Upper Versus Lower Limb Cycling Exercise With Electrical Muscle Stimulation on Perceptual Responses, Energy Feelings

Upper Versus Lower Limb Cycling Exercise With Electrical Muscle Stimulation on Perceptual Responses, Energy Feelings in Young Adults

In comparing the two types of cycling exercises, the perceptual responses, such as perceived exertion and fatigue, as well as subjective feelings of energy, are crucial metrics. Lower limb cycling is traditionally associated with higher levels of exertion due to the larger muscle groups involved. However, when EMS is applied, both upper and lower limb cycling might exhibit altered perceptions of effort and energy levels, with EMS potentially equalizing the exertional differences. This research is significant for designing exercise programs that optimize energy expenditure and enhance performance, particularly in rehabilitative settings or for individuals looking to diversify their physical training regimens.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Healthy
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: Upper Limb Cycling with EMS; Other: Lower Limb Cycling with EMS; Other: EMS upper and lower

Detailed Description

Perceptual responses, such as perceived exertion and enjoyment, play a critical role in exercise adherence and overall experience. By examining the differences in these responses between upper and lower limb cycling combined with EMS, we can identify which modality might be more favorable for maintaining motivation and engagement in young adults. This demographic is particularly crucial as they transition into lifelong fitness habits. Exploring how EMS impacts these perceptual responses can provide insights into optimizing exercise regimens for enhanced user experiences, potentially leading to better adherence and improved fitness outcomes.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 120
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Egypt
  • Cairo, Egypt, 11311
    • faculty of physical therapy ,Cairo University

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults aged 18-45 years
• No history of cardiovascular or musculoskeletal disorders
• Physically active individuals with a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current use of medications affecting muscle function
• Pregnant or lactating individuals
• Involvement in other structured exercise programs

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: Double

Number of Arms

4

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Upper Limb Cycling with EMS; Participants will perform cycling exercises using an arm ergometer combined with EMS applied to the upper limbs,Upper Limb Cycling with EMS: Participants will perform cycling exercises using an arm ergometer combined with EMS applied to the upper limbs. (Biceps, triceps, and deltoids) Jones et al., 2011	Other: Upper Limb Cycling with EMS; Upper Limb Cycling with EMS: Participants will perform cycling exercises using an arm ergometer combined with EMS applied to the upper limbs. (Biceps, triceps, and deltoids) Jones et al., 2011
Experimental: Lower Limb Cycling with EMS; Participants will engage in traditional cycling exercises using a stationary bike with EMS applied to the lower limbs,Lower Limb Cycling with EMS: Participants will engage in traditional cycling exercises using a stationary bike with EMS applied to the lower limbs. (Quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles) Bax et al., 2005	Other: Lower Limb Cycling with EMS; Lower Limb Cycling with EMS: Participants will engage in traditional cycling exercises using a stationary bike with EMS applied to the lower limbs. (Quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles)
Experimental: EMS upper and lower; electrical stimulation upper and lower	Other: EMS upper and lower; EMS applied to the lower limbs. (Quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles) and EMS applied to the upper limbs. (Biceps, triceps, and deltoids)
No Intervention: Control group; No exercises or intervention

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Perceptual Responses	Assessed using the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale.	at baseline and at 8 weeks
Self-Perceived Energy Feeling	(All participants will fill a short questionnaire (from 1 to 5 points) about their perception of energy before every training. Energy Feeling will be assessed (Evergy level, Fatigue Level, Feeling of Alertness, and Feeling of Focus for the task, valued from 1 = low energy to 5 = high energy).	at baseline and at 8 weeks

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Perception of Effort during Endurance Training	(Borg Scale (6-20) will be used to collect the perception of effort during endurance training (every 5 minutes) and 15-20 minutes after each session).	at baseline and at 8 weeks
Blood lactate concentration	measured using capillary puncture during submaximal and maximal incremental exercise	at baseline and at 8 weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: MTI University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): February 2, 2026
• Primary Completion (Actual): March 2, 2026
• Study Completion (Actual): March 3, 2026

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: January 30, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: January 30, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): February 6, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): March 17, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: March 15, 2026
• Last Verified: March 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Other Study ID Numbers: IRB # 29/7/2024-2025

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No