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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07658261

Combined Training (Strength and Endurance) and the Serum Levels of Myostatin and Hormone-sensitive Lipase in Overweight and Obese Men

This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of upper body-based and lower body-based combined training on serum levels of myostatin (MSTN) and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) in overweight and obese men. Myostatin is a myokine involved in the regulation of skeletal muscle growth and adipose tissue metabolism, while HSL is a key enzyme involved in lipolysis and fat mobilization.

Thirty-six overweight and obese men were assigned to either an upper body combined training group, a lower body combined training group, or a non-exercising control group. The intervention consisted of 10 weeks of combined resistance and aerobic training performed three times per week. Serum levels of MSTN and HSL were measured before and after the intervention to determine whether upper body-focused and lower body-focused combined training produce different effects on markers associated with muscle growth and lipid metabolism.

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Key information

Conditions

Overweight (BMI > 25) Body Weight Nutrition Disorders Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases Obesity Obesity (BMI>30) Overnutrition Overweight Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

20 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences of the University of Tehran

Tehran, Tehran Province, Iran

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Male participants aged 20 to 45 years.
  • Body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m².
  • Overweight or obese status.
  • No participation in regular resistance or aerobic exercise during the previous 6 months.
  • Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

  • Presence of metabolic diseases, including diabetes mellitus.
  • Presence of cardiovascular or respiratory diseases.
  • Musculoskeletal or joint injuries that could interfere with exercise participation.
  • Use of anti-obesity medications.
  • Use of anabolic steroids, sports supplements, or fat-burning supplements.
  • Regular alcohol consumption or tobacco use.
  • Absence from more than two training sessions during the intervention period.
  • Withdrawal of consent or unwillingness to continue participation.

Treatment and study plan

Upper Body Combined Training

Behavioral

Participants completed a 10-week upper body-focused combined training program performed three times per week. Each session included six upper body resistance exercises (chest press, rowing machine, biceps curl, triceps extension, shoulder press, and abdominal machine exercises) followed by aerobic exercise on a hand ergometer. Resistance training was performed for 3 sets during the first 5 weeks and 4 sets during weeks 6-10, with 8-12 repetitions per set. Aerobic exercise began at 20 minutes and increased by 1 minute each week, reaching 29 minutes in the final week. Exercise intensity was maintained at approximately 57-66% of maximum heart rate during aerobic training.

Other names: Upper Body Resistance and Aerobic Training

Lower Body Combined Training

Behavioral

Participants completed a 10-week lower body-focused combined training program performed three times per week. Each session included six lower body resistance exercises (leg press, leg extension, leg flexion, leg abduction, leg adduction, and calf raise exercises) followed by aerobic exercise on a leg ergometer. Resistance training was performed for 3 sets during the first 5 weeks and 4 sets during weeks 6-10, with 8-12 repetitions per set. Aerobic exercise began at 20 minutes and increased by 1 minute each week, reaching 29 minutes in the final week. Exercise intensity was maintained at approximately 57-66% of maximum heart rate during aerobic training.

Other names: Lower Body Resistance and Aerobic Training

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in serum myostatin (MSTN) concentration

    Time frame: Baseline and 10 weeks

    Serum myostatin concentration measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The outcome was assessed before the intervention and 48 hours after completion of the 10-week training program.

  2. Change in serum hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) concentration

    Time frame: Baseline and 10 weeks

    Serum hormone-sensitive lipase concentration measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The outcome was assessed before the intervention and 48 hours after completion of the 10-week training program.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Arya Habibi

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effect of Upper Body and Lower Body Combined Training (Strength and Endurance) on the Serum Levels of Myostatin and Hormone-sensitive Lipase in Overweight and Obese Men

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Jun 18, 2026
Registry last updated
Jun 23, 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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