Authors
Manuel Gomez, [1] The University of Texas at El Paso, Clinical Applied Physiology Lab, El Paso, Texas, USA, [2] The University of Texas at El Paso, Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, El Paso, Texas, USA
Bailey Ramirez, The University of Texas at El Paso, Clinical Applied Physiology Lab, El Paso, Texas, USA
Daniel Conde, [1] The University of Texas at El Paso, Clinical Applied Physiology Lab, El Paso, Texas, USA, [2] The University of Texas at El Paso, Department of Physical Therapy & Movement Science, El Paso, Texas, USA
Stephanie R. Maldonado, The University of Texas at El Paso, Clinical Applied Physiology Lab, El Paso, Texas, USA
Gabriel Ibarra-Mejia, The University of Texas at El Paso, Department of Public Health Sciences, El Paso, Texas, USA
Alvaro N. Gurovich, [1] The University of Texas at El Paso, Clinical Applied Physiology Lab, El Paso, Texas, USA, [2] The University of Texas at El Paso, Department of Physical Therapy & Movement Science, El Paso, Texas, USA
International Journal of Exercise Science 19(2): 2021, 2026.
DOI: 10.70252/IJES2026221
Abstract
Eccentric cycling (ECC) is known to be less metabolically demanding than traditional concentric (CON) cycling, making it a promising alternative for various clinical populations and rehabilitation. However, the metabolic advantages may be only present when comparing against maximum CON power output (PO). Yielding ambiguity if the metabolic response during ECC maximum are similar to CON max. Therefore the purpose, was to examine the difference in maximal metabolic demand and peak PO during an eccentric graded exercise test with controlled cadence. Fifteen apparently healthy adults completed four laboratory visits, including a familiarization session on concentric and eccentric cycle ergometers and randomized graded exercise tests on both ergometers. Oxygen consumption, heart rate, rate of perceived exertion, blood lactate, and peak power output were measured during the last 30 seconds of each graded exercise test. Peak power output showed good reliability between eccentric trials (ICC = 0.84). Additionally, peak power output was not significantly different between concentric and eccentric cycling. During the first ECC, only heart rate (p < 0.05) and lactate (p < 0.0001) were significantly different than CON. During the second ECC (ECC2), oxygen consumption (p = 0.008), heart rate (p = 0.005), rate of perceived exertion (p = 0.009), and blood lactate (p = 0.001) were significantly lower compared to CON. Repeated exposure to eccentric cycling resulted in reduced physiological strain without compromising peak workload, suggesting an acute familiarization effect. These findings support ECC’s unique efficiency and potential utility in clinical or rehabilitation settings.
Recommended Citation
Gomez, Manuel; Ramirez, Bailey; Conde, Daniel; Maldonado, Stephanie R.; Ibarra-Mejia, Gabriel; Gurovich, Alvaro N. (2026) “Maximal Metabolic Demands During Eccentric Cycling Based on True Negative Work,” International Journal of Exercise Science, 19(2):2021.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70252/IJES2026221