Maximal Eccentric Cycling Metabolic Demand Based On True Negative Work

Maximal Eccentric Cycling Metabolic Demand Based on True Negative WorkGomez, M., Ramirez, B., Conde, D., Ibarra-Mejia, I., Gurovich A. Eccentric Cycling (ECC) has gained attention as a novel exercise modality that increases muscle performance without increasing metabolic demands. However, the current methodology does not differentiate between concentric cycling (CON) and ECC individually, by using CON Peak Power (PP) parameters as the current form of prescribing ECC. PURPOSE: To determine the metabolic demand during different test:session methods (CON:ECC, ECC:ECC, and CON:CON). METHODS: 11 apparently healthy participants were recruited for seven laboratory visits. The first visit served to obtain maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂max) and CON PP, followed by a 5-min familiarization with the eccentric ergometer. The second and third visits served to validate a protocol exclusively for ECC, determining VO₂max and PP. Fourth to seventh visit, either eccentric or concentric ergometer was to measure three different intensities derived from values obtained in previous visits. The methodologies CON:CON and CON:ECC utilized CON PP to perform CON or ECC bouts, respectively. ECC:ECC utilized ECC PP from ECC max test. All three approaches completed three stages (Low, Moderate, and High) based on 30%,60%, and 90% from their respective PP. RESULTS: High-intensity CON:CON was significantly higher than high-intensity CON:ECC and high-intensity ECC:ECC in lactate level, workload, heart rate (HR), rated perceived exertion (RPE), and VO2 (all p < 0.0001). Moderate-intensity CON:CON was significantly higher than moderate-intensity CON:ECC and moderate-intensity ECC:ECC in lactate level, workload, heart rate (HR), rated perceived exertion (RPE), and VO2 (all p < 0.0001). Low-intensity CON:CON was significantly higher than low-intensity CON:ECC and low-Intensity ECC:ECC in lactate level, workload, heart rate (HR), rated perceived exertion (RPE), and VO2 (all p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: CON:CON methodology induced greater metabolic demands compared to CON:ECC and ECC:ECC in all intensities, except low-intensity. Observed metabolic differences, present a promising route for maximizing the benefits of eccentric exercise.