Abstract:

The study aimed to investigate the effects of the interactions among the test durations, loads and gender on the anaerobic power in the Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT). Thirty-three moderately active young adults (age; 20.9±1.8 years), 14of whom are women, participated in the study. The measurements were performed on seven separate visits at least two days apart. On the first visit, body composition measurements and a familiarization process were performed. In the next six visits, 15-s, 20-s and 30-s WAnT at both 8.5% of body mass and 11% of lean body mass were performed randomly. The effects of gender on power output changes in WAnT were examined with split-plot ANOVA. The significance level was set at p<0.05. The load of 11% of lean body mass provided greater peak power compared with a load of 8.5% of body weight (p= 0.03). The increases in mean power at the short duration WAnT were higher in men than in women (p=0.01). In 15-s and 20-s WAnT, high mean power outputs at a load of lean body mass were obtained in men, while the load did not affect the mean power in women (p=0.03). The short-duration WAnT versions led to lower heart rate (HR) and reduced rating of perceived exertion (RPE) (p<0.01). The load did not affect the RPE (p>0.05). The findings indicate that gender differences should be considered regarding the duration of the test and optimal load for WAnT.

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