Effects of Eccentric Pedaling at Different Rates on Neuromuscular Function

Summary

The recent appearance of ergocycles that can be used for eccentric pedaling (Cyclus type) has aroused a growing interest in the field of rehabilitation. The mechanical, metabolic, and cardiorespiratory characteristics of eccentric exercises make them an exercise of choice when the goal is to improve locomotor muscle function and exercise capacity. Despite its potential advantages, the optimal modalities of eccentric pedaling, in particular the choice of pedaling frequency, are still poorly understood, especially its effects on the neuromuscular system. Indeed, most training protocols impose a fixed pedaling power but with highly variable pedaling rates, ranging from 15 to 60 rpm (Besson et al., 2013; MacMillan et al., 2017). For a given pedaling power level (P), the choice of pedaling frequency (F) directly impacts the force torque (C) and thus the force applied to the pedals, since power is equal to the product of pedaling frequency and force torque (P = F.C). For frequencies varying from 15 to 60 rpm, the level of muscular tension during pedaling therefore varies from single to quadruple. These very large variations in force can influence the neuromuscular adaptations induced during a prolonged training period. For example, the use of low pedaling frequencies corresponding to high muscle tension could favor peripheral muscular adaptations (e.g. contractility) whereas higher pedaling frequencies could favor central (i.e. nervous) adaptations.

A better understanding of the neuromuscular adaptations induced by a period of eccentric pedaling at different cadences will allow for a more precise definition of training protocols for populations likely to undergo this type of training (e.g. elderly people, patients with heart failure).

Conditions

• Volunteers Who Can do Moderate Physical Activity

Interventions

OTHER

Neuromuscular evaluation

Before and after training. Muscle function: * voluntary maximal isometric force of the knee extensors * evoked force in the knee extensors by double percutaneous electrical stimulation at 100 and 10 Hz * level of voluntary activation * voluntary maximum force in concentric and eccentric mode at an angular speed of 60°.s-1 * squat jump and counter-movement jump

OTHER

Assessment of aerobic capacity, muscle architecture and habituation to the eccentric pedaling task

Before and after training. Cardiovascular-respiratory function: * Oxygen consumption during the incremental concentric pedaling test conducted to high effort perception. * heart rate during pedaling tasks Muscle architecture: \- Pennation angle and thickness of vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, gastrocnemius medialis and lateralis muscles, before and after training. Familiarization with eccentric pedaling

OTHER

Pedaling at 15 rpm

3 training sessions per week for 6 weeks

OTHER

No pedaling, usual activity

Maintain usual physical activity and diet for a period of 6 weeks.

OTHER

Pedaling at 60rpm

3 sessions per week of training for 6 weeks

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

40 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2022-02-07

Primary Completion

2025-06-30

Completion

2025-06-30

Countries

• France

Study Locations