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

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

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.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Exercise; Cholesterol (Total and HDL)
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: Intervention 1: Step-Aerobics Program; Other: Intervention 2: Core Exercise Program

Detailed 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 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

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 50
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Turkey (Türkiye)
  • Muğla
    • Menteşe, Muğla, Turkey (Türkiye), 48050
      • Mugla Sitki Kocman University

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Description

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

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Prevention
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: Single

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Active Comparator: step-aerobics group; 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; 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
Active Comparator: core exercise group; 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; 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

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
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

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): January 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Actual): January 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Actual): July 1, 2026

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: July 4, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: July 10, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): July 14, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): July 14, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: July 10, 2026
• Last Verified: July 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: exercise; obesity; women; cholesterol; everweight
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Nutrition Disorders; Overnutrition; Body Weight; Overweight; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Behavior; Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases; Signs and Symptoms; Obesity; Motor Activity
• Other Study ID Numbers: muglaSKU-CRD-OC-04

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No