Effect of Individual Time to Peak Power Output on the Expression of Peak Power Output in the 30-s Wingate Anaerobic Test

Abstract

The objective of the present investigation was to examine a proposal which stated that individual power values should be aligned according to peak power output (PPO) before calculating the mean value of PPO. This procedure removes the variation in time it takes for individuals to reach PPO. Participants were forty-one University Rugby Union Football players of mean age 21.7 ± 2.6 years, height 181.4 ± 6.9 cm and body mass 88.9 ± 12.7 kg. Data were collected using a friction-belt cycle ergometer (Monark 864, Varberg, Sweden). A significantly larger mean value for PPO was found when results were calculated from time-aligned rather than cross-sectional data (1154 ± 246 vs. 1121 ± 254 W, p < 0.0001); the mean difference was ∼ 3 %. Additionally, the average profile of the power output curve was more reflective of individual power curves. The negative correlation between PPO and the time taken to reach PPO was - 0.32 (p < 0.05), confirming the view that the earlier the time taken to reach PPO the larger the PPO. It was concluded that the mean value of PPO and the corresponding profile for power output curves are best represented by the analysis of time-aligned rather than cross-sectional data.

Key words

Wingate test - time to peak power - alignment of peak power

References

• 1 Armstrong N, Welsman J R, Williams C A, Kirby B J. Longitudinal changes in young people's short-term power output.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2000;  32 1140-1145
• 2 Armstrong N, Welsman J R, Chia M YH. Short-term power output in relation to growth and maturation.  Br J Sports Med. 2001;  35 118-124
• 3 Ayalon A, Inbar O, Bar-Or O. Relationships among measurements of explosive strength and anaerobic power. Nelson RC, Morehouse CA International Series on Sports Sciences, Vol 1, Biomechanics IV. Baltimore, MD; University Park Press 1974: 572-577
• 4 Bailey D A, Faulkner R A, McKay H A. Growth, physical activity, and bone mineral acquisition. Holloszy JO Exercise and Sports Sciences Reviews, Vol 24. Baltimore; Williams and Wilkins 1996: 233-266
• 5 Baker J S, Bailey D M, Davies B. The relationship between total-body mass, fat-free mass, and cycle ergometry power components during 20 seconds of maximal exercise.  J Sci Med Sport. 2001;  4 1-9
• 6 Baker J S, Brown E, Hill G, Phillips G, Williams R, Davies B. Handgrip contribution to lactate production and leg power during high-intensity exercise.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2002;  34 1037-1040
• 7 Baker J S, Davies B. Resistive force selection during brief ergometer exercise: implications for power assessment in international Rugby Union players.  J Exerc Physiol. 2004;  7 68-74
• 8 Bar-Or O. The Wingate Anaerobic Test - an update on methodology, reliability, and validity.  Sports Med. 1987;  4 381-394
• 9 Bell W. Fat-free mass and fat mass in active boys during adolescence.  Am J Hum Biol. 1997;  9 617-627
• 10 Bell W, Cobner D, Cooper S-M, Phillips S J. Anaerobic performance and body composition of international Rugby Union players. Reilly T, Clarys J, Stibbe A Science and Football II. London; E & FN Spon 1991: 15-20
• 11 Beunen G, Malina R M. Growth and physical performance relative to the timing of the adolescent spurt. Holloszy JO Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, Vol 16. Baltimore; Williams and Wilkins 1988: 503-540
• 12 Beunen G P, Malina R M, Van't Hof M A, Simons J, Ostyn M, Renson R, Van Gerven D. Adolescent Growth and Motor Performance: a Longitudinal Study of Belgian Boys. Champaign, IL; Human Kinetics 1988: 1-102
• 13 Cameron N. The Measurement of Human Growth. London; Croom Helm 1984: 56-99
• 14 Cheetham M E, Hazeldine R J, Robinson A, Williams C. Power output of rugby forwards during maximal treadmill sprinting. Reilly T, Lees A, Davids K, Murphy WJ Science and Football. London; E & FN Spon 1988: 206-210
• 15 Coleman S. Corrected Wingate Anaerobic Test 1996. Cranlea Users Handbook. Birmingham, UK; Cranlea and Co 1996
• 16 Cumming G R. Correlation of athletic performance and aerobic power in 12 to 17 year old children with bone age, calf muscle, total body potassium, heart volume and two indices of anaerobic power. Bar-Or O Pediatric Work Physiology. Netanya, Israel; Wingate Institute 1973: 109-134
• 17 Duche P, Falgairette G, Bedu M, Fellmann N, Lac G, Robert A, Coudert J. Longitudinal approach of bio-energetic profile in boys before and during puberty. Coudert J, Van Praagh E Pediatric Work Physiology, XVI. Paris; Masson 1992: 43-45
• 18 Falk B, Bar-Or O. Longitudinal changes in peak aerobic and anaerobic mechanical power of circumpubertal boys.  Pediat Exerc Sci. 1993;  5 318-331
• 19 Geithner C A, Thomis M A, Vanden Eynde B, Maes H H, Loos R J, Peeters M, Claessens A L, Vlietnck R, Malina R M, Beunen G P. Growth in peak aerobic power during adolescence.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2004;  36 1616-1624
• 20 Inbar O, Bar-Or O, Skinner J S. The Wingate Anaerobic Test. Champaign, IL; Human Kinetics 1996: 8-24
• 21 Kemper (ed) H CG. Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study (AGAHLS). Amsterdam; Karger Pubs, Vol 47 2004
• 22 Kobayashi K, Kitamura K, Miura M, Sodeyama H, Murase Y, Miyashiti M, Matsui H. Aerobic power as related to body growth and training in Japanese boys: a longitudinal study.  J Appl Physiol. 1978;  44 666-672
• 23 Lakomy H KA. Measurement of work and power output using friction-loaded ergometers.  Ergonomics. 1986;  29 509-517
• 24 Martin R JF, Dore E, Twisk J, Van Praagh E, Hautier C A, Bedu M. Longitudinal changes of maximal short-term peak power in girls and boys during growth.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2004;  36 498-503
• 25 Mirwald R L, Bailey D A, Cameron N, Rasmussen R L. Longitudinal comparison of aerobic power in active and inactive boys ages 7 to 17 years.  Ann Hum Biol. 1981;  8 405-414
• 26 Patton J, Murphy M, Frederick F. Maximal power outputs during the Wingate Anaerobic Test.  Int J Sports Med. 1985;  6 82-85
• 27 Rigg P, Reilly T. A fitness profile and anthropometric analysis of first and second-class Rugby Union players. Reilly T, Lees A, Davids K, Murphy WJ Science and Football. London; E & FN Spon 1988: 194-200
• 28 Shock N W. Some physiological aspects of adolescence.  Tex Rep Biol Med. 1946;  4 368-386
• 29 Tanner J M. A History of the Study of Human Growth. Cambridge University Press 1981: 234-253
• 30 Tanner J M, Hughes P CR, Whitehouse R H. Radiographically determined widths of bone, muscle and fat in the upper arm and calf from age 3 to 18 years.  Ann Hum Biol. 1981;  8 495-517
• 31 Winter E M, MacLaren D P. Assessment of maximal-intensity exercise. Eston R, Reilly T Kinanthropometry and Exercise Physiology Laboratory Manual, Vol 2: Exercise Physiology. London/New York; Routledge 1996: 263-288