A new single work bout test to estimate critical power and anaerobic work capacity

Haley C. Bergstrom, Terry J. Housh, Jorge M. Zuniga, Clayton L. Camic, Daniel A. Traylor, Richard J. Schmidt, Glen O. Johnson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

38 Scopus citations

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a 3-minute, all-out test protocol using the Monark cycle ergometer for estimating the critical power (CP) and anaerobic work capacity (AWC) with the resistance based on body weight. Twelve moderately trained adults (mean age ± SD = 23.2 ± 3.5 years) performed an incremental cycle ergometer test to exhaustion. The CP and AWC were estimated from the original work limit (W lim) vs. time limit (T lim) relationship (CP PT) and a 3-minute all-out test (CP 3min) against a fixed resistance and compared with the CP and AWC estimated from the new 3-minute tests on the Monark cycle ergometer (CP 3.5% andCP 4.5%). The resistance values for theCP3.5% and CP4.5% tests were set at 3.5 and 4.5% of the subject's body weight (kilograms). The results indicated that there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) among mean CP values for CPPT (178 ± 47 W), CP 3.5% (173 6 40 W), and CP 4.5% (186 ± 44 W). Themean CP 3min (193 ± 54W), however, was significantly greater than CPPT and CP 3.5%. There were no significant differences in AWC for the CP PT (13,4126 ±,247 J), CP 3min (10,895 ± 2,923 J), and CP 4.5% (9,842 ± 4,394 J). The AWC values for the CP PT and CP 3min, however, were significantly greater than CP 3.5% (8,357 ± 2,946 J). The results of this study indicated that CP and AWC could be estimated from a single 3-minute work bout test on the Monark cycle ergometer with the resistance set at 4.5%of the body weight. A single work bout test with the resistance based on the individual's body weight provides a practical and accessible method to estimate CP and AWC.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)656-663
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Strength and Conditioning Research
Volume26
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2012

Keywords

  • 3-minute all-out test
  • Body weight base
  • Fatigue thresholds
  • Monark cycle ergometer

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

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