized over the intervention period to provide a structured training stimulus. Participants assigned to the passive control group continued their usual daily routines and were instructed not to participate in a new structured exercise program during the same period.

Assessments were conducted at baseline and after completion of the 12-week intervention. Semen samples were evaluated for semen volume, pH, sperm concentration, total motility, progressive motility, non-progressive motility, and normal sperm morphology. Metabolic biomarkers and body-composition measures were also evaluated at both time points.

Laboratory personnel responsible for outcome assessment were unaware of the participants' group assignments. Changes from baseline to the end of the intervention were compared between the exercise and control groups to examine whether combined exercise was associated with improvements in reproductive and metabolic health.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

Male participants aged 18-24 years. Being generally healthy and able to participate safely in an aerobic and resistance exercise program.

Voluntarily agreeing to participate and providing written informed consent. Being willing and able to provide semen and blood samples at baseline and after the 12-week study period.

Being able to complete the study assessments and comply with the study procedures.

Exclusion criteria

Presence of a diagnosed reproductive system disorder or a medical condition known to affect semen quality.

Presence of a chronic, cardiovascular, metabolic, musculoskeletal, or other medical condition that could prevent safe participation in exercise.

Current use of medication, hormonal treatment, or nutritional supplementation known to influence reproductive or metabolic outcomes.

Presence of an acute illness or injury during the assessment or intervention period that prevented participation.

Failure to complete the baseline or post-intervention assessments. Failure to comply with the prescribed exercise program or study procedures.

Treatment and study plan

Combined Aerobic and Resistance Exercise Program

Behavioral

Participants completed a 12-week supervised combined exercise program performed three times per week. Each session included aerobic and resistance exercise components. The training program was progressively structured across the intervention period to provide an appropriate exercise stimulus. Exercise sessions were supervised to support adherence and the correct performance of the prescribed activities. Semen quality, metabolic biomarkers, and body composition were assessed before and after the intervention.

Primary outcomes

Change in Sperm Concentration

Time frame: Baseline and Week 12

Sperm concentration was determined through semen analysis and expressed as the number of spermatozoa per milliliter of semen. The change from baseline to the end of the 12-week study period was compared between the combined exercise and passive control groups.
Change in Total Sperm Motility

Time frame: Baseline and Week 12

Total sperm motility was assessed by semen analysis and expressed as the percentage of progressively and non-progressively motile spermatozoa. Change from baseline was evaluated after the 12-week study period.
Change in Progressive Sperm Motility

Time frame: Baseline and Week 12

Progressive sperm motility was assessed by semen analysis and expressed as the percentage of spermatozoa demonstrating progressive forward movement. Change from baseline was evaluated after the 12-week study period.
Change in Non-Progressive Sperm Motility

Time frame: Baseline and Week 12

Non-progressive sperm motility was assessed by semen analysis and expressed as the percentage of motile spermatozoa that did not demonstrate progressive forward movement. Change from baseline was evaluated after the 12-week study period.
Change in Normal Sperm Morphology

Time frame: Baseline and Week 12

Normal sperm morphology was assessed by semen analysis and expressed as the percentage of spermatozoa classified as having normal morphology. Change from baseline was evaluated after the 12-week study period.
Change in Semen Volume

Time frame: Baseline and Week 12

Semen volume was measured during semen analysis and expressed in milliliters. Change from baseline was evaluated after the 12-week study period.
Change in Semen pH

Time frame: Baseline and Week 12

Semen pH was measured during semen analysis using the laboratory procedure specified in the study protocol. Change from baseline was evaluated after the 12-week study period.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Cumhuriyet University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Semen Quality and Metabolic Biomarker Changes Following a 12-Week Combined Exercise Program in Healthy Adult Men

Important dates

Study start: 2025
Primary completion: 2025
Study completion: 2025
First posted: Aug 21, 2026
Registry last updated: Aug 21, 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.