Effects of Aerobic and Resistance Exercises on Cardiovascular Biomarkers in Sedentary Females: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- Enrollment
- 45
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Change in Serum NT-proBNP Level
Study Overview
Brief Summary
This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of aerobic and resistance exercise on cardiovascular and inflammatory biomarkers in sedentary young women. Forty-five healthy sedentary females aged 18 to 25 years were randomly assigned to aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, or control groups. The exercise groups trained three times per week for 8 weeks under supervision, while the control group maintained a sedentary lifestyle. Blood samples and physiological measurements were obtained at baseline and after the intervention. The primary aim was to evaluate changes in circulating natriuretic peptides and inflammatory biomarkers, including NT-proBNP, BNP, soluble ST2, and Galectin-3. Secondary outcomes included lipid profile, glucose and insulin levels, blood pressure, and aerobic fitness. The study examined whether different exercise modalities induce beneficial cardiometabolic adaptations in previously sedentary young women.
Detailed Description
Sedentary lifestyle is associated with increased cardiometabolic risk and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Circulating biomarkers such as brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), soluble ST2 (s-ST2), and Galectin-3 are widely used in clinical practice to evaluate cardiac stress, inflammation, and prognosis in cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about how regular exercise affects these biomarkers in healthy but sedentary young adults.
This randomized controlled trial was designed to compare the effects of two different exercise modalities, aerobic and resistance training, on cardiometabolic and inflammatory biomarkers in sedentary females aged 18 to 25 years.
Participants were randomly allocated to one of three parallel groups: aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, or non-exercising control. The aerobic group performed supervised treadmill-based walking and jogging at moderate intensity corresponding to 60 to 75 percent of heart rate reserve, for approximately 60 minutes per session, three times per week for 8 weeks. The resistance group completed supervised whole-body resistance training consisting of major upper and lower body exercises, performed as 3 sets of 8 to 10 repetitions at approximately 70 to 80 percent of one-repetition maximum, also three times per week for 8 weeks. The control group was instructed to maintain their usual sedentary lifestyle without engaging in structured exercise.
Fasting venous blood samples were collected at baseline and after the 8-week intervention to determine serum concentrations of NT-proBNP, BNP, s-ST2, and Galectin-3, as well as lipid profile, glucose, and insulin. Physiological and functional measurements included body composition, resting heart rate, blood pressure, and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max).
The primary outcome was the change in NT-proBNP after 8 weeks. Secondary outcomes included changes in BNP, s-ST2, Galectin-3, lipid parameters, glycemic markers, blood pressure, and aerobic fitness.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Prevention
- Masking
- None
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 18 Years to 25 Years (Adult)
- Sex
- Female
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •Female, aged 18 to 25 years
- •Sedentary lifestyle (no regular structured exercise training)
- •Apparently healthy with no diagnosed cardiovascular, metabolic, or inflammatory disease
- •Willing to participate in an 8-week supervised exercise program and provide blood samples
- •Provided written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria
- •History of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, or chronic inflammatory disorder
- •Current use of medications affecting cardiovascular or metabolic function
- •Regular participation in structured exercise or competitive sports
- •Smoking or alcohol/drug abuse
- •Any musculoskeletal or medical condition that prevents safe participation in exercise
- •Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy
Arms & Interventions
Aerobic Exercise
Participants performed supervised moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on a treadmill (walking and jogging) at 60-75% of heart rate reserve, 60 minutes per session, three times per week for 8 weeks.
Intervention: Aerobic Exercise Training (Behavioral)
Resistance Exercise
Participants performed supervised whole-body resistance training consisting of major upper and lower body exercises, 3 sets of 8-10 repetitions at approximately 70-80% of one-repetition maximum, three times per week for 8 weeks.
Intervention: Resistance Exercise Training (Behavioral)
Resistance Training
Participants maintained their habitual sedentary lifestyle and did not participate in any structured exercise program for 8 weeks.
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Change in Serum NT-proBNP Level
Time Frame: Baseline and Week 8
Difference in fasting serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration between baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention.
Secondary Outcomes
No secondary outcomes reported
Investigators
Hamza Kucuk
Associate Professor of Sports Sciences
Ondokuz Mayıs University