I Think It Was 8? Validity Of Manual Wingate Power Estimates In An Exercise Physiology Lab Class.

Abstract

PURPOSE: The Wingate test (WAnT) is commonly taught in exercise physiology lab courses to assess anaerobic capacity and peak power output using the number of revolutions on a cycle ergometer. Despite adequate instruction and practice in lab classes, student counts often lack precision, which can significantly impact the calculations for key performance variables. The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of student measurements through comparison with computerized results to determine if current teaching techniques in the exercise physiology lab class are adequate. Specifically, we looked at students’ revolution counts for total revolutions and number of revolutions in each 5 s interval of the test. METHODS: Exercise physiology undergraduate students (N = 28) were selected to conduct the WAnT test procedure using the Monark 894E after one class of instruction and practice. Computerized power ratings were collected simultaneously to student counts. Student results were then directly compared to scores from the Monark software. RESULTS: A one-way repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to determine whether there were statistically significant differences in revolution counts on the WAnT protocol compared to the measurements from the Monark anaerobic test software. Overall a statistically significant difference existed in counts, F(1,16) = 4.279, p = .022, with accuracy of counts decreasing over the course of the six stages, stage one .0441 ± .377 rpm’s, stage two .667 ± .360 rpm’s, stage three .706 ± .311 rpm’s, stage four .72 ± .279 rpm’s, stage five 1.044 ± .271 rpm’s, stage six 0.627 ± .24. rpm’s. CONCLUSIONS: Students accurately counted revolutions for the first five seconds; but the accuracy decreased as time progressed. Peak power estimates were accurate, but the mean anaerobic capacity and fatigue index was underestimated. These findings suggest that students need more practice conducting the WAnT before they are able to use the test in sport performance and research settings, especially if the goal is to calculate mean anaerobic capacity and fatigue index which requires accurate revolution counts for the entire 30 s. Exercise physiology lab instructors should consider spending more time teaching counting techniques, including the addition of partial revolution counts.