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June 18, 2026Journal of science and medicine in sportOpen Access

Both eccentric and concentric cycling improve V̇O2 peak and 6-minute walk distance in HF.

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Why the study?

The effects of eccentric versus conventional concentric cycle training on aerobic and functional capacity and health-related quality of life in patients with heart failure required evaluation.

Does eccentric cycling training improve peak oxygen consumption and functional capacity compared to concentric cycling in patients with heart failure?

Population

70 patients with heart failure

Comparison

Eccentric cycling vs conventional concentric cycling

Design

1:1 randomised controlled trial

Key result

Both eccentric and concentric cycling significantly improved peak oxygen consumption (P=0.002) and 6-minute walk distance (P<0.001) in patients with heart failure.

Authors

LSLucy M. StauborgAHAndrew HaynesAMAndrew J. Maiorana

Discussion

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Overview

Eccentric cycling offers a viable alternative for improving VO2 peak in heart failure; extends RCT evidence for varied exercise modalities in cardiac rehab.

Key Points

  • The aim is to evaluate effects of eccentric versus concentric cycling on aerobic and functional capacity in heart failure.
  • Randomized controlled trial with 70 participants assigned to eccentric (n=34) or concentric (n=36) cycling.
  • Interventions included a 2-week familiarization followed by 12 weeks of training at 40-70% of heart rate reserve, twice weekly.
  • Primary outcome was peak oxygen consumption (V̇O 2 peak), secondary outcomes included various functional capacity tests and quality of life.
  • Both cycling interventions significantly improved V̇O 2 peak (eccentric: 17.7 to 19.1 ml/kg/min; concentric: 17.4 to 19.8 ml/kg/min, P = 0.002).
  • Significant enhancement in 6-min walk distance (eccentric: 476 to 547 m; concentric: 485 to 516 m, P < 0.001) and 30s sit-to-stand (eccentric: 12 to 16 reps; concentric: 13 to 14 reps, P < 0.001).
  • Eccentric cycling improved timed up-and-go performance and the mental domain of the MLWHF questionnaire, with lower perceived exertion (P = 0.018).

Study Design

Type

RCT (n=70)

Randomization

1:1

Structured PICO

Does eccentric cycling training improve peak oxygen consumption and functional capacity compared to concentric cycling in patients with heart failure?

P
Population
70 patients with heart failure (mean age 57 years, 20% female, mean LVEF 31%) randomized to 14 weeks of eccentric or concentric cycling.
I
Intervention
Eccentric cycling training (2-weeks familiarisation and 12-weeks training, matched relative intensity of 40–70% of heart rate reserve, twice weekly)
C
Comparator
Conventional concentric cycling training (2-weeks familiarisation and 12-weeks training, matched relative intensity of 40–70% of heart rate reserve, twice weekly)
O
Outcome
Peak oxygen consumption (V̇O2 peak)surrogate

Main Result

Absolute Event Rate: 19.1% vs 19.8%

p-value: p=0.002

Eccentric cycling is an effective alternative to conventional concentric cycling for improving aerobic and functional capacity in heart failure patients, with the added benefit of lower perceived exertion.

Cite This Study

Stauborg et al. (2026) conducted an RCT in heart failure (HF) (n=70). Eccentric cycling vs. Concentric cycling was evaluated on peak oxygen consumption (V̇O 2 peak) (p=0.002). Both eccentric and concentric cycling significantly improved peak oxygen consumption (P=0.002) and 6-minute walk distance (P<0.001) in patients with heart failure.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a33cfcf14a9c556e667788dhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2026.06.005
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