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 volunteersQualifiers
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
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
Alternating Concentric-Eccentric High-Intensity Interval Training
BehavioralParticipants 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
BehavioralParticipants 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
BehavioralParticipants 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
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
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.
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.
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.
Secondary outcomes
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.
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