Lower Wingate Test Power Outcomes From “All-Out” Pretest Pedaling Cadence Compared With Moderate Cadence

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of different pretest pedaling cadences on power outcomes obtained during the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT). Vigorously exercising adult men (n = 14, 24.9 ± 1.2 years) and women (n = 14, 20.4 ± 0.6 years) participated in a randomized crossover study during which they performed the 30-second WAnT on a mechanically braked cycle ergometer (0.075 kg·kg(-1) body weight) under 2 conditions. Participants pedaled maximally with an unloaded flywheel during 5 seconds before resistance was applied and the test began (FAST). In another trial, participants maintained a moderate cadence (80 revolutions per minute [rpm]) during 5 seconds before the test began (MOD). All other components of the WAnT were identical. Peak power (PP), mean power (MP), minimum power (MinP), fatigue index (%FAT), and maximum cadence during test were recorded. Comparisons were made using a 2 × 2 factorial repeated-measures analysis of variance. Regardless of gender, the FAST condition resulted in 22.2% lower PP (612.6 ± 33.0 W vs. 788.3 ± 43.5 W), 13.3% lower MP (448.4 ± 22.2 W vs. 517.2 ± 26.4 W), 11.7% lower MinP (280.9 ± 14.8 W vs. 318.3 ± 17.2 W), and 9.0% lower %FAT (53.5 ± 1.3% vs. 58.8 ± 1.5%) than MOD condition (p < 0.01; mean ± SD). Similar outcomes were observed within gender. The authors conclude that practitioners of the WAnT should instruct participants to maintain a moderate pedal cadence (∼80 rpm) during 5 seconds before the test commences to avoid bias from software sampling and peripheral fatigue. Standardizing the pretest pedal cadence will be important to exercise testing professionals who compare data with norms or generate norms for specific populations.

Validity and Reliability of the Lode Excalibur Sport Cycle Ergometer for the Wingate Anaerobic Test

“…After an additional 3 minutes of comfortable pedaling at 50 W, the subject completed the 30-second WAnT. Before the WAnT, the technician instructed the subject to maintain a comfortable, submaximal cadence (60-100 rpm) until the resistance was applied to the flywheel, as detailed by Lunn et al (19). Then, the technician provided strong, verbal encouragement throughout the 30 seconds to ensure "all-out" effort by the subject.…”

The Anaerobic Power of Women who have Undergone Physical Training

“…Lunn et al (2015) claim that the best results of anaerobic power determined by the Wingate test are obtained when the last 5 seconds warm-up test is performed at 80 rpm. In the present study, participants performed a 5-minute warm-up on a cycloergometer at a steady speed of about 70 rpm, which should also guarantee reliable results of measured anaerobic power [21].…”