HealthyNCT07394595
Upper Versus Lower Limb Cycling Exercise With Electrical Muscle Stimulation on Perceptual Responses, Energy Feelings
A study testing Upper Limb Cycling with EMS, Lower Limb Cycling with EMS and EMS upper and lower in people with Healthy, run by MTI University at 1 site in Egypt.
Trial summary
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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 50 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Healthy
- What is being tested?
- Upper Limb Cycling with EMS, Lower Limb Cycling with EMS and EMS upper and lower
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 120 participants
- Where
- 1 siteEgypt
- Study dates
- 2 Feb 2026to 3 Mar 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 50 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- 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
Who cannot join
- Current use of medications affecting muscle function
- Pregnant or lactating individuals
- Involvement in other structured exercise programs
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: 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.
Read the 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.
- Conditions
- Healthy
- Being tested
- Upper Limb Cycling with EMS, Lower Limb Cycling with EMS, EMS upper and lower
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Upper Limb Cycling with EMSOther
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
Lower Limb Cycling with EMSOther
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)
EMS upper and lowerOther
EMS applied to the lower limbs. (Quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles) and EMS applied to the upper limbs. (Biceps, triceps, and deltoids)
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Limb Cycling with EMS | Experimental | 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 Receives: Other: Upper Limb Cycling with EMS |
| Lower Limb Cycling with EMS | Experimental | 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 Receives: Other: Lower Limb Cycling with EMS |
| EMS upper and lower | Experimental | electrical stimulation upper and lower Receives: Other: EMS upper and lower |
| Control group | No intervention | No exercises or intervention |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Perceptual Responses
Assessed using the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale.
Measured: 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).
Measured: at baseline and at 8 weeks
Secondary outcomes (2)
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).
Measured: at baseline and at 8 weeks
Blood lactate concentration
measured using capillary puncture during submaximal and maximal incremental exercise
Measured: at baseline and at 8 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted6 Feb 2026
- Study start2 Feb 2026
- Primary completion2 Mar 2026
- Study completion3 Mar 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for HealthyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- RCT
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 120 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- MTI University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed Abd El hady El Fahl,ph.d, MTI University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07394595
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- IRB # 29/7/2024-2025
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 30 Jan 2026
- Last updated
- 17 Mar 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 17 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Upper Versus Lower Limb Cycling Exercise With Electrical Muscle Stimulation on Perceptual Responses, Energy Feelings in Young Adults
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07394595
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- IRB # 29/7/2024-2025
- Conditions
- Healthy
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 120 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- MTI UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 2 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 2 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 3 Mar 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 6 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
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 design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 4
- Model description
- RCT
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Limb Cycling with EMS | Experimental | Other: Upper Limb Cycling with EMSParticipants 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 |
| Lower Limb Cycling with EMS | Experimental | Other: Lower Limb Cycling with EMSParticipants 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 |
| EMS upper and lower | Experimental | Other: EMS upper and lowerelectrical stimulation upper and lower |
| Control group | No intervention | –No exercises or intervention |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 50 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- 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
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Current use of medications affecting muscle function
- Pregnant or lactating individuals
- Involvement in other structured exercise programs
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Limb Cycling with EMSUpper 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 |
| Lower Limb Cycling with EMSLower 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) | Other | Lower Limb Cycling with EMS |
| EMS upper and lowerEMS applied to the lower limbs. (Quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles) and EMS applied to the upper limbs. (Biceps, triceps, and deltoids) | Other | EMS upper and lower |
Primary outcome
Perceptual Responses
Time frame: at baseline and at 8 weeks
Assessed using the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale.
Self-Perceived Energy Feeling
Time frame: at baseline and at 8 weeks
(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).
2 secondary outcomes
Perception of Effort during Endurance Training
Time frame: at baseline and at 8 weeks
Blood lactate concentration
Time frame: at baseline and at 8 weeks
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 17 Mar 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Upper Limb Cycling with EMS, Lower Limb Cycling with EMS and EMS upper and lower in people with Healthy, run by MTI University at 1 site in Egypt.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 17 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Egypt. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Perceptual Responses (time frame: at baseline and at 8 weeks). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 17 Mar 2026.