Effects of 12-Week Combined Exercise on Semen Quality and Metabolic Health in Healthy Men

Cumhuriyet University34 enrolled

Overview

This study evaluated whether a 12-week combined aerobic and resistance exercise program could improve semen quality and metabolic health in healthy adult men. A total of 34 men aged 18-24 years participated in the study. Participants were assigned to either an exercise group or a passive control group based on their willingness and ability to attend the exercise program; assignment was not randomized. Participants in the exercise group completed supervised combined exercise sessions three times per week for 12 weeks. Each session included aerobic and resistance exercises. Participants in the control group were asked to maintain their usual daily activities and not begin a structured exercise program during the study. Semen quality, metabolic biomarkers, and body composition were assessed before and after the 12-week study period. Semen assessments included semen volume, pH, sperm concentration, motility, and normal sperm morphology. The study aimed to determine whether regular combined exercise was associated with changes in reproductive and metabolic health compared with no structured exercise program.

This completed, non-randomized, parallel-group interventional study investigated the effects of a 12-week supervised combined aerobic and resistance exercise program on semen quality, metabolic biomarkers, and body composition in healthy adult men. A total of 34 men aged 18-24 years were enrolled. Participants were allocated to an exercise group or a passive control group according to their willingness and availability to participate in the supervised exercise program. Therefore, no random sequence generation or concealed allocation procedure was used. Participants assigned to the exercise group completed a 12-week combined exercise program consisting of three supervised sessions per week. The program incorporated both aerobic and resistance exercise components. Exercise sessions were progressively organized over the intervention period to provide a structured training stimulus. Participants assigned to the passive control group continued their usual daily routines and were instructed not to participate in a new structured exercise program during the same period. Assessments were conducted at baseline and after completion of the 12-week intervention. Semen samples were evaluated for semen volume, pH, sperm concentration, total motility, progressive motility, non-progressive motility, and normal sperm morphology. Metabolic biomarkers and body-composition measures were also evaluated at both time points. Laboratory personnel responsible for outcome assessment were unaware of the participants' group assignments. Changes from baseline to the end of the intervention were compared between the exercise and control groups to examine whether combined exercise was associated with improvements in reproductive and metabolic health.

Interventions

Combined Aerobic and Resistance Exercise ProgramBEHAVIORAL

Participants completed a 12-week supervised combined exercise program performed three times per week. Each session included aerobic and resistance exercise components. The training program was progressively structured across the intervention period to provide an appropriate exercise stimulus. Exercise sessions were supervised to support adherence and the correct performance of the prescribed activities. Semen quality, metabolic biomarkers, and body composition were assessed before and after the intervention.

Eligibility

Sex: MALEMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 24 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Male participants aged 18-24 years. Being generally healthy and able to participate safely in an aerobic and resistance exercise program. Voluntarily agreeing to participate and providing written informed consent. Being willing and able to provide semen and blood samples at baseline and after the 12-week study period. Being able to complete the study assessments and comply with the study procedures. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of a diagnosed reproductive system disorder or a medical condition known to affect semen quality. Presence of a chronic, cardiovascular, metabolic, musculoskeletal, or other medical condition that could prevent safe participation in exercise. Current use of medication, hormonal treatment, or nutritional supplementation known to influence reproductive or metabolic outcomes. Presence of an acute illness or injury during the assessment or intervention period that prevented participation. Failure to complete the baseline or post-intervention assessments. Failure to comply with the prescribed exercise program or study procedures.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in Sperm Concentration

Sperm concentration was determined through semen analysis and expressed as the number of spermatozoa per milliliter of semen. The change from baseline to the end of the 12-week study period was compared between the combined exercise and passive control groups.