نرجس سیاری

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of a selected aerobic step training program on cardiovascular indices, maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max), subcutaneous fat, anxiety, and aggression in deaf male students. Thirty deaf males with a mean age of 19–25 years, height ranging from 167 to 186.5 cm, and weight between 51 and 105 kg were randomly divided into experimental (n = 15) and control (n = 15) groups. The training program for the experimental group lasted for six weeks, consisting of three sessions per week, each session lasting 45 minutes with an intensity of 80–85% of maximum heart rate (HRmax). Pre- and post-tests were administered to measure aerobic capacity, anxiety, and aggression using the aerobic step test, Spielberger’s Anxiety Inventory, and the Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire, respectively. Subcutaneous fat was measured using a skinfold caliper. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests and covariance analysis. The results revealed a significant increase in aerobic capacity as well as a significant decrease in anxiety, aggression, and subcutaneous fat percentage following the aerobic training intervention. Overall, the findings indicate that aerobic exercise has a positive effect on aerobic capacity adaptation, body composition, anxiety reduction, and aggression control in deaf individuals.