Abstract

The aim of this study was to establish optimal test conditions for maximal anaerobic testing on a friction-loaded bicycle ergometer. Power and work outputs of 15 subjects during a 60-s all-out effort were tested under five conditions on a specially modified Monark ergometer. Test conditions were produced by altering the commencement resistance loading and either holding it constant (0.065C, 0.075C kg/kg BW) for the entire duration of the 60-s work test or by reducing it by a specified amount to a more manageable load if pedalling rate dropped below 90 rpm (0.075R, 0.085R, 0.095R kg/kg BW). Resistance and pedalling rate were continuously monitored with power outputs being determined every 100 ms, breath by breath oxygen consumption (VO2) was measured and capillary blood lactate (HLa) analyzed before and 5 min post each test condition. The test condition with the highest initial load (0.095R) produced the greatest peak power (PP). The reduced test procedure with the higher initial loads resulted in the greatest mean power (MP) and total work outputs (0.095R and 0.085R). Post-exercise blood HLa was not significantly different in any test condition. Peak power and MP correlated highly with both body weight (r=0.77-0.85 and r=0.75-0.83) and lean body weight (r=0.84-0.88 and r=0.90). During the last 30 s of the test, subjects reached between 90-100 of their measured VO2max. Thus, for a 60-s maximal all-out effort, a reduced test condition with high initial resistance produces the highest anaerobic test parameters. Verf.-Referat (gekuerzt)