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

NCT07585617 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: AUFS-2024-001
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 36
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

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.

Conditions

Physical Inactivity; Sedentary Behaviors

Keywords

Exercise intervention; Heart rate variability; VO2max; Isometric strength; Step-up exercise; Aerobic training

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Estimated VO2max

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

  Baseline and 6 weeks

• Isometric Leg Strength

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

  Baseline and 6 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Heart Rate Variability

  Baseline and 6 weeks

• Heart Rate Recovery

  Weeks 1 through 6

Study Arms (3)

Step-up Exercise Group (STP)

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants performed loaded step-up exercises at 80-85% of maximum heart rate using a load of 20% body weight, 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks with progressive volume.

Behavioral: Loaded Step-Up Exercise

Treadmill Running Group (R)

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

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

Behavioral: Treadmill Running

Control Group (C)

NO INTERVENTION

Participants did not engage in any structured exercise training during the 6-week period.

Interventions

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.

Step-up Exercise Group (STP)

Treadmill Running BEHAVIORAL

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

Treadmill Running Group (R)

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 40 Years
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• 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

You may not qualify if:

• 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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Ankara University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Ankara University Faculty of Sport Sciences

Ankara, Golbasi, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Sedentary Behavior

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Behavior

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: BASIC SCIENCE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 6, 2026
• First Posted: May 14, 2026
• Study Start: February 20, 2024
• Primary Completion: May 28, 2024
• Study Completion: June 10, 2024
• Last Updated: May 14, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)