Cholesterol (Total and HDL)NCT07350213
Step-Aerobics Versus Core Exercise for Non-HDL Cholesterol Reduction in Sedentary Women
A study testing Step-Aerobics Group and Core Exercise Group in people with Cholesterol (Total and HDL) and Exercise, run by Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial 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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 25 to 45 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Cholesterol (Total and HDL), Exercise
- What is being tested?
- Step-Aerobics Group and Core Exercise Group
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 45 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Apr 2022to 1 Dec 2022
- 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 25 to 45 years
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- 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.
Who cannot join
- 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 locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Mugla Sitki Kocman University
Menteşe, Muğla, 48050
About this study
Official title: 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.
Read the 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 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.
- Conditions
- Cholesterol (Total and HDL), Exercise
- Being tested
- Step-Aerobics Group, Core Exercise Group
- Keywords
- Exercise, Overweight, Obesity, Women, Cholesterol, Non-HDL
- Medical subject headings
- Motor Activity, Overweight, Obesity
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Step-Aerobics GroupOther
Step Aerobics: The primary goal is to improve cardiovascular health and burn calories. It mainly targets the lower body muscles, including the legs, glutes, and calves. The arms and core also engage to keep pace with the rhythm.
Core Exercise GroupOther
The primary goal is to stabilize and strengthen the body's center (abs, lower back, hips, and the area surrounding the spine). The focus is on resistance and balance rather than mobility. These exercises target the core region, including deep abdominal muscles, lower back muscles, the pelvic floor, and the diaphragm. They are generally more static (stationary) or controlled.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Receives: Other: Step-Aerobics Group; Other: Core Exercise Group |
| 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. Receives: Other: Step-Aerobics Group; Other: Core Exercise Group |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Serum Non-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (Non-HDL-C) levels measured via enzymatic assay (mg/dL)on HDL levels in overweight or obese, sedentary individuals.
Fasting venous blood samples will be collected at baseline and after the 16-week intervention. Serum Non-HDL-C will be calculated as Total Cholesterol minus High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) using enzymatic assay methodology. Results will be reported as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and percentage change (%) from baseline. Between-group differences in change scores will be compared using independent samples t-tests with significance level set at p < 0.05.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 16)
Secondary outcomes (4)
Serum Total Cholesterol levels measured via enzymatic assay (mg/dL)
Fasting venous blood samples will be collected at baseline and week 16. Total serum cholesterol will be measured using enzymatic assay. Data will be reported as mean ± SD and percentage change (%) from baseline. Bonferroni correction will be applied for multiple comparisons (adjusted α = 0.05/10).
Measured: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 16)
Serum Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) levels measured via enzymatic assay (mg/dL)
Fasting venous blood samples will be collected at baseline and week 16. LDL-C will be measured using enzymatic assay. Results will be reported as mean ± SD and percentage change (%) from baseline. Statistical significance will be assessed using independent samples t-tests with Bonferroni correction applied (adjusted α = 0.05/10).
Measured: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 16)
Serum High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) levels measured via enzymatic assay (mg/dL)
Fasting venous blood samples will be collected at baseline and week 16. HDL-C will be measured using enzymatic assay. Data will be reported as mean ± SD and percentage change (%) from baseline. Between-group comparisons will be performed using independent samples t-tests with Bonferroni correction (adjusted α = 0.05/10).
Measured: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 16)
Serum Triglycerides levels measured via enzymatic assay (mg/dL)
Fasting venous blood samples will be collected at baseline and week 16. Triglycerides will be measured using enzymatic assay. Results will be reported as mean ± SD and percentage change (%) from baseline. Statistical analysis will include independent samples t-tests with Bonferroni correction applied (adjusted α = 0.05/10).
Measured: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 16)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted20 Jan 2026
- Study start1 Apr 2022
- Primary completion1 Oct 2022
- Study completion1 Dec 2022
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Cholesterol (Total and HDL)Studies 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
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Two groups with a step aerobics group or a core exercise group
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Investigator
- Enrolment
- 45 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, OGUZHAN CELIK, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07350213
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- muglaSKU2-C-OC-01
- Status last verified
- Jan 2026
- First submitted
- 28 Dec 2025
- Last updated
- 20 Jan 2026
- 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 20 Jan 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Step-Aerobics Versus Core Exercise for Non-HDL Cholesterol Reduction in Sedentary Women With Overweight/Obesity
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07350213
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- muglaSKU2-C-OC-01
- Conditions
- Cholesterol (Total and HDL), Exercise
- Keywords
- Exercise, Overweight, Obesity, Women, Cholesterol, Non-HDL
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 45 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Muğla Sıtkı Koçman UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Apr 2022 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Oct 2022 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Dec 2022 (actual)
- First posted
- 20 Jan 2026 (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 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.
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 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.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (investigator)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Two groups with a step aerobics group or a core exercise group
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| step-aerobics group | Active comparator | Other: Step-Aerobics Group, Other: Core Exercise GroupThe 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 |
| core exercise group | Active comparator | Other: Step-Aerobics Group, Other: Core Exercise GroupWarm-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. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 25 to 45 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- 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.
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Step-Aerobics GroupStep Aerobics: The primary goal is to improve cardiovascular health and burn calories. It mainly targets the lower body muscles, including the legs, glutes, and calves. The arms and core also engage to keep pace with the rhythm. | Other | core exercise group, step-aerobics group |
| Core Exercise GroupThe primary goal is to stabilize and strengthen the body's center (abs, lower back, hips, and the area surrounding the spine). The focus is on resistance and balance rather than mobility. These exercises target the core region, including deep abdominal muscles, lower back muscles, the pelvic floor, and the diaphragm. They are generally more static (stationary) or controlled. | Other | core exercise group, step-aerobics group |
Primary outcome
Serum Non-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (Non-HDL-C) levels measured via enzymatic assay (mg/dL)on HDL levels in overweight or obese, sedentary individuals.
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 16)
Fasting venous blood samples will be collected at baseline and after the 16-week intervention. Serum Non-HDL-C will be calculated as Total Cholesterol minus High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) using enzymatic assay methodology. Results will be reported as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and percentage change (%) from baseline. Between-group differences in change scores will be compared using independent samples t-tests with significance level set at p < 0.05.
4 secondary outcomes
Serum Total Cholesterol levels measured via enzymatic assay (mg/dL)
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 16)
Serum Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) levels measured via enzymatic assay (mg/dL)
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 16)
Serum High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) levels measured via enzymatic assay (mg/dL)
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 16)
Serum Triglycerides levels measured via enzymatic assay (mg/dL)
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 16)
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 20 Jan 2026.
- 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 Step-Aerobics Group and Core Exercise Group in people with Cholesterol (Total and HDL) and Exercise, run by Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
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 4 inclusion and 6 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 20 Jan 2026. 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 Turkey (Türkiye). 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?
Serum Non-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (Non-HDL-C) levels measured via enzymatic assay (mg/dL)on HDL levels in overweight or obese, sedentary individuals. (time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 16)). 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 20 Jan 2026.