Eccentric Cycling : a Promising Training Modality for Sedentary People

NCT07189975 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: B7072023000019 - 2023/72
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 45
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The present study aims to compare the acute and training responses of (1) eccentric high intensity interval training (EI), (2)work-matched continuous eccentric training (EC), and (3) concentric high intensity interval training (CI), all performed on cycle ergometers. The variables of interest include ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), cognitive demand (Fat), heart rate (HR), maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂max), maximal aerobic power (MAP), and various functional and health-related parameters. It is hypothesized that eccentric interval training will produce comparable or superior improvements in functional outcomes relative to concentric interval training, but at a lower metabolic and perceptual cost. Furthermore, eccentric interval training is expected to yield greater physiological benefits than continuous eccentric training for a similar perceived and metabolic load. Forty-three sedentary healthy adults (23 men and 20 women) were recruited for this study based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants were randomly (stratified randomization) allocated into one of three training groups. Participants attended the laboratory on 28 occasions over a 14-week period, with two sessions per week. Participants in the EI and EC groups trained using an eccentric ergometer, while the CI group trained on a concentric ergometer. Baseline and post-intervention assessments were conducted during weeks 1 and 14, respectively. These included a maximal incremental cycling test to determine VO₂ peak and concentric MAP, followed by six functional performance assessments.

Conditions

Sedentary; Deconditioning; Eccentric Exercise Training; Eccentric Cycling Exercise; Elderly; Healthy Participants

Keywords

Eccentric cycling; Sedentarity; Elderly; Physical deconditioning; Training modality; Rehabilitation; Eccentric training

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (7)

• Maximal Isometric Force

  Maximal isometric knee extensors strength of the dominant leg was assessed using a MicroFET2 handheld dynamometer (Hoggan Scientific, USA) secured to an immovable frame. Participants were seated with hips at 85° and knees at 90° flexion. After a warm-up involving five minutes of low-intensity cycling and three submaximal isometric contractions (50-90% effort), participants completed five maximal voluntary contractions, each lasting five seconds with 30 seconds of rest between efforts. The highest recorded value was retained for analysis and expressed in newton-meters (Nm).

  At enrollment and at the end of treatment at 14 weeks

• Maximal Aerobic Power

  At the first and final visits, participants underwent a concentric incremental cycling test to determine their maximal aerobic power (expressed in watt (W)). The test began with a standardized 2-minute warm-up at 30 W and a cadence of 60 revolutions per minute (rpm). The workload was then increased every minute by 15 W for women and 20 W for men until volitional exhaustion. The higher value was recorded as their MAP. Participants were instructed to maintain a cadence above 60 rpm and were verbally encouraged throughout the test.

  At the begining and the end of study (week 1 and 14)

• Peak oxygen consumption

  At the first and final visits, participants underwent a concentric incremental cycling test to determine VO₂ peak (expressed in mililiters per minute per kilogram (mL/min/kg)). The test began with a standardized 2-minute warm-up at 30 watts (W) and a cadence of 60 revolutions per minute (rpm). The workload was then increased every minute by 15 W for women and 20 W for men until volitional exhaustion. The higher value of VO₂ was recorded as their VO₂ peak. Participants were instructed to maintain a cadence above 60 rpm and were verbally encouraged throughout the test.

  At the begining and the end of the study (week 1 and 14)

• Weight

  Study participants were weighed during their first session of participation. This measurement was taken on a Tanita balance and is expressed in kilograms (kg).

  At the begining and the end of the study (week 1 and 14)

• Height

  Participants were measured during their first session of participation in the study. This measurement was taken using a wall-mounted height gauge and is expressed in meters (m).

  At the begining and the end of the study (week 1 and 14)

• Body mass index

  The body mass index (BMI) of the participants was calculated based on their previously measured weight and height. The following formula was used: weight (kg)/height (m)², and BMI is expressed in kg/m\^2

  At the begining and the end of the study (week 1 and 14)

• Body fat index

  The body fat percentage of each participant was measured using Tanita scales and expressed as a percentage (%).

  At the begining and the end of the study (week 1 and 14)

Secondary Outcomes (5)

• Handgrip strength

  At week 1 and week 14

• Balance error scoring system

  Week 1 and 14

• Ten times sit to stand test

  Week 1 and 14

• Timed up and go

  Week 1 and 14

• Six-minute walking test

  Week 1 and 14

Other Outcomes (4)

• Rating of perceived exertion

  Throughout all the training sessions (week 2 to week 13)

• Heart Rate

  Throughout the training sessions, from week 2 to week 15

• Cognitive demand

  At the end of each training session, from week 2 to week 15

Study Arms (3)

Eccentric Interval

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this arm had to follow a high intensity interval training using an eccentric ergocycle

Other: High intensity eccentric cycling training

Eccentric continuous

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this arm had to follow a moderate intensity continuous training using an eccentric ergocycle

Other: Moderate intensity eccentric cycling training

Concentric interval

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this arm had to follow a high intensity interval training using a concentric ergocycle

Other: High intensity concentric cycling training

Interventions

High intensity eccentric cycling training OTHER

This intervention is a high intensity interval training using an eccentric ergocycle

Eccentric Interval

Moderate intensity eccentric cycling training OTHER

This intervention is a moderate intensity continuous training using an eccentric ergocycle

Eccentric continuous

High intensity concentric cycling training OTHER

This intervention is a high intensity interval training using a concentric ergocycle

Concentric interval

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 55 Years - 75 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Sedentary people (less than 3 hours of physical activity a week)
• No smoker

You may not qualify if:

• Pain or injury in the 6 previous months in the lower limbes
• Presenting an uncontrolled chronic condition
• Presenting cardiovascular issues

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Liege: lead

Study Sites (1)

Liege University

Liège, 4000, Belgium

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Sedentary Behavior

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Behavior

Study Officials

• Stéphanie HODY, PhD

  ULiege - Supervisor

  STUDY DIRECTOR

• Jean-François Kaux, Prof

  ULiege - Co-supervisor

  STUDY DIRECTOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 25, 2025
• First Posted: September 24, 2025
• Study Start: April 20, 2024
• Primary Completion: January 15, 2025
• Study Completion: January 15, 2025
• Last Updated: September 24, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-09

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

BE (1)