Physical Inactivity, Sedentary Behaviors
Conditions
Keywords
Exercise intervention, Heart rate variability, VO2max, Isometric strength, Step-up exercise, Aerobic training
Brief summary
This study compares the effects of two aerobic exercise methods - loaded step-up exercise and treadmill running - on cardiovascular fitness, leg strength, heart rate variability, and recovery in sedentary adult males. Both exercise groups will train at 80-85% of maximum heart rate, three sessions per week for six weeks. A control group will not participate in any training. Measurements of estimated VO₂max, isometric leg strength, resting heart rate, heart rate variability indices, and heart rate recovery will be taken before and after the intervention.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALLoaded Step-Up Exercise
Step-up exercise performed on an adjustable platform at individually assigned heights (35 cm or 40 cm, based on participant height), with a load equal to 20% of body weight, at 80-85% of maximum heart rate, 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks with progressive volume increase.
BEHAVIORALTreadmill Running
Continuous treadmill running at 80-85% of maximum heart rate, 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks with progressive volume increase.
Sponsors
Ankara University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
18 Years to 40 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Male, aged 18-40 years * Sedentary - no participation in structured exercise programs for at least 6 months prior to the study * Free from chronic diseases * No musculoskeletal injuries or surgical interventions within the last 6 months
Exclusion criteria
* Female sex * Age below 18 or above 40 years * Participation in structured exercise within the last 6 months * Presence of chronic disease * Musculoskeletal injury or surgical intervention within the last 6 months
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated VO2max | Baseline and 6 weeks | Estimated maximal oxygen uptake assessed via Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 |
| Isometric Leg Strength | Baseline and 6 weeks | Maximum isometric leg strength measured using a Takei back-leg lift dynamometer |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Heart Rate Variability | Baseline and 6 weeks | HRV indices including pNN50 and MeanRR measured via Polar H10 during supine rest |
| Heart Rate Recovery | Weeks 1 through 6 | Time to recovery after and between sets of exercise sessions measured weekly across the 6-week intervention |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed