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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07585617

Step-Up vs. Running Exercise at Matched Heart Rate Zones in Sedentary Males

This study compares the effects of two aerobic exercise methods - loaded step-up exercise and treadmill running - on cardiovascular fitness, leg strength, heart rate variability, and recovery in sedentary adult males. Both exercise groups will train at 80-85% of maximum heart rate, three sessions per week for six weeks. A control group will not participate in any training. Measurements of estimated VO₂max, isometric leg strength, resting heart rate, heart rate variability indices, and heart rate recovery will be taken before and after the intervention.

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Key information

Conditions

Sedentary Behaviors Behavior Physical Inactivity Sedentary Behavior

Age range

18 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Ankara University Faculty of Sport Sciences

Ankara, Golbasi, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Male, aged 18-40 years
  • Sedentary - no participation in structured exercise programs for at least 6 months prior to the study
  • Free from chronic diseases
  • No musculoskeletal injuries or surgical interventions within the last 6 months

Exclusion criteria

  • Female sex
  • Age below 18 or above 40 years
  • Participation in structured exercise within the last 6 months
  • Presence of chronic disease
  • Musculoskeletal injury or surgical intervention within the last 6 months

Treatment and study plan

Loaded Step-Up Exercise

Behavioral

Step-up exercise performed on an adjustable platform at individually assigned heights (35 cm or 40 cm, based on participant height), with a load equal to 20% of body weight, at 80-85% of maximum heart rate, 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks with progressive volume increase.

Treadmill Running

Behavioral

Continuous treadmill running at 80-85% of maximum heart rate, 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks with progressive volume increase.

Primary outcomes

  1. Estimated VO2max

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

    Estimated maximal oxygen uptake assessed via Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1

  2. Isometric Leg Strength

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

    Maximum isometric leg strength measured using a Takei back-leg lift dynamometer

Secondary outcomes

  1. Heart Rate Variability

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

    HRV indices including pNN50 and MeanRR measured via Polar H10 during supine rest

  2. Heart Rate Recovery

    Time frame: Weeks 1 through 6

    Time to recovery after and between sets of exercise sessions measured weekly across the 6-week intervention

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Ankara University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Assessment of Cardiovascular, Autonomic, and Isometric Leg Strength Adaptations Following Step-Up Versus Running Exercise at Matched Heart Rate Zones in Sedentary Males

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
May 14, 2026
Registry last updated
May 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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