The Wingate test) is an anaerobic test, most often performed on a cycle
ergometer, that is used to measure peak anaerobic power, as well as anaerobic
capacity. The test, which can also be performed on an arm crank ergometer,
consists of a set time pedaling at maximum speed against a constant force.
The prototype test based on the Cumming’s test was introduced in 1974,
at the Wingate Institute and has undergone modifications as time has
progressed. The Wingate test has also been used as a basis to design newer
tests in the same vein, and others which utilize running as the mode of exercise
instead of cycling. Sprint interval testing such as is similar to the
construction of the Wingate test has been shown to increase both aerobic and
anaerobic performance. The Wingate Test was developed at the
Wingate Institute in Israel during the 1970s.
Validity In order to determine validity of a
testing procedure, one must test the protocol against a "gold standard" which
is trusted to elicit the "true" values. In instances where there is a “gold
standard,” such as hydrostatic weighing in determination of body composition,
this is an easy task. There is however no such standard protocol for the
determination of either anaerobic capacity or power Due to this problem,
the Wingate test has instead been compared with sport performance, sport
specialty, and laboratory findings. These comparisons have determined that
the Wingate test is measuring what it claims to measure, and is a good
indicator of these measurements. Application
The Wingate test is believed to show two things: all-out peak anaerobic power and
anaerobic capacity. These two values have been reported as important factors
in sports with quick, all-out efforts. Short sprinting events rely heavily upon
the anaerobic energy pathways during execution which leads to the theories
that greater performance in a Wingate test can predict success in these
events. This has not been proven, and the more applicable theory would be that
improvements in Wingate scores could predict improvements in sprinting times.
Variations The Wingate test has undergone many
variations since its inception in the 1970s. Many researchers have utilized a
30-sec Wingate, while others have lengthened the duration to 60-sec or
even 120-sec. The main purpose of this alteration is to more fully stress both
the alactic and lactic anaerobic energy systems, which are the main source of
energy for the first two minutes of exercise.
Another alteration that has been made is the repetition of Wingate tests. In
current literature, this test has been repeated four, five, or even six times
in one testing session. Repeating the Wingate test during training sessions
can increase aerobic power and capacity, as well as maximal aerobic capacity.
The last common alteration is the workload during the test. The original
Wingate test used a load of 0.075 kp per kg bodyweight of the subject. As these
were young subjects, it has been suggested that higher workloads should
be used for adult subjects, and several different loads have been utilized.
Katch et al. used workloads of 0.053, 0.067, and 0.080 kp per kg bodyweight,
while other researchers have increased the workload even higher to 0.098 kp per
kg bodyweight. The advantage of increasing the workload can show an
increased, and therefore more representative, value for peak power in
collegiate athletes. Although the workload can be altered, a standard
Wingate test still utilizes the original workload.
Common Testing Procedure Before the subject starts the Wingate
test, they typically perform a low-resistance warm-up for at least five
minutes to help minimize the risk of injury. During the warm-up the subject
generally completes two or three 15 second “sprints” to make sure they are
used to the fast movement before the actual beginning of the test. Upon
completion of the warm-up the subject should rest for one minute, after which
the test will begin. The subject will get a five second countdown to the
beginning of the test, during which time they will pedal as fast as they can.
Upon the start of the test the workload will be dropped instantly and the
subject will continue to pedal quickly for 30 seconds. If using an ergometer
with an electromagnetic brake data will generally be shown through a computer.
If using a mechanical ergometer the researcher will need to count and record
the number of revolutions pedaled for every five second interval during the
test, through which power data can be determined. Upon completion of the test
the subject should pedal against a low resistance in a cool-down phase.
The Wingate test can be completed on several types of bicycle ergometers,
which can be controlled with either mechanical or electromagnetic brakes. If
an ergometer with an electromagnetic braking system is used, it must be
capable of applying a constant resistance.
Relevant Calculations Peak Power
Ideally measured within the first 5 sec of the test, and is calculated by:
where t is time in seconds. On an ergometer with mechanical brakes the
force is the resistance added to the flywheel, while distance is:
where is the distance around the flywheel. Peak power values are given on
a computer with electromagnetically braked ergometers. Power is expressed in
Watts. Relative Peak Power
This allows for comparisons between people of varying sizes and body masses,
and is calculated by: where BW is body weight.
Anaerobic Fatigue Anaerobic fatigue shows the percentage
of power lost from the beginning to end of the Wingate. This is calculated by:
where PP is peak power and LP is lowest power.
Anaerobic Capacity Anaerobic capacity is the total work
completed during the test duration. where is power at any point starting at
the beginning of the test to the end. Testing Considerations
Diurnal variations occur within the body in many forms, such as hormone levels
and motor coordination, therefore it is important to consideration what effects
may become apparent in Wingate testing. Recent studies have confirmed that
circadian rhythms can significantly alter peak power output during a Wingate
test. According to these studies, an early morning Wingate test will elicit
significantly lower peak power values than a late afternoon or evening Wingate
test. As in every physical exertion there are
several outside factors which can play a role in Wingate performance. Motivation
is present in almost every sporting event, and some believe that it can
improve performance. Cognitive motivation has not been shown to
influence Wingate performance; emotional motivation however has been found to
improve peak power ratings. It is therefore suggested that all outside
factors that involve emotion be standardized if possible in Wingate
testing environments. Another outside factor which is
important to consider is warm-up. According to some literature, a 15
minute intermittent warm-up improved mean power output by 7% while having no
impact on peak values. These findings suggest that warm-up is an unimportant
factor in peak power levels, but if mean power is the variable of interest it is
important to standardize the warm-up. Since the Wingate test stresses the
anaerobic metabolic systems glucose consumption pre-testing can be another
influential factor. The anaerobic energy systems utilize glucose as the primary
source of energy, and a greater quantity of glucose available could influence the
power output over short intervals; therefore glucose consumption prior to
testing should be standardized between all participants
Sampling rate can severely impact the values obtained for peak and average
power output. Sampling rates consistent with a standard mechanical ergometer
test show significantly lower peak and average power values than a test which
has computer data feeds with much higher sampling rates. Furthermore, tests
utilizing low sampling rates (