Comparing immediate effects of intense cycling, running, and functional strength workouts

Evaluation of the Acute Effects of High-intensity Interval Aerobic Training, Moderate- and High-intensity Functional Training, and Moderate-intensity Functional Training

Not applicable Interventional European University Miguel de Cervantes · NCT07180550

This trial tests how different short, intense workouts—cycling, running, high- and moderate-intensity functional training, and traditional strength sessions—affect heart, breathing, and muscle responses in healthy, active adults.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment27 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorEuropean University Miguel de Cervantes Academic / other
Locations1 site (Valladolid, Valladolid)
Trial IDNCT07180550 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The study compares immediate cardiovascular, metabolic, and neuromuscular responses to several exercise modalities: HIIT on a cycle and treadmill, high- and moderate-intensity functional training (HIFT and MIFT), and traditional strength training. Healthy adults who are physically active and have at least six months of heavy strength training experience perform controlled exercise bouts while investigators record oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate variability, heart rate, and metabolic markers. Each participant completes the different protocols in laboratory visits at the university with standardized warm-ups, rest periods, and data collection during and after exercise to capture acute responses. Results are intended to clarify how time-efficient high-intensity functional and interval formats compare to traditional approaches and to inform exercise recommendations for special populations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18 or older who are classified as active on the IPAQ and have at least six months of strength training experience at intensities above 75% of one-repetition maximum.

Not a fit: People with recent musculoskeletal injury (within 6 months), recent major surgery (within 3 months), medical conditions that contraindicate exercise, or who are not regularly physically active are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could identify time-efficient workout formats that produce strong cardiovascular and metabolic responses and help guide safer, targeted exercise prescriptions.

How similar studies have performed: Prior research shows traditional HIIT (running or cycling) reliably provokes strong cardiovascular and metabolic responses, while high-intensity functional training is newer and less thoroughly studied for acute physiological outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Be 18 years of age or older.
* Have at least 6 months of experience in strength training with intensities greater than 75% of one maximum repetition (1-RM).
* Be classified as active according to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) score.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Musculoskeletal injury within the 6 months prior to the first visit to the laboratory.
* Recent major surgery (\<3 months).
* Having a medical condition in which physical activity is contraindicated (assessed with the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire, PAR-Q+).

Where this trial is running

Valladolid, Valladolid

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions High Intensity Interval TrainingHigh Intensity Functional TrainingModerate Intensity Functional TrainingHigh Intensity Traditional Strength TrainingModerate Intensity Traditional Strength TrainingMetabolic demandOxygen consumptionHeart rate variability
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.