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

Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Cholesterol (Total and HDL); Exercise

Treatments: Other: Core Exercise Group; Other: Step-Aerobics Group

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07350213

muglaSKU2-C-OC-01

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Full description

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.

Enrollment: 45 patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 25 to 45 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

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.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Prevention

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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45 participants in 2 patient groups

step-aerobics group

Active Comparator group

Description:

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

Treatment:

Other: Step-Aerobics Group

Other: Core Exercise Group

core exercise group

Active Comparator group

Description:

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.

Treatment:

Other: Step-Aerobics Group

Other: Core Exercise Group