The Measurement of Maximal (Anaerobic) Power Output on a Cycle Ergometer: A Critical Review

Abstract

The interests and limits of the different methods and protocols of maximal (anaerobic) power (P max) assessment are reviewed: single all-out tests versus force-velocity tests, isokinetic ergometers versus friction-loaded ergometers, measure of P max during the acceleration phase or at peak velocity. The effects of training, athletic practice, diet and pharmacological substances upon the production of maximal mechanical power are not discussed in this review mainly focused on the technical (ergometer, crank length, toe clips), methodological (protocols) and biological factors (muscle volume, muscle fiber type, age, gender, growth, temperature, chronobiology and fatigue) limiting P max in cycling. Although the validity of the Wingate test is questionable, a large part of the review is dedicated to this test which is currently the all-out cycling test the most often used. The biomechanical characteristics specific of maximal and high speed cycling, the bioenergetics of the all-out cycling exercises and the influence of biochemical factors (acidosis and alkalosis, phosphate ions…) are recalled at the beginning of the paper. The basic knowledge concerning the consequences of the force-velocity relationship upon power output, the biomechanics of sub-maximal cycling exercises and the study on the force-velocity relationship in cycling by Dickinson in 1928 are presented in Appendices.

The effect of the Wingate Anaerobic Test on NTproBNP, lactate and blood pressure in wrestlers and untrained young healthy males

“…The comparison between groups in regards to body weight relative peak and mean power (RPP and RMP, accordingly) showed no significant differences (15.38 ± 6.04 vs. 13.99 ± 5.66 and 8.76 ± 0.81 vs. 8.86 ± 0.67, accordingly). These findings contradict prior findings in literature regarding athletes in comparison to untrained [34]. These results may be explained by the significantly lower body weight (kg) of the untrained subjects, presenting with an average body weight that is lower than that of the wrestlers by ≈ 7.5kg.…”

“…Assuming that all participants truly performed at a maximal anaerobic capacity, one would expect the wrestlers' FI (%) to greater due to significantly higher mechanical outputs (Watts). This is well documented in the professional literature [34]. Wrestlers, naturally relay on technique rather than peak power, thus, are trained to conserve energy as much as possible during a match, and use little to none outbursts of all-out power [35].…”

Physical fitness in female soccer players by player position: a focus on anaerobic power

“…The F-V test consisted of four sprints, each lasting 7 s and interspersed by 5 min recovery periods, against an incremental braking force (2, 3, 4, and 5 kg) on an 874E cycle ergometer (Monark, sweden) [13]. This test was used to estimate maximal anaerobic power (P max ), expressed as W and as W • kg -1 , theoretical maximal velocity (v 0 ), and theoretical maximal force (F 0 ).…”

“…This test [13] was performed on the same ergometer as the F-V test. briefly, the participants were asked to pedal as fast as possible for 30 s against a braking force that was determined by the product of body mass × 0.075.…”

Who runs the fastest? Anthropometric and physiological correlates of 20 m sprint performance in male soccer players

“…The WAnT was performed on a cycle ergometer (Ergomedics 874, Monark, Sweden) (Driss & Vandewalle, 2013). Participants were instructed to pedal as fast as possible for 30 s against a braking force that was determined by the product of body mass in kg by 0.075.…”