High-Intensity Interval Alternating Concentric-Eccentric Training in Chronic Respiratory Disease

Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18+
SponsorFu Jen Catholic University Hospital

About this trial

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of high-intensity interval training incorporating alternating concentric and eccentric cycling on functional performance in adults with chronic respiratory disease undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation. A total of 45 participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: high-intensity interval alternating concentric-eccentric training, high-intensity interval concentric training, or usual care. Participants in the exercise training groups will complete a 12-week supervised exercise program, while the usual-care group will continue routine care with self-regulated exercise intensity. Functional performance, exercise capacity, and patient-reported outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention. The study seeks to determine whether incorporating eccentric exercise into high-intensity interval training can improve physical function while reducing cardiopulmonary and perceived exercise burden.

Eligibility criteria

This trial does not accept healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

Able and willing to provide written informed consent. Adults aged 18 years or older with chronic respiratory disease. Have participated in a pulmonary rehabilitation program for more than 3 months. For participants with an implanted cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), the programmed maximum heart rate must be higher than the target heart rate used during exercise training.

Disqualifiers

Presence of a tracheostomy. Use of long-term home oxygen therapy or home mechanical ventilation. Severe left-sided heart failure classified as New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III or IV.

Trial design

Design model

Parallel

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Alternating Concentric-Eccentric High-Intensity Interval Training

    Behavioral

    Participants will complete a 2-week eccentric cycling familiarization period followed by 12 weeks of supervised high-intensity interval training, performed twice weekly. Each formal training session lasts approximately 40 minutes and includes a 5-minute warm-up at 30% of peak work rate (Wpeak), 30 minutes of interval training, and a 5-minute cool-down at 30% Wpeak. The interval phase consists of five cycles of 2 minutes of concentric cycling at 80% Wpeak followed by 4 minutes of eccentric cycling performed at the same external workload as the high-intensity concentric interval.

  • Concentric High-Intensity Interval Training

    Behavioral

    Participants will complete 12 weeks of supervised high-intensity interval concentric cycling training, performed twice weekly. Each session lasts approximately 40 minutes and includes a 5-minute warm-up at 30% of peak work rate (Wpeak), 30 minutes of interval training, and a 5-minute cool-down at 30% Wpeak. The interval phase consists of five cycles of 2 minutes of concentric cycling at 80% Wpeak followed by 4 minutes of concentric cycling at 40% Wpeak.

  • Usual Care

    Behavioral

    Participants will continue usual care with self-regulated exercise intensity for 12 weeks. No structured high-intensity interval or eccentric cycling training will be provided as part of the study intervention.

Treatment groups

45 Participants
are divided into 3 treatment groups
Group A: Alternating Concentric-Eccentric HIITExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: Concentric HIITActive comparator 1 intervention
Group C: Usual CareActive comparator 1 intervention

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

1

Change in 6-Minute Walk Distance

The 6-minute walk test will be used to assess functional exercise capacity. The distance walked in 6 minutes on a 30-meter indoor corridor will be recorded in meters. Change from baseline to post-intervention will be compared among the three study groups.

Time frame
Baseline and 12 weeks
2

Change in Timed Up and Go Test

The Timed Up and Go test will be used to assess functional mobility, balance, and gait performance. Participants will stand from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn, return to the chair, and sit down. Three trials will be performed, and the fastest completion time in seconds will be used for analysis.

Time frame
Baseline and 12 weeks
3

Change in Stair Climbing Performance

Stair climbing performance will be assessed using a fixed number of stairs to evaluate lower-extremity strength, balance, agility, and functional performance. Completion time will be recorded in seconds.

Time frame
Baseline and 12 weeks

Secondary outcomes

1

Change in St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire Score

Health-related quality of life will be assessed using the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Changes in total score from baseline to post-intervention will be evaluated.

Time frame
Baseline and after 12 weeks of formal training

Other outcomes

Sponsors and contacts

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