Upper Versus Lower Limb Cycling Exercise With Electrical Muscle Stimulation on Perceptual Responses, Energy Feelings

NCT07394595 | Completed DMC

• 1 other identifier: IRB # 29/7/2024-2025
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 120
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

In comparing the two types of cycling exercises, the perceptual responses, such as perceived exertion and fatigue, as well as subjective feelings of energy, are crucial metrics. Lower limb cycling is traditionally associated with higher levels of exertion due to the larger muscle groups involved. However, when EMS is applied, both upper and lower limb cycling might exhibit altered perceptions of effort and energy levels, with EMS potentially equalizing the exertional differences. This research is significant for designing exercise programs that optimize energy expenditure and enhance performance, particularly in rehabilitative settings or for individuals looking to diversify their physical training regimens.

Conditions

Healthy

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Perceptual Responses

  Assessed using the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale.

  at baseline and at 8 weeks

• Self-Perceived Energy Feeling

  (All participants will fill a short questionnaire (from 1 to 5 points) about their perception of energy before every training. Energy Feeling will be assessed (Evergy level, Fatigue Level, Feeling of Alertness, and Feeling of Focus for the task, valued from 1 = low energy to 5 = high energy).

  at baseline and at 8 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Perception of Effort during Endurance Training

  at baseline and at 8 weeks

• Blood lactate concentration

  at baseline and at 8 weeks

Study Arms (4)

Upper Limb Cycling with EMS

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants will perform cycling exercises using an arm ergometer combined with EMS applied to the upper limbs,Upper Limb Cycling with EMS: Participants will perform cycling exercises using an arm ergometer combined with EMS applied to the upper limbs. (Biceps, triceps, and deltoids) Jones et al., 2011

Other: Upper Limb Cycling with EMS

Lower Limb Cycling with EMS

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants will engage in traditional cycling exercises using a stationary bike with EMS applied to the lower limbs,Lower Limb Cycling with EMS: Participants will engage in traditional cycling exercises using a stationary bike with EMS applied to the lower limbs. (Quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles) Bax et al., 2005

Other: Lower Limb Cycling with EMS

EMS upper and lower

EXPERIMENTAL

electrical stimulation upper and lower

Other: EMS upper and lower

Control group

NO INTERVENTION

No exercises or intervention

Interventions

Upper Limb Cycling with EMS OTHER

Upper Limb Cycling with EMS: Participants will perform cycling exercises using an arm ergometer combined with EMS applied to the upper limbs. (Biceps, triceps, and deltoids) Jones et al., 2011

Upper Limb Cycling with EMS

Lower Limb Cycling with EMS OTHER

Lower Limb Cycling with EMS: Participants will engage in traditional cycling exercises using a stationary bike with EMS applied to the lower limbs. (Quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles)

Lower Limb Cycling with EMS

EMS upper and lower OTHER

EMS applied to the lower limbs. (Quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles) and EMS applied to the upper limbs. (Biceps, triceps, and deltoids)

EMS upper and lower

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 50 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Adults aged 18-45 years
• No history of cardiovascular or musculoskeletal disorders
• Physically active individuals with a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week

You may not qualify if:

• Current use of medications affecting muscle function
• Pregnant or lactating individuals
• Involvement in other structured exercise programs

Sponsors & Collaborators

• MTI University: lead

Study Sites (1)

faculty of physical therapy ,Cairo University

Cairo, 11311, Egypt

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: double blind
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assisstant professor

Model Details: RCT

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: January 30, 2026
• First Posted: February 6, 2026
• Study Start: February 2, 2026
• Primary Completion: March 2, 2026
• Study Completion: March 3, 2026
• Last Updated: March 17, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-03

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

EG (1)