Comparison of an air- and electronically-braked ergometer in the assessment of anaerobic power and capacity

Conference Contribution ResearchOnline@JCU
Leicht, Anthony
Abstract

Introduction: Anaerobic power and capacity have been predominantly determined via the 30-second Wingate test using a mechanically-braked ergometer. However, air-braked (AE) and electronically-braked (EE) ergometers have also been utilised to assess anaerobic power and capacity. Subsequently, the aim of this study was to examine the influence of ergometer type (AE vs. EE) on the determination of anaerobic power and capacity. Methods: Fourteen healthy adults volunteered for this study and provided written informed consent in line with institutional ethics approval. In a random order, and separated by at least 7 days, participants completed a 30- second anaerobic cycle test using an AE (Repco, Australia) and an EE (Lode, Netherlands) in line with the established Wingate test (7.5% body mass). Peak and mean power, total work, fatigue rate, peak heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were determined during the tests. Data were analysed using paired !-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, where appropriate. Results: Peak HR (182 ± 12 vs. 184 ± 10 bpm) and RPE (18.6 ± 2.0 vs. 18.6 ± 2.0) were similar between tests. Peak power, mean power, total work and fatigue rate were significantly greater for AE compared to EE (p<0.001) with the mean difference being 51.6 ± 9.5%, 32.2 ± 6.6%, 32.2± 6.6% and 69.3 ± 19.8%, respectively. Conclusions: The current study demonstrated that anaerobic power and capacity were substantially greater when assessed using AE compared to the EE. Ergometer type should be considered when comparing anaerobic power and capacity results across populations and/or studies.

Journal

N/A

Publication Name

ESSA 2010 4th Exercise and Sports Science Australia Conference

Volume

N/A

ISBN/ISSN

978-0-646-53190-8

Edition

N/A

Issue

N/A

Pages Count

1

Location

Gold Coast, Australia

Publisher

Exercise and Sports Science Australia

Publisher Url

N/A

Publisher Location

Australia

Publish Date

N/A

Url

N/A

Date

N/A

EISSN

N/A

DOI

N/A