An incremental brake force protocol for arm crank anaerobic testing of wheelchair athletes

Abstract

The traditional Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) paradigm of setting cycle brake resistance relative to body weight has limited value in a lower limb impaired population. The purpose of this investigation is to define a loading scheme that elicits optimal performance of a wheelchair athlete on a WAnT using the Monark 881 arm‐crank ergometer. Seventeen elite male wheelchair basketball athletes performed a randomized series of 30 second WAnTs at four absolute brake force loads (3.50, 4.25, 5.00, and 5.75 kg) and an additional single 10 second maximal velocity WAnT using a 3.00kg load. A repeated measures ANOVA identified a significant difference in peak power {p < .01, F(3,47) = 25.46} and in mean power output {p < .01, F(3, 47) = 30.39} attributable to the variation in load. Post hoc analysis indicated that the mean optimal load for this elite group was the highest load examined. The relationship of each individual's optimal load with peak performance (average revolutions/minute for the peak 3 seconds) on a. 10 second maximal velocity test (MV3) was then used to develop a testing scheme in which an absolute load may be proposed to measure anaerobic power optimally based on performance in a maximal velocity test. Additional testing is recommended to expand this model to include non‐elite wheelchair users.