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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07703202

Step-Aerobics Versus Core Exercise for Non-HDL Cholesterol Reduction in Sedentary/Obesity 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 will investigate 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.

Study Design Overview Study Type: Randomized Controlled Trial Target Enrollment: Forty-five sedentary women with overweight/obesity Study Duration: 24 weeks Supervision: All exercise sessions will be professionally supervised

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 (< 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity activity for preceding 6 months)
  • Overweight or Class I Obesity (BMI 25.0-34.9 kg/m²) per WHO criteria
  • Willingness to participate in a 24-week supervised exercise program with written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • Diagnosed cardiovascular disease (CVD)
  • Uncontrolled hypertension (SBP >140 or DBP >90 mmHg)
  • Diabetes mellitus (Type 1 or 2)
  • Current/past lipid-lowering or antihypertensive medications (within 6 months)
  • Active smoking
  • Pregnancy or lactation
  • Musculoskeletal/orthopedic conditions preventing safe exercise participation
  • Structured exercise program participation within past 6 months

Treatment and study plan

Intervention 1: Step-Aerobics Program

Other

Exercise Protocol

Total Session Duration: 60 minutes

Session Structure:

Warm-up Phase (10 minutes)

Low-intensity aerobic movements designed to slowly raise heart rate and prepare the cardiovascular system for more vigorous exercise. This phase consisted of:

  • Low stepping movements
  • Arm circles
  • Dynamic stretching exercises

Main Exercise Phase (40 minutes)

Aerobic-step exercise routines performed on adjustable step platforms. The protocol included:

  • Step Height: Individualized according to participant fitness level and progressed incrementally during the intervention

•

Exercise Components:

  • Simple step-ups
  • Lateral steps
  • Knee lifts
  • Complex choreographed movement patterns incorporating both lower and upper body movements
  • Music: Suitable tempo music was used to help maintain rhythm and motivation

Cool-down Phase (10 minutes)

Progressive decrease in exercise intensity coupled with:

  • Stretching exercises
  • Heart rate recovery period
  • Breathing exercises

Intervention 2: Core Exercise Program

Other

Exercise Protocol

Total Session Duration: 60 minutes

Session Structure:

Warm-up Phase (10 minutes)

Simple aerobic movements with focus on core engagement and spinal mobility. This phase involved:

  • Marching in place
  • Slow torso rotations
  • Preparatory core engagement exercises

Main Exercise Phase (40 minutes)

Strength and stability exercises targeting the core and integrating aerobic movements. The protocol included:

  • Planks (various variations)
  • Modified crunches
  • Bridge exercises
  • Stability ball exercises
  • Pilates-inspired movements
  • Functional core strengthening exercises
  • Aerobic Element: Continuous movement patterns and circuit-style training to keep heart rate within the desired zone

Cool-down Phase (10 minutes)

Progressive decrease in exercise intensity coupled with:

  • Stretching exercises (particularly core and lower back)
  • Heart rate recovery period
  • Breathing exercises and relaxation techniques

Primary outcomes

  1. Serum non-HDL-C levels (measured in mg/dL via standard lipid panel analysis)

    Time frame: 24 weeks

    To analyze the effects of a 24-week supervised step aerobics and core exercise program on serum non-HDL-C levels (measured in mg/dL via standard lipid panel analysis) in overweight or obese, sedentary individuals.

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
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jul 14, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 14, 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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