Edinburgh Napier University

  The 30-s Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT30) is frequently used to determine peak anaerobic power (PP). When PP, which is generally achieved within the first 5-s is the primary measure of interest, there may be no advantage in completing a 30-s test. It is not clear if a shorter test can be validated against the WAnT30.

PURPOSE: To determine if a modified 6-s anaerobic test could be used to measure PP as an alternative to the traditional WAnT30 in recreationally active females.

METHOD: Thirteen females (28.4 ± 6.3 yr., 163.2 ±5.3 cm, 66.8 ± 10.9 kg-1), previously familiarised with protocols, performed a WAnT30. In a subsequent separate session participants performed a modified 6-s Wingate Test (WAnT6) and a 6-s Wattbike Pro ‘all out’ sprint (Watt6) in a randomised manner. A 15 min standardised recovery was completed between sprints. Agreement was measured between WAnT6, Watt6 and WAnT30 using simple linear regression models and Bland Altman plots.

RESULTS: WAnT30 correlated with WAnT6 (R2 = 0.74; P < .001) with a mean bias of -55W. Between Watt6 and WAnT30 the agreement was R2 = 0.40 (P < .05), with a mean bias of 41W. The bias between a WAnT30 and a WAnT6 could be corrected using the following equation:

WAnT30= 0.691 * (WAnT6) +156.1 W (r = 0.85, R2 = 0.72, SEE = 60.3 W; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: A WAnT6 can be used instead of WAnT30 in recreationally active females when PP is the main measure of interest. This avoids unnecessary fatigue and discomfort and would allow performance of other maximal tests in the same session. The regression equation provided in this study could be used to predict an individual’s PP during WAnT30 from WAnT6.