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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07350213

Step-Aerobics Versus Core Exercise for Non-HDL Cholesterol Reduction in Sedentary Women

This study investigated the effects of a step-aerobics program versus a core exercise program on serum non-HDL-C levels and other cardiometabolic parameters in sedentary women with overweight/obesity.

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Key information

Conditions

Cholesterol (Total and HDL) Behavior Body Weight Exercise Motor Activity Nutrition Disorders Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases Obesity Overnutrition Overweight Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

25 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Mugla Sitki Kocman University

Menteşe, Muğla, 48050, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) is a key predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD), yet the comparative effects of different exercise modalities on this marker, particularly in high-risk populations, are not fully understood.

This study investigated the effects of a step-aerobics program versus a core exercise program on serum non-HDL-C levels and other cardiometabolic parameters in sedentary women with overweight/obesity.

Forty-five with overweight/obesity sedentary women were randomly assigned to either a step aerobics group (SAG; n=25) or a core exercise group (CEG; n=20). Both groups participated in supervised exercise sessions for 60 minutes, 4 days per week, for 16 weeks. Exercise intensity was prescribed and progressively increased from 60% to 70% of the heart rate reserve (HRR), determined by the Karvonen formula.

A 16-week supervised step-aerobics program is an effective intervention for improving the atherogenic lipid profile, particularly non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, in sedentary women with overweight or obesity.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Female sex, aged 25-45 years.
  • Sedentary lifestyle, defined as engaging in less than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week for the preceding six months.
  • Overweight or Class I Obesity, defined according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria as a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25.0 and 34.9 kg/m².
  • Willingness to participate in a 16-week supervised exercise program and provide written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

  • Presence of diagnosed CVD, uncontrolled hypertension (Systolic Blood Pressure >140 mmHg or Diastolic Blood Pressure >90 mmHg), or diabetes mellitus (Type 1 or 2).
  • Current or past use (within 6 months) of lipid-lowering medications, antihypertensive drugs, or any medication known to affect metabolism.
  • Active smoking.
  • Pregnancy or lactation.
  • Any musculoskeletal, orthopedic, or other medical condition that would prevent safe participation in the exercise programs.
  • Participation in any structured, regular exercise program within the past six months.

Treatment and study plan

Step-Aerobics Group

Other

Step Aerobics: The primary goal is to improve cardiovascular health and burn calories. It mainly targets the lower body muscles, including the legs, glutes, and calves. The arms and core also engage to keep pace with the rhythm.

Core Exercise Group

Other

The primary goal is to stabilize and strengthen the body's center (abs, lower back, hips, and the area surrounding the spine). The focus is on resistance and balance rather than mobility. These exercises target the core region, including deep abdominal muscles, lower back muscles, the pelvic floor, and the diaphragm. They are generally more static (stationary) or controlled.

Primary outcomes

  1. Serum Non-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (Non-HDL-C) levels measured via enzymatic assay (mg/dL)on HDL levels in overweight or obese, sedentary individuals.

    Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 16)

    Fasting venous blood samples will be collected at baseline and after the 16-week intervention. Serum Non-HDL-C will be calculated as Total Cholesterol minus High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) using enzymatic assay methodology. Results will be reported as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and percentage change (%) from baseline. Between-group differences in change scores will be compared using independent samples t-tests with significance level set at p < 0.05.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Serum Total Cholesterol levels measured via enzymatic assay (mg/dL)

    Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 16)

    Fasting venous blood samples will be collected at baseline and week 16. Total serum cholesterol will be measured using enzymatic assay. Data will be reported as mean ± SD and percentage change (%) from baseline. Bonferroni correction will be applied for multiple comparisons (adjusted α = 0.05/10).

  2. Serum Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) levels measured via enzymatic assay (mg/dL)

    Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 16)

    Fasting venous blood samples will be collected at baseline and week 16. LDL-C will be measured using enzymatic assay. Results will be reported as mean ± SD and percentage change (%) from baseline. Statistical significance will be assessed using independent samples t-tests with Bonferroni correction applied (adjusted α = 0.05/10).

  3. Serum High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) levels measured via enzymatic assay (mg/dL)

    Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 16)

    Fasting venous blood samples will be collected at baseline and week 16. HDL-C will be measured using enzymatic assay. Data will be reported as mean ± SD and percentage change (%) from baseline. Between-group comparisons will be performed using independent samples t-tests with Bonferroni correction (adjusted α = 0.05/10).

  4. Serum Triglycerides levels measured via enzymatic assay (mg/dL)

    Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 16)

    Fasting venous blood samples will be collected at baseline and week 16. Triglycerides will be measured using enzymatic assay. Results will be reported as mean ± SD and percentage change (%) from baseline. Statistical analysis will include independent samples t-tests with Bonferroni correction applied (adjusted α = 0.05/10).

Other outcomes

  1. Body Mass Index (BMI) calculated from body weight and height (kg/m²)

    Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 16)

    Body weight (kg) and height (cm) will be measured at baseline and week 16 using calibrated scales and stadiometers. BMI will be calculated as weight (kg) divided by height (m²). Results will be reported as mean ± SD and absolute change from baseline. Between-group comparisons will be performed using independent samples t-tests.

  2. Waist Circumference measured at the midpoint between the iliac crest and the lowest rib (cm)

    Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 16)

    Waist circumference will be measured at baseline and week 16 using a non-stretchable measuring tape positioned at the midpoint between the iliac crest and the lowest rib margin, with participants standing upright. Measurements will be recorded to the nearest 0.1 cm. Data will be reported as mean ± SD and absolute change from baseline. Statistical analysis will include independent samples t-tests for between-group comparisons.

  3. Resting Heart Rate measured via validated heart rate monitors (beats per minute, bpm)

    Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 16)

    Resting heart rate will be measured at baseline and week 16 after participants have rested in a supine position for at least 5 minutes. Heart rate will be measured using validated heart rate monitors (Polar, Finland) placed on the chest. Results will be reported as mean ± SD and absolute change from baseline. Between-group differences will be compared using independent samples t-tests.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Step-Aerobics Versus Core Exercise for Non-HDL Cholesterol Reduction in Sedentary Women With Overweight/Obesity

Important dates

Study start
2022
Primary completion
2022
Study completion
2022
First posted
Jan 20, 2026
Registry last updated
Jan 20, 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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