Author Identifier (ORCID)
Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate the effects of eccentric and conventional concentric cycle training on aerobic and functional capacity and health-related quality of life in patients with heart failure. Design: Seventy participants (45 after attrition) with heart failure were randomised 1:1 to eccentric (n = 34) or concentric (n = 36) cycling and 45 completed the intervention (eccentric n = 25; concentric n = 20). Each intervention involved 2-weeks familiarisation and 12-weeks of training, performed at matched relative intensity (40–70% of heart rate reserve), twice weekly. Methods: The primary outcome was peak oxygen consumption (V̇O2peak); secondary outcomes included 6-minute walk distance, 30 s sit-to-stand, timed up-and-go, and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure questionnaire to determine quality of life. Intention to treat analysis was conducted using linear mixed models. Results: The mean age of participants was 57 ± 13 years and 20% were female. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 31 ± 10%. Both interventions significantly enhanced V̇O2peak (eccentric: 17.7 ± 4.8 to 19.1 ± 5.2; concentric: 17.4 ± 6.0 to 19.8 ± 6.0 mL·kg−1·min−1, P = 0.002), 6-min walk distance (eccentric: 476 ± 77 to 547 ± 80; concentric: 485 ± 106 to 516 ± 113 m, P < 0.001), and 30 s sit-to-stand (eccentric: 12 ± 3 to 16 ± 3; concentric: 13 ± 4 to 14 ± 3 reps, P < 0.001). Timed up-and-go (eccentric: 7.2 ± 1.2 to 6.2 ± 1.1; concentric: 7.6 ± 1.5 to 7.3 ± 1.9 s, P < 0.001) and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure questionnaire mental domain improved following eccentric, but not concentric cycling. Perceived exertion was lower during exercise training in eccentric cycling (P = 0.018). Conclusions: Both eccentric cycling and concentric cycling improved aerobic capacity and functional outcomes in compromised patients with heart failure.
Keywords
cardiac rehabilitation, exercise therapy, oxygen consumption, quality of life
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
1-1-2026
ISSN
14402440
Publication Title
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport
Publisher
Elsevier
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
Funding Information
This study was funded by NHMRC Ideas grant (1045204). D.J.G. was supported by a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Principal Research Fellowship (APP1080914).
Funding received from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
1045204, APP1080914
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Stauborg, L. M., Haynes, A., Maiorana, A. J., Dembo, L. G., Lloyd, D., Nosaka, K., Hillis, G. S., Green, D. J., & Naylor, L. H. (2026). Effects of eccentric cycling training on aerobic and functional capacity in patients with heart failure: A randomised controlled trial. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2026.06.005