Effects of Eccentric Cycling Exercise Training With Assistive Devices on Phenotypes and Mitochondrial Metabolism in T Lymphocytes in Sedentary Men

Eccentric cycling exercise can be a promising modality fwith lower respiratory demands and higher power output. Assistive devices like neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and compressive garment (CG) accelerates muscle pumping and relieve the eccentric exercise-induced muscle soreness.

Phenotypes and mitochondrial metabolism are crucial to regulate acquired immnunity of T lymphocytes. The study aimed to investigate the effects of eccentric cycling exercise training combined with NMES and CG on mitochondrial phenotypes and bioenergetics in T lymphocytes in sedentary males. The hypothesis were an acute/intense exercise decreased the mitochondrial respiratory capacities of OXPHOS, ETS and bioenergetics, while eccentric cycling training could elevate the diminished mitochondrial functions.

Methods: Twelve sedentary healthy males were randomly assigned to either eccentric cycling with assistive devices (ECA, n=10) or eccentric cycling only (ECC, n=10). All participants performed ECA or ECC at an intensity of 60% to 120% maximal workload progressively on a costumed bicycle ergometer for 40 min/day, 5 days/week for 5 weeks. ECA performed NMES for 20min/session after cycling, while ECC was seated for resting 20 min. Systemic aerobic fitness, phenotypes of T lymphocytes, mitochondrial OXPHOS, ETS respiratory capacities, and bioenergetics in T lymphocytes were analyzed.