Eccentric Cycling Exercise on Mitochondrial Function of Lymphocyte

Eccentric cycling exercise (ECE) features lower metabolic demand and higher improvement of muscle strength compared to traditional concentric cycling exercise (CCE). Mitochondria can regulate energy metabolism and adaptive immune quality in T lymphocytes. However, the effects of ECE on mitochondrial functions in T-lymphocytes have not yet been established. Method: A total of 33 healthy sedentary males were randomized and divided into ECE (n=11), CCE (n=11), and control groups (n=11). These subjects progressively performed CCE or ECE from 60% to 80% maximal workload on a bicycle ergometer for 40 min/day, 5 days/week for 6 weeks. A graded exercise testing and an isokinetic strength test were conducted to evaluate cardiopulmonary fitness and muscle strength, respectively. Phenotypes and mitochondrial respiratory capacity in T lymphocyte were analyzed using flow cytometry and high-resolution respirometer, respectively.