Influence of Velotron chainring size on Wingate anaerobic test.

OBJECTIVES

This study compared an 85-tooth versus the standard 62-tooth chainring for power outputs during a Wingate test using a Velotron electromagnetically-braked cycle ergometer.

DESIGN

All participants completed trials using both chainring sizes in a repeated-measures cross-over design.

METHODS

Resistance-trained male participants (n=20, 24.6±4.5years) performed two Wingate tests separated by at least 48h. Peak power (PP), mean power (MP), fatigue index (FI), peak cadence, mean cadence, and total work (TW) were recorded.

RESULTS

Peak power was not significantly different (p=0.10) between trials (62-tooth=1111±187W vs. 85-tooth=1188±103W). However, MP, mean cadence, and TW were significantly greater (p<0.01) for the 85-tooth trial (869±114W, 131±16rpm, and 26,063±3418J) compared to the 62-tooth test (673±136W, 102±24rpm, and 20,199±4066J). Fatigue index was reduced during the 85-tooth trial (49.9±9.1% vs. 61.6±8.8%; p<0.01). Agreement was poor with most ICCs≈0.19 and large SEMs.

CONCLUSIONS

The two options for chainrings on Velotron cycle ergometers should not be interchangeably used with the Wingate test software; the 62-tooth ring is recommended for most applications. Individuals who can attain peak cadence >180rpm have less variability and tend to achieve higher power outputs on the 62-tooth ring. We suspect that the manufacturer's software limits peak cadence to 182rpm when using the 85-tooth chainring.