Assessment of Maximal Aerobic Power and Critical Power in a Single 90-s Isokinetic All-Out Cycling Test

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish the validity of a 90-s all-out test for the estimation of maximal oxygen uptake (V·O_2max) and submaximal aerobic ability as represented by critical power. We hypothesized that the fall in power output by the end of the 90-s all-out test (end power) would represent the exhaustion of anaerobic work capability, and as such, would correspond with the critical power. Sixteen active individuals (mean ± SD: 30 ± 6 years; 69.6 ± 9.9 kg) carried out a series of tests: (i) an incremental ramp test to determine V·O_2max, (ii) three fixed-work rate trials to exhaustion to determine critical power, and (iii) two 90-s all-out tests to measure end power and peak V·O₂. End power (292 ± 65 W) was related to (r = 0.89) but was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than critical power (264 ± 50 W). The mean ± 95 % limits of agreement (29 ± 65 W) were too low to use these variables interchangeably. The peak V·O₂ in the 90-s trial was significantly lower than the V·O_2max (3435 ± 682 ml · min^-1 vs. 3929 ± 784 ml · min^-1; p < 0.01); mean ± 95 % limits of agreement was equal to 495 ± 440 mL · min^-1. The 90-s all-out test cannot, therefore, assess both V·O_2max and critical power in adult performers. The duration of all-out exercise required to allow V·O₂ to attain its maximum is longer than 90 s.

Key words

Maximum oxygen uptake - anaerobic work capability - critical power

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