Question

1. What metabolic pathway(s) were primarily used during the anaerobic Wingate cycle test? What was the time period at which each of these pathways was dominating energy production? Please be detailed.
2. Why were subjects not able to maintain a maximal pedal cadence throughout the entire 30-seconds of the anaerobic Wingate cycle test?  

Answer 1

The Wingate Anaerobic test is arguably one of the most famous laboratory fitness tests. It is commonly performed on a cycle ergometer and is primarily used to measure an individual’s anaerobic capacity and anaerobic power outputs . In its simplest form, this test can be conducted using only a Monark or Bodyguard cycle ergometer and a stopwatch . As this test only requires the participant to cycle at maximal effort for 30-seconds, its simplicity and time-effectiveness means it is an extremely popular testing protocol. Though this test is predominantly performed on a cycle ergometer, it can also be performed on an arm crank ergometer.

Originally based on the Cumming’s test, this test was developed at the Wingate Institute in Israel during the early 1970s. Since then, it has undergone modifications and has also been used as a basis to design newer tests of a similar nature, and other running-based protocols such as the Sprint Interval Test

• est Duration: Some researchers have extended the duration of the test from 30-sec to 60 (5), and even 120-sec (6) in order to increase the demand on the alactic and lactic anaerobic energy systems.

• Test Repetition: Typically the Wingate test is only performed once per testing session, however, researchers have experimented with the efficacy of repeated performances for training purposes. This research has demonstrated that repeating the Wingate test four, five, or even six times can increase aerobic power and capacity, in addition to maximal aerobic capacity.

• Test Weight/ Workload: The original test weight used for the Wingate test, as mentioned above, is 7.5% of the participant’s body mass, or 0.075 kg per kg of body weight . This original workload was selected based on using young subjects, and not on adult or athletic populations. Consequently, researchers have manipulated the workload to make the results more representative of their chosen population (e.g. university rugby players or Olympic cyclists). Whilst Katch et al., used workloads of 0.053, 0.067, and 0.080, others have gone as high as 0.098 kg per kg of body weight . Although the workload can, and has been altered, the Wingate test still uses the original test weight of 7.5% of body mass.

  To determine the validity of a test, the test must be compared to a ‘gold standard’ protocol that is known to produce accurate and reliable results. However, there is no ‘gold standard’ protocol to measure anaerobic capacity or power . Instead, the Wingate test has been compared with laboratory findings, sports performances, and sports specialty to verify its validity as a testing protocol, and the results of this research indicate that it is an accurate and validity indicator of these measures . Thus, the Wingate Anaerobic test can be used as a valid and reliable predictor of anaerobic capacity and power.