Comparing low-load resistance training and high-intensity interval training for muscle endurance

The Effect of Low-Load Resistance Training Versus High-intensity/Sprint Interval Training on Local Muscle Endurance, Mitochondrial Content, Mitochondrial Function, and Muscle Capillarization

Not applicable Interventional University of British Columbia · NCT05945641

This study is testing whether low-load resistance training or high-intensity interval training helps young adults improve their muscle endurance for everyday activities and sports.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages19 Years to 30 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of British Columbia Academic / other
Locations1 site (Vancouver, British Columbia)
Trial IDNCT05945641 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of low-load resistance training (LLRET) versus high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on local muscle endurance (LME), which is crucial for daily activities and various sports. Participants aged 19-30 who have not engaged in structured training for the past year will be recruited to assess how different training modalities influence muscle endurance and underlying physiological mechanisms. The study aims to explore factors such as mitochondrial function and muscle capillarization that may contribute to improvements in LME. By comparing these two training approaches, the research seeks to provide insights into optimal training strategies for enhancing muscle endurance.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are untrained individuals aged 19-30 who have not participated in structured resistance or endurance training for the past year.

Not a fit: Patients with significant cardiovascular, muscular, metabolic, or neurological disorders, or those currently undergoing treatment for cancer, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide evidence-based training recommendations to improve muscle endurance, benefiting individuals in daily activities and sports performance.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that low-load resistance training can effectively improve local muscle endurance, suggesting that this approach may yield positive results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Able to understand and communicate in English
2. 19-30 years of age
3. All "No" answers on the CSEP Get Active questionnaire or doctors' approval to participate
4. Untrained participants: no structured resistance and/or endurance training over the past 12-months (i.e., \>2 hours per week of structured/periodized training)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. BMI lower than 18 or greater than 30
2. Current use of cigarettes or other nicotine devices
3. Any major uncontrolled cardiovascular, muscular, metabolic, and/or neurological disorders
4. Any medical condition impacting the ability to participate in maximal exercise
5. Type one or type two diabetes
6. Diagnosis of cancer or undergoing cancer treatment in the past 12 months
7. Taking blood-thinning medication or the presence of a bleeding disorder
8. Drug therapy with any drugs that alter skeletal muscle metabolism (i.e., Metformin, Benzodiazepines)

Where this trial is running

Vancouver, British Columbia

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 HypertrophyMuscle StrengthHigh-Intensity Interval TrainingResistance TrainingLocal Muscle EnduranceMuscle HypertrophyMitochondrial ContentMitochondrial Function
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.