Comparison between the 10- and the 30-s-long Wingate Anaerobic Test in summer Paralympic athletes with a lower limb impairment

Abstract

Background The 30-s-long Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT_30s) has some limitations in high-level athletes. A shorter version might be helpful for both clinical applications and performance assessment. The comparison between the traditional WAnT_30s and a shorter version has never been carried out yet in Paralympic athletes. Aim To assess if a 10-s-long Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT_10s) could be used to accurately assess and predict the anaerobic components of physical fitness as an alternative to the traditional WAnT_30s in male Paralympic athletes. Methods Forty-four trained male Paralympic Athletes grouped by severity of locomotor impairment completed the WAnT_30s and the WAnT_10s with an arm cranking ergometer. Differences between mean and peak power achieved throughout both WAnTs were analysed using a mixed-design analysis of variance and predictivity was assessed by stepwise linear regression analysis. Results In the whole sample, peak power values were similar (P > 0.005) in the two tests and the WAnT_10s mean power was significantly higher than that in the WAnT_30s (P < 0.005). Finally, the mean power measured during WAnT_30s showed high level of predictability from mean power measured during WAnT_10s and the Functional class (adjusted R2 = 0.906; P < 0.001). Conclusion The WAnT_10s is accurate to assess peak power, is definitively appropriate to evaluate the alactic anaerobic metabolism and seems able to predict the mean power as traditionally evaluated through a WAnT_30s in male Paralympic Athletes. Thus, it can be used to assess the anaerobic components of physical fitness in this athletic population.

Upper limb cranking asymmetry during a Wingate anaerobic test in wheelchair basketball players

“…These methodological differences could explain the difference in results between LP and HP for anaerobic performance: In addition to differences in muscle or fat mass, body weight is impacted by the absence of lower limbs 44 and muscle atrophy. In comparison with the study by Cavedon et al, our peak and average power results were greater for the males 21 …”

“…There were less differences between the LP and HP groups and these differences were not significant in the present study. Cycle ergometer resistance was determined by body weight in those studies, whereas the authors determined the load according to the power developed by the participant during a test performed before the WAnT_30s 21 . These methodological differences could explain the difference in results between LP and HP for anaerobic performance: In addition to differences in muscle or fat mass, body weight is impacted by the absence of lower limbs 44 and muscle atrophy.…”

“…Hutzler 18 and Coutts 19 found that performance in Paralympic sports such as wheelchair basketball (WBB) or wheelchair racing depends considerably on power and maximum anaerobic capacity. Arm crank ergometers were used in studies, to assess physical fitness and performance in standardized laboratory conditions in athletes with different types of disabilities 20–24 . To our knowledge, no studies have evaluated interlimb asymmetry of the upper limbs during an arm cranking ergometer test.…”

“…Arm crank ergometers were used in studies, to assess physical fitness and performance in standardized laboratory conditions in athletes with different types of disabilities. [20][21][22][23][24] To our knowledge, no studies have evaluated interlimb asymmetry of the upper limbs during an arm cranking ergometer test. In able-bodied people performing the 30s anaerobic Wingate test (WAnT_30s), which is a maximum effort test, metabolism in the first 7 to 9-s is predominantly alactic and anaerobic by phosphagen degradation, and the anaerobic lactic (glycolytic) metabolism is predominant from the 10 to 30s.…”

Long-Term Effects of Jump Rope Training on Athletes’ Physical Health

“…After activation and balanced development of the muscles of each part of the trunk and upper limbs, and interactive rope, wheel jumping and transposition, and long rope rocking action require greater wrist and upper arm strength, when rocking the wave rope, two people need to swing the rope with their big arms, promote the growth circle of upper arm strength. 8 During long-term skipping training, while the athlete keeps the rope swaying, it requires constant force exerted by the arm to control the rope, there are strict standards for the movement of holding the rope and the distance between the rope and the waist, iumping up saves time and effort, such as double rocking jump, side throwing, weaving flowers, and interactive rope exercise the arm strength very well. 9,10…”