Effects of Different Exercises on Energy Metabolism and Muscle Activation in Normal-Weight and Overweight Students

Effects of Different Exercises on Energy Metabolism and Muscle Activation in Normal-Weight and Overweight Students

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.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged 18 to 23 years old;
2. BMI between 24.0 kg/m² and 27.9 kg/m² ;
3. No participation in any structured weight loss or weight control interventions (including exercise programs, pharmacological agents, or dietary regimens) within the preceding three months;
4. Cleared for exercise participation with no identified risks, as determined by the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q);
5. Willing and able to comply fully with the experimental protocol, including completion of all training sessions and required measurements;
6. Provision of written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of psychiatric disorders, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, hypertension, anemia, or any other contraindications to exercise (e.g., dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath);
2. Immune dysfunction or severe hepatic or renal insufficiency;
3. Unhealthy habits, such as regular smoking or excessive alcohol consumption;
4. Current use of prescription medication (excluding contraceptives or incidental short-term medications, if specified and approved by the study investigators);
5. Coagulation disorders or a significant bleeding tendency.

Withdrawal and Termination Criteria:

1. Voluntary withdrawal from the study or discontinuation for any other reason;
2. Poor compliance, defined as failure to follow instructions or complete assigned tasks as required by the protocol;
3. Experiencing severe exercise intolerance or adverse reactions to the intervention.