Step-Aerobics Versus Core Exercise for Non-HDL Cholesterol Reduction in Sedentary 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.

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.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 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.

Exclusion Criteria:

• 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.