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

NCT07703202 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: muglaSKU-CRD-OC-04
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 50
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

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.

Conditions

Cholesterol (Total and HDL); Exercise

Keywords

exercise; everweight; obesity; women; cholesterol

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

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

  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.

  24 weeks

Study Arms (2)

step-aerobics group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

The aerobic-step exercise training protocol included methodically planned 60-minute training sessions with the following components: Warm-up Phase (10 minutes): Low-intensity aerobic movements that are intended to slowly raise heart rate and ready the cardiovascular system for more vigorous exercise. This phase consisted of low stepping movements, arm circles, and dynamic stretching exercises. Main Exercise Phase (40 minutes): Aerobic-step exercise routines done on adjustable step platforms.Step height was individualized according to participant fitness level and progressed incrementally during the course of the intervention. Exercises consisted of simple step-ups, lateral steps, knee lifts, and complex choreographed movement patterns incorporating both lower and upper body movements. Music with suitable tempo was used to help maintain rhythm and motivation. Cool-down Phase (10 minutes): Progressive decrease in the intensity of exercise coupled

Other: Intervention 1: Step-Aerobics Program

core exercise group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Warm-up Phase (10 minutes): Simple aerobic movements akin to the step group but with focus on core engagement and spinal mobility. This phase involved marching in place, slow torso rotations, and preparatory core engagement exercises. Main Exercise Phase (40 minutes): Strength and stability exercises targeting the core and integrating aerobic movements. Planks, modified crunches, bridge exercises, stability ball exercises, Pilates160 inspired movements, and functional core strengthening exercises were included in this phase. The aerobic element was preserved by using continuous movement patterns and circuit-style training to keep heart rate within the desired zone.

Other: Intervention 2: Core Exercise Program

Interventions

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

step-aerobics group

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

core exercise group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 25 Years - 45 Years
• Gender Eligibility Details: 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
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• 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

You may not qualify if:

• 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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Mugla Sitki Kocman University

Menteşe, Muğla, 48050, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Motor Activity; Obesity

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Behavior; Overweight; Overnutrition; Nutrition Disorders; Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases; Body Weight; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: INVESTIGATOR
• Masking Details: The patients were randomly assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, into one of two groups of intervention: step-aerobics group (SAG) or core exercise group (CEG). An independent researcher produced the random sequence by computer-based random number generator.
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: assoc professor

Model Details: Two groups with a step aerobics group or a core exercise group

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 4, 2026
• First Posted: July 14, 2026
• Study Start: January 1, 2026
• Primary Completion: January 1, 2026
• Study Completion: July 1, 2026
• Last Updated: July 14, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-07

Locations

TU (1)