Inter-day reliability of a Wattbike cycle ergometer sprint protocol in male rugby players

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to establish the inter-day reliability of several performance variables measured during a 2 × 6 s sprint on a Wattbike cycle ergometer in male rugby players. Reliablilty was assessed against an 'analytical goal' of detecting meaningful changes that might be expected with fatigue in rugby. Design & Methods:Sixteen male rugby players performed three trials of the protocol on different days seperated by a mimimum of 48 h. The protocol comprised 2 × 6 s 'all out' cycle sprints with 90 s recovery between efforts. Typical error (TE), coefficient of variation (CV), smallest worthwhile change (SWC) and moderate change (MC) were calculated between each trial for seven variables.Results: Peak Power output significantly increased from the first to the third trial (3.3-4.4 %), whilst all variables had better reliability from trials 2-3 than 1-2. Mean power (3.7%), peak power (4.2%) and total distance (2.7%) had a CV% lower than decrements observed with team sport fatigue (~5%), however only total work had a TE (2.1 kJ) lower than the smallest worthwhile change (4.6 kJ) while the remainder were lower than the moderate worthwhile change. Conclusion:Assuming one complete habituation trial is completed, total work appears to be the most reliable variable capable of detecting a worthwhile change in performance. We recommend using this variable to monitor fatigue in rugby players.(Journal of Trainology 2018;7:1-4)

A comparison of three different work to rest periods during intermittent sprint training on maintaining sprint effort performance

“…In addition, a reliability study on the Wattbike 6 s cycle sprint found that “total work”, in Cals, was the most reliable measure. 19 …”

“…The measurement of “total work” is calculated from the distance per revolution multiplied by the force with the result record in calories (Cals). 19 The number of repetitions where PPO stayed above 95% (PPO95+) were recorded. Performance decrement (%Dec) in performance was calculated after the completion of each of the three trials using the following formula as outlined by previously 10 : %Dec = 1 − (sum of sprints 1 to 10/best sprint × 10) × 100.…”

Relationship of a Six-Second Peak Power Cycle Ergometer Test with Maximal and Ballistic Strength Tests in International Rugby Union Players

“…The 6sCS test consisted of 2 x 6 s sprints with 90 s recovery on a calibrated cycle ergometer (WattBike Pro, Nottingham, UK) using a protocol previously shown to be reliable with a Coefficient of Variation (CV) of 4.2% for peak power (Cushman et al, 2018). A five-minute warmup was completed before the test; whereby players pedaled at a self-selected light (RPE of 3) resistance at a cadence of 80 rev•min -1 , with a mandated 2-s maximal acceleration at the 3-, 4-and 5-minute mark.…”

“…Individual effort duration in Rugby Union is typically less than 4 s at all intensities (Lacome et al, 2013). An alternative assessment, the six-second peak power test on a cycle ergometer (6sCS) has increased in popularity as a testing and training tool (Cushman et al, 2018;Jones et al, 2019;Wehbe et al, 2015). The shorter duration of the 6sCS may be a more practical and relevant test than the WAnT as it has a lower technical requirement with a duration similar to typical maximal and ballistic strength tests.…”