The Assessment of Repeat Wingate Performance in Professional Hockey Players

Abstract

A repeat Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) may provide valuable information about anaerobic power in ice hockey. A repeat WAnT can be evaluated using different indices of performance such as change in power between tests, average of power between tests, or power measured during the second test. However, minimal research has assessed the repeat WAnT using various indices of performance. PURPOSE: To evaluate power production during a repeat WAnT and determine predictors of the repeat WAnT using three indices of performance in professional hockey players. METHODS: 31 professional hockey players completed an off-ice testing battery (%fat, flexibility, muscular strength/endurance, and anaerobic power). Subjects performed two 30-second WAnTs with two minutes of active rest between tests. Power measurements included peak power (PP), average power (AP) and fatigue index (FI). WAnT performance was evaluated using three indices for PP, AP, and FI, separately: 1) Power Change (change in power measurement between tests), 2) Mean Power (mean of power measurement between tests), and 3) Test 2 Power (power measurement during second test). Difference in PP, AP and FI between tests were assessed (paired samples T-tests (p<.05)). Linear regression was used to evaluate the impact of %fat, flexibility, and muscular strength/endurance on each index of WAnT performance. RESULTS: PP (11.9±1.4 W/kg) and AP (8.9±0.8 W/kg) during the first WAnT were greater (p <.05) than the second WAnT (PP: 9.9 ± 1.0 W/kg; AP: 7.0 ± 0.7 W/kg). VJ was the best predictor of PP change (beta= -.23, p<.01), mean PP (beta=.25, p<.01) and test 2 PP (beta=.15, p<.01). VJ was the best predictor of AP change (beta=-.08, p<.05) and mean AP (beta=.09, p<.01) while push-ups were the best predictor of test 2 AP (beta=.05, p<.01). VJ was the best predictor of FI change (beta=-1.16, p<.05), while bench press was the best predictor of mean FI (beta=.73, p<.05) and test 2 FI (beta=.65, p<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Professional hockey players showed a substantial decrease in power during the repeat WAnT. Vertical jump was the biggest predictor of performance. However, predictors may vary depending on which index of performance is used. Although the repeat WAnT provides useful information about anaerobic ability, coaches/trainers should consider the performance index used to evaluate the test.