Exercise PhysiologyNCT07681362
IL-6 and Cortisol Responses to Cycling Exercise
A study testing Wingate Anaerobic Cycling Test and YMCA Submaximal Cycling Test in people with Exercise Physiology and Cardiorespiratory Fitness, run by Ondokuz Mayıs University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This study aimed to investigate salivary interleukin-6 (IL-6) and cortisol responses following short-term and long-term cycling exercise in team athletes with different cardiorespiratory fitness levels. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 35 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Exercise Physiology, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Interleukin-6
- What is being tested?
- Wingate Anaerobic Cycling Test and YMCA Submaximal Cycling Test
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 27 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 5 May 2025to 5 Jun 2025
- 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 35 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Team athletes aged 18 to 35 years Participation in organized team sports (e.g., volleyball, basketball, soccer, or handball) Minimum of 3 training sessions per week, with each session lasting at least 1 hour Sports participation history of at least 2 years Apparently healthy and free from known cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, or respiratory diseases Willingness to provide written informed consent
Who cannot join
- Current musculoskeletal injury or illness affecting exercise performance Use of medications known to influence hormonal or inflammatory responses Smoking or use of tobacco products Acute infection within the previous two weeks Failure to complete both exercise testing sessions Failure to comply with pre-test instructions
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Ondokuz Mayis University Faculty of Sport Sciences
Samsun, Samsun, 55139
About this study
Official title: Interleukin-6 and Cortisol Responses Following Short- and Long-Term Cycling Tests in Team Athletes With Different Cardiorespiratory Fitness Levels
This study aimed to investigate salivary interleukin-6 (IL-6) and cortisol responses following short-term and long-term cycling exercise in team athletes with different cardiorespiratory fitness levels. Participants completed a Wingate anaerobic cycling test and a YMCA submaximal cycling test in a randomized crossover design separated by a seven-day washout period. Saliva samples were collected before exercise, immediately after exercise, and 30 minutes after exercise to determine IL-6 and cortisol concentrations. The study also examined whether cardiorespiratory fitness level influenced the magnitude of these physiological responses.
Read the detailed description
Exercise-induced physiological stress activates numerous neuroendocrine and inflammatory pathways, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and cytokine-mediated responses. Cortisol and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are among the most commonly investigated biomarkers of exercise stress and adaptation. However, the influence of cardiorespiratory fitness on acute hormonal and inflammatory responses to exercise remains incompletely understood.
This study employed a randomized crossover design involving team athletes aged 18-35 years. Participants completed two cycling exercise protocols: a short-term anaerobic test (Wingate) and a long-term aerobic test (YMCA submaximal cycling test). The two testing sessions were separated by a seven-day washout period and were performed at the same time of day to minimize circadian variation.
Saliva samples were collected before exercise, immediately after exercise, and 30 minutes post-exercise. Salivary IL-6 and cortisol concentrations were analyzed to determine acute physiological responses to both exercise modalities. Participants were categorized according to cardiorespiratory fitness level based on estimated VO₂max values, and biomarker responses were compared between fitness groups.
- Being tested
- Wingate Anaerobic Cycling Test, YMCA Submaximal Cycling Test
- Keywords
- Neuroendocrine, ınflammatory, fitness level, cortisol, exercise
- Medical subject headings
- Motor Activity
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Wingate Anaerobic Cycling TestBehavioural
Also called Short-Term Cycling Test
Participants performed a 30-second all-out Wingate anaerobic cycling test to evaluate acute physiological responses. Saliva samples were collected before exercise, immediately after exercise, and 30 minutes after exercise for cortisol and interleukin-6 analysis.
YMCA Submaximal Cycling TestBehavioural
Participants performed a YMCA submaximal cycling test to assess cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise-induced physiological responses. Saliva samples were collected before exercise, immediately after exercise, and 30 minutes after exercise for cortisol and interleukin-6 analysis.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Long-Term Cycling Test | Experimental | Participants performed a YMCA submaximal cycling test to assess cardiorespiratory fitness. Saliva samples were collected before exercise, immediately after exercise, and 30 minutes after exercise for the assessment of cortisol and interleukin-6 responses. Receives: Behavioral: YMCA Submaximal Cycling Test |
| Short-Term Cycling Test | Experimental | Participants performed a 30-second Wingate anaerobic cycling test. Saliva samples were collected before exercise, immediately after exercise, and 30 minutes after exercise for the assessment of cortisol and interleukin-6 responses. Receives: Behavioral: Wingate Anaerobic Cycling Test |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Salivary Cortisol Response
Change in salivary cortisol concentrations measured before exercise, immediately after exercise, and 30 minutes after exercise following short-term and long-term cycling tests.
Measured: Pre-exercise, immediately post-exercise, and 30 minutes post-exercise
Secondary outcomes (1)
Salivary Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Response
Change in salivary interleukin-6 concentrations measured before exercise, immediately after exercise, and 30 minutes after exercise following short-term and long-term cycling tests.
Measured: Pre-exercise, immediately post-exercise, and 30 minutes post-exercise
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted2 Jul 2026
- Study start5 May 2025
- Primary completion5 Jun 2025
- Study completion5 Jun 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Exercise PhysiologyStudies 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
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 27 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Ondokuz Mayıs University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Eda Karaduman, Ondokuz Mayıs University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07681362
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- OMU-IL6-CORT-2024-01
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 26 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 6 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- 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 6 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Interleukin-6 and Cortisol Responses Following Short- and Long-Term Cycling Tests in Team Athletes With Different Cardiorespiratory Fitness Levels
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07681362
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- OMU-IL6-CORT-2024-01
- Keywords
- Neuroendocrine, ınflammatory, fitness level, cortisol, exercise
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 27 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Ondokuz Mayıs UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 5 May 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 5 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 5 Jun 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 2 Jul 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.
This study aimed to investigate salivary interleukin-6 (IL-6) and cortisol responses following short-term and long-term cycling exercise in team athletes with different cardiorespiratory fitness levels. Participants completed a Wingate anaerobic cycling test and a YMCA submaximal cycling test in a randomized crossover design separated by a seven-day washout period. Saliva samples were collected before exercise, immediately after exercise, and 30 minutes after exercise to determine IL-6 and cortisol concentrations. The study also examined whether cardiorespiratory fitness level influenced the magnitude of these physiological responses.
Detailed description
Exercise-induced physiological stress activates numerous neuroendocrine and inflammatory pathways, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and cytokine-mediated responses. Cortisol and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are among the most commonly investigated biomarkers of exercise stress and adaptation. However, the influence of cardiorespiratory fitness on acute hormonal and inflammatory responses to exercise remains incompletely understood.
This study employed a randomized crossover design involving team athletes aged 18-35 years. Participants completed two cycling exercise protocols: a short-term anaerobic test (Wingate) and a long-term aerobic test (YMCA submaximal cycling test). The two testing sessions were separated by a seven-day washout period and were performed at the same time of day to minimize circadian variation.
Saliva samples were collected before exercise, immediately after exercise, and 30 minutes post-exercise. Salivary IL-6 and cortisol concentrations were analyzed to determine acute physiological responses to both exercise modalities. Participants were categorized according to cardiorespiratory fitness level based on estimated VO₂max values, and biomarker responses were compared between fitness groups.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Long-Term Cycling Test | Experimental | Behavioral: YMCA Submaximal Cycling TestParticipants performed a YMCA submaximal cycling test to assess cardiorespiratory fitness. Saliva samples were collected before exercise, immediately after exercise, and 30 minutes after exercise for the assessment of cortisol and interleukin-6 responses. |
| Short-Term Cycling Test | Experimental | Behavioral: Wingate Anaerobic Cycling TestParticipants performed a 30-second Wingate anaerobic cycling test. Saliva samples were collected before exercise, immediately after exercise, and 30 minutes after exercise for the assessment of cortisol and interleukin-6 responses. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Team athletes aged 18 to 35 years Participation in organized team sports (e.g., volleyball, basketball, soccer, or handball) Minimum of 3 training sessions per week, with each session lasting at least 1 hour Sports participation history of at least 2 years Apparently healthy and free from known cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, or respiratory diseases Willingness to provide written informed consent
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Current musculoskeletal injury or illness affecting exercise performance Use of medications known to influence hormonal or inflammatory responses Smoking or use of tobacco products Acute infection within the previous two weeks Failure to complete both exercise testing sessions Failure to comply with pre-test instructions
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Wingate Anaerobic Cycling TestAlso: Short-Term Cycling TestParticipants performed a 30-second all-out Wingate anaerobic cycling test to evaluate acute physiological responses. Saliva samples were collected before exercise, immediately after exercise, and 30 minutes after exercise for cortisol and interleukin-6 analysis. | Behavioural | Short-Term Cycling Test |
| YMCA Submaximal Cycling TestParticipants performed a YMCA submaximal cycling test to assess cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise-induced physiological responses. Saliva samples were collected before exercise, immediately after exercise, and 30 minutes after exercise for cortisol and interleukin-6 analysis. | Behavioural | Long-Term Cycling Test |
Primary outcome
Salivary Cortisol Response
Time frame: Pre-exercise, immediately post-exercise, and 30 minutes post-exercise
Change in salivary cortisol concentrations measured before exercise, immediately after exercise, and 30 minutes after exercise following short-term and long-term cycling tests.
1 secondary outcome
Salivary Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Response
Time frame: Pre-exercise, immediately post-exercise, and 30 minutes post-exercise
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 6 Jul 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 Wingate Anaerobic Cycling Test and YMCA Submaximal Cycling Test in people with Exercise Physiology and Cardiorespiratory Fitness, run by Ondokuz Mayıs University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
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 1 inclusion and 1 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 6 Jul 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 Turkey (Türkiye). 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?
Salivary Cortisol Response (time frame: Pre-exercise, immediately post-exercise, and 30 minutes post-exercise). 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 6 Jul 2026.