Energy ExpenditureNCT07147985
Effects of Different Exercises on Energy Metabolism and Muscle Activation in Normal-Weight and Overweight Students
A study testing 162 step frequency, 180 step frequency and 198 step frequency in people with Energy Expenditure, run by Shanxi Normal University at 1 site in China.
Trial summary
This clinical trial aims to investigate the effects of different exercise modalities on energy metabolism and muscle activation in both normal-weight and overweight university students. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 19 to 23 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Energy Expenditure
- What is being tested?
- 162 step frequency, 180 step frequency and 198 step frequency
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 38 participants
- Where
- 1 siteChina
- Study dates
- 1 Jul 2025to 21 Jul 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 19 to 23 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Aged 18 to 23 years old;
- BMI between 24.0 kg/m² and 27.9 kg/m² ;
- No participation in any structured weight loss or weight control interventions (including exercise programs, pharmacological agents, or dietary regimens) within the preceding three months;
- Cleared for exercise participation with no identified risks, as determined by the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q);
- Willing and able to comply fully with the experimental protocol, including completion of all training sessions and required measurements;
- Provision of written informed consent.
Who cannot join
- History of psychiatric disorders, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, hypertension, anemia, or any other contraindications to exercise (e.g., dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath);
- Immune dysfunction or severe hepatic or renal insufficiency;
- Unhealthy habits, such as regular smoking or excessive alcohol consumption;
- Current use of prescription medication (excluding contraceptives or incidental short-term medications, if specified and approved by the study investigators);
- Coagulation disorders or a significant bleeding tendency.
- Withdrawal and Termination Criteria:
Show all 9Show fewer
- Voluntary withdrawal from the study or discontinuation for any other reason;
- Poor compliance, defined as failure to follow instructions or complete assigned tasks as required by the protocol;
- Experiencing severe exercise intolerance or adverse reactions to the intervention.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
This clinical trial aims to investigate the effects of different exercise modalities on energy metabolism and muscle activation in both normal-weight and overweight university students.
The main question it aims to answer is:
Read more
Compared to normal-weight university students, does slow jogging at different step frequencies reduce body weight and increase energy expenditure (and metabolic rate) in overweight university students? Compared to normal-weight university students, does slow jogging at different step frequencies enhance muscle activation effects in overweight university students?
Researchers will compare three distinct step frequencies during slow jogging (162, 180, and 198 steps per minute) to determine which exercise modality is potentially more effective for increasing energy expenditure and metabolic rate.
Participants will:
Participants will sequentially undergo three separate testing sessions, each involving ultra-slow running at one of the three step frequencies (162, 180, or 198 steps per minute).
Testing sessions will occur once per week in the laboratory.
- Conditions
- Energy Expenditure
- Being tested
- 162 step frequency, 180 step frequency, 198 step frequency
- Keywords
- slow jogging, step frequency, energy expenditure, college students
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
162 step frequencyBehavioural
The exercise protocol lasted 21 minutes, comprising a 10-minute period of slow-pace running, preceded by a 3-minute quiet resting period and a 3-minute warm-up, and followed by a 5-minute recovery period after the warm-up and slow-pace running. 162 steps per minute crossover to 180 steps per minute and 198 steps per minute.
180 step frequencyBehavioural
The exercise protocol lasted 21 minutes, comprising a 10-minute period of slow-pace running, preceded by a 3-minute quiet resting period and a 3-minute warm-up, and followed by a 5-minute recovery period after the warm-up and slow-pace running. 180 steps per minute crossover to 162 steps per minute and 198 steps per minute.
198 step frequencyBehavioural
The exercise protocol lasted 21 minutes, comprising a 10-minute period of slow-pace running, preceded by a 3-minute quiet resting period and a 3-minute warm-up, and followed by a 5-minute recovery period after the warm-up and slow-pace running. 198 steps per minute crossover to 162 steps per minute and 180 steps per minute.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Step frequency group 1 | Experimental | Participants will receive step frequency in the following order:
First test: 162 steps per minute; Second test: 180 steps per minute; Third test: 198 steps per minute. Receives: Behavioral: 162 step frequency; Behavioral: 180 step frequency; Behavioral: 198 step frequency |
| Step frequency group 2 | Experimental | Participants will receive step frequency in the following order:
First test: 162 steps per minute; Second test: 198 steps per minute; Third test: 180 steps per minute. Receives: Behavioral: 162 step frequency; Behavioral: 180 step frequency; Behavioral: 198 step frequency |
| Step frequency group 3 | Experimental | Participants will receive step frequency in the following order: First test: 180 steps per minute; Second test: 162 steps per minute; Third test: 198 steps per minute. Receives: Behavioral: 162 step frequency; Behavioral: 180 step frequency; Behavioral: 198 step frequency |
| Step frequency group 4 | Experimental | Participants will receive step frequency in the following order:
First test: 180 steps per minute; Second test: 198 steps per minute; Third test: 162 steps per minute. Receives: Behavioral: 162 step frequency; Behavioral: 180 step frequency; Behavioral: 198 step frequency |
| Step frequency group 5 | Experimental | Participants will receive step frequency in the following order:
First test: 198 steps per minute; Second test: 162 steps per minute; Third test: 180 steps per minute. Receives: Behavioral: 162 step frequency; Behavioral: 180 step frequency; Behavioral: 198 step frequency |
| Step frequency group 6 | Experimental | Participants will receive step frequency in the following order:
First test: 198 steps per minute; Second test: 180 steps per minute; Third test: 162 steps per minute. Receives: Behavioral: 162 step frequency; Behavioral: 180 step frequency; Behavioral: 198 step frequency |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Resting Energy Expenditure (REE)
Subjects abstained from strenuous activity, substances (medication/alcohol/caffeine), and smoking 24h pre-test; females avoided menstruation. Post 12h fast/sleep, subjects rested seated 15min. Resting HR measured (Polar RS400). Subjects fitted with cardiopulmonary telemetry (Cortex Metamax 3B), positioned supine. Maintained steady breathing, upward gaze, minimal movement. HR/V̇O₂ monitored until stabilization. 10min data collection; steady state = <5% V̇O₂ fluctuation over 5min.
Measured: Baseline
Energy Expenditure at Step Frequencies
Telemetry/HR monitor worn for 3min warm-up. First test: 10min treadmill run (5 km/h) with HR/V̇O₂ recording. Two subsequent sessions followed. Randomized crossover prevented order effects: subjects drew lots for step frequency sequence (162, 180, 198 steps/min). Metronome ensured adherence.
Measured: through study completion, an average of 4 weeks
Heart rate
Upon entering the laboratory, subjects wore a heart rate telemetry monitor (RS400 Polar, Finland) and rested seated for 15 minutes to obtain resting heart rate. Following warm-up, subjects commenced testing. A heart rate monitor was secured on the right wrist pre-exercise to continuously monitor heart rate during activity.
Measured: through study completion, an average of 4 weeks
Electromyographic indicators
Wireless surface EMG data were acquired using the Trigno system (Delsys®, USA) at 2000 Hz. Electrodes were positioned at the mid-belly of each muscle parallel to the muscle fiber orientation. Signals were recorded from the:Biceps femoris、Rectus femoris、Tibialis anterior、Lateral gastrocnemius、Medial gastrocnemius. EMGworks Analysis® software (Delsys) processed raw signals.
Measured: through study completion, an average of 4 weeks
Secondary outcomes (4)
Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC)
EPOC was calculated from pre-/post-exercise oxygen consumption (O₂PRE/O₂POST) measured via portable cardiopulmonary telemetry (Cortex Metamax 3B): EPOC (L) = O₂POST (L) - O₂PRE (L) where: EPOC denotes excess post-exercise oxygen consumption, O₂POST represents post-exercise oxygen consumption, and O₂PRE represents pre-exercise oxygen consumption.
Measured: through study completion, an average of 4 weeks
Fat Oxidation
Fat Oxidation Data were collected and analyzed using the portable cardiopulmonary telemetry system (Cortex Metamax 3B, Germany). The fat oxidation rate was calculated as follows: Fat oxidation rate (g/min) = ② Fat Oxidation Fat oxidation rate was derived as: 1.695 × V̇O₂ (L/min) - 1.701 × V̇CO₂ (L/min) (g/min) using mean V̇O₂/V̇CO₂ from final 2min of each stage. ③ Carbohydrate Oxidation Carbohydrate oxidation rate was calculated as: 4.585 × V̇CO₂ (L/min) - 3.226 × V̇O₂ (L/min) (g/min) using mean V̇O₂/V̇CO₂ from final 2min of each stage. All data collected/analyzed with Cortex Metamax 3B system.
Measured: through study completion, an average of 4 weeks
Carbohydrate Oxidation
Carbohydrate oxidation rate was calculated as: 4.585 × V̇CO₂ (L/min) - 3.226 × V̇O₂ (L/min) (g/min) using mean V̇O₂/V̇CO₂ from final 2min of each stage. All data collected/analyzed with Cortex Metamax 3B system.
Measured: through study completion, an average of 4 weeks
RPE
Immediately after each exercise stage, subjects rated perceived exertion using the Borg RPE scale. The 15-point scale (6-20; 6 = no exertion, 20 = maximal exertion) was administered and recorded post-stage.
Measured: through study completion, an average of 4 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted29 Aug 2025
- Study start1 Jul 2025
- Primary completion15 Jul 2025
- Study completion21 Jul 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Energy ExpenditureStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 38 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Shanxi Normal University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Haiwei Li, Shanxi Normal University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07147985
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2025-0505
- Status last verified
- May 2025
- First submitted
- 8 Aug 2025
- Last updated
- 29 Aug 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 29 Aug 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Different Exercises on Energy Metabolism and Muscle Activation in Normal-Weight and Overweight Students
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07147985
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2025-0505
- Conditions
- Energy Expenditure
- Keywords
- slow jogging, step frequency, energy expenditure, college students
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 38 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Shanxi Normal UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jul 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Jul 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 21 Jul 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 29 Aug 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This clinical trial aims to investigate the effects of different exercise modalities on energy metabolism and muscle activation in both normal-weight and overweight university students.
The main question it aims to answer is:
Compared to normal-weight university students, does slow jogging at different step frequencies reduce body weight and increase energy expenditure (and metabolic rate) in overweight university students? Compared to normal-weight university students, does slow jogging at different step frequencies enhance muscle activation effects in overweight university students?
Researchers will compare three distinct step frequencies during slow jogging (162, 180, and 198 steps per minute) to determine which exercise modality is potentially more effective for increasing energy expenditure and metabolic rate.
Participants will:
Participants will sequentially undergo three separate testing sessions, each involving ultra-slow running at one of the three step frequencies (162, 180, or 198 steps per minute).
Testing sessions will occur once per week in the laboratory.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 6
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Step frequency group 1 | Experimental | Behavioral: 162 step frequency, Behavioral: 180 step frequency, Behavioral: 198 step frequencyParticipants will receive step frequency in the following order: First test: 162 steps per minute; Second test: 180 steps per minute; Third test: 198 steps per minute. |
| Step frequency group 2 | Experimental | Behavioral: 162 step frequency, Behavioral: 180 step frequency, Behavioral: 198 step frequencyParticipants will receive step frequency in the following order: First test: 162 steps per minute; Second test: 198 steps per minute; Third test: 180 steps per minute. |
| Step frequency group 3 | Experimental | Behavioral: 162 step frequency, Behavioral: 180 step frequency, Behavioral: 198 step frequencyParticipants will receive step frequency in the following order: First test: 180 steps per minute; Second test: 162 steps per minute; Third test: 198 steps per minute. |
| Step frequency group 4 | Experimental | Behavioral: 162 step frequency, Behavioral: 180 step frequency, Behavioral: 198 step frequencyParticipants will receive step frequency in the following order: First test: 180 steps per minute; Second test: 198 steps per minute; Third test: 162 steps per minute. |
| Step frequency group 5 | Experimental | Behavioral: 162 step frequency, Behavioral: 180 step frequency, Behavioral: 198 step frequencyParticipants will receive step frequency in the following order: First test: 198 steps per minute; Second test: 162 steps per minute; Third test: 180 steps per minute. |
| Step frequency group 6 | Experimental | Behavioral: 162 step frequency, Behavioral: 180 step frequency, Behavioral: 198 step frequencyParticipants will receive step frequency in the following order: First test: 198 steps per minute; Second test: 180 steps per minute; Third test: 162 steps per minute. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 19 to 23 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Aged 18 to 23 years old;
- BMI between 24.0 kg/m² and 27.9 kg/m² ;
- No participation in any structured weight loss or weight control interventions (including exercise programs, pharmacological agents, or dietary regimens) within the preceding three months;
- Cleared for exercise participation with no identified risks, as determined by the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q);
- Willing and able to comply fully with the experimental protocol, including completion of all training sessions and required measurements;
Key exclusion criteria (9 listed)
- History of psychiatric disorders, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, hypertension, anemia, or any other contraindications to exercise (e.g., dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath);
- Immune dysfunction or severe hepatic or renal insufficiency;
- Unhealthy habits, such as regular smoking or excessive alcohol consumption;
- Current use of prescription medication (excluding contraceptives or incidental short-term medications, if specified and approved by the study investigators);
- Coagulation disorders or a significant bleeding tendency.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| 162 step frequencyThe exercise protocol lasted 21 minutes, comprising a 10-minute period of slow-pace running, preceded by a 3-minute quiet resting period and a 3-minute warm-up, and followed by a 5-minute recovery period after the warm-up and slow-pace running. 162 steps per minute crossover to 180 steps per minute and 198 steps per minute. | Behavioural | Step frequency group 1, Step frequency group 2, Step frequency group 3, Step frequency group 4, Step frequency group 5, Step frequency group 6 |
| 180 step frequencyThe exercise protocol lasted 21 minutes, comprising a 10-minute period of slow-pace running, preceded by a 3-minute quiet resting period and a 3-minute warm-up, and followed by a 5-minute recovery period after the warm-up and slow-pace running. 180 steps per minute crossover to 162 steps per minute and 198 steps per minute. | Behavioural | Step frequency group 1, Step frequency group 2, Step frequency group 3, Step frequency group 4, Step frequency group 5, Step frequency group 6 |
| 198 step frequencyThe exercise protocol lasted 21 minutes, comprising a 10-minute period of slow-pace running, preceded by a 3-minute quiet resting period and a 3-minute warm-up, and followed by a 5-minute recovery period after the warm-up and slow-pace running. 198 steps per minute crossover to 162 steps per minute and 180 steps per minute. | Behavioural | Step frequency group 1, Step frequency group 2, Step frequency group 3, Step frequency group 4, Step frequency group 5, Step frequency group 6 |
Primary outcome
Resting Energy Expenditure (REE)
Time frame: Baseline
Subjects abstained from strenuous activity, substances (medication/alcohol/caffeine), and smoking 24h pre-test; females avoided menstruation. Post 12h fast/sleep, subjects rested seated 15min. Resting HR measured (Polar RS400). Subjects fitted with cardiopulmonary telemetry (Cortex Metamax 3B), positioned supine. Maintained steady breathing, upward gaze, minimal movement. HR/V̇O₂ monitored until stabilization. 10min data collection; steady state = <5% V̇O₂ fluctuation over 5min.
Energy Expenditure at Step Frequencies
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 4 weeks
Telemetry/HR monitor worn for 3min warm-up. First test: 10min treadmill run (5 km/h) with HR/V̇O₂ recording. Two subsequent sessions followed. Randomized crossover prevented order effects: subjects drew lots for step frequency sequence (162, 180, 198 steps/min). Metronome ensured adherence.
Heart rate
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 4 weeks
Upon entering the laboratory, subjects wore a heart rate telemetry monitor (RS400 Polar, Finland) and rested seated for 15 minutes to obtain resting heart rate. Following warm-up, subjects commenced testing. A heart rate monitor was secured on the right wrist pre-exercise to continuously monitor heart rate during activity.
Electromyographic indicators
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 4 weeks
Wireless surface EMG data were acquired using the Trigno system (Delsys®, USA) at 2000 Hz. Electrodes were positioned at the mid-belly of each muscle parallel to the muscle fiber orientation. Signals were recorded from the:Biceps femoris、Rectus femoris、Tibialis anterior、Lateral gastrocnemius、Medial gastrocnemius. EMGworks Analysis® software (Delsys) processed raw signals.
4 secondary outcomes
Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC)
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 4 weeks
Fat Oxidation
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 4 weeks
Carbohydrate Oxidation
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 4 weeks
RPE
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 4 weeks
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 29 Aug 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing 162 step frequency, 180 step frequency and 198 step frequency in people with Energy Expenditure, run by Shanxi Normal University at 1 site in China.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 9 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 29 Aug 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in China. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) (time frame: Baseline). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 29 Aug 2025.