Wingate Anaerobic Test

The Wingate Anaerobic Test has been repeatedly proven to be a valid and reliable predictor of anaerobic capacity and power.

By Owen Walker
Last updated: March 5th, 2024
9 min read

Contents of Article

1. Summary
2. What is the Wingate Anaerobic Test?
3. What does the Wingate Anaerobic Test measure?
4. What are some variations of the Wingate Anaerobic Test?
5. How do you conduct the Wingate Anaerobic Test?
6. What can you calculate during the Wingate Anaerobic Test?
7. Considerations for using the Wingate Anaerobic Test
8. Is the Wingate Anaerobic Test valid and reliable?
9. References
10. About the Author

Summary

The Wingate Anaerobic Test was developed in the 1970s to measure anaerobic power and capacity. Since then, it has perhaps become one of the most recognised fitness tests in history. Over the years, many variations of this test have been developed to identify slightly different performance qualities and to make it more suitable for varying populations. Importantly, the Wingate Anaerobic Test has been repeatedly proven to be a valid and reliable predictor of anaerobic capacity and power.

What is the Wingate Anaerobic Test?

The Wingate Anaerobic Test is arguably one of the most famous laboratory fitness tests. It is commonly performed on a cycle ergometer and is primarily used to measure an individual’s anaerobic capacity and anaerobic power outputs (1). In its simplest form, this test can be conducted using only a Monark or Bodyguard cycle ergometer and a stopwatch (2). As this test only requires the participant to cycle at maximal effort for 30 seconds, its simplicity and time-effectiveness means it is an extremely popular testing protocol. Though this test is predominantly performed on a cycle ergometer, it can also be performed on an arm crank ergometer.

Originally based on the Cumming’s Test, this test was developed at the Wingate Institute in Israel during the early 1970s. Since then, it has undergone modifications and has also been used as a basis to design newer tests of a similar nature (3) and other running-based protocols such as the Sprint Interval Test (4).

What does the Wingate Anaerobic Test measure?

The Wingate Test is capable of identifying two primary measures: 1) anaerobic capacity; and 2) anaerobic power outputs. These values are vital factors in sports that demand short-duration maximal efforts. As a result, this particular test may be a useful assessment tool for athletes who compete in sports of a similar nature.

What are some variations of the Wingate Anaerobic Test?

Since its inception in the early 1970s, the Wingate Test has undergone several variations as researchers attempt to diversify the uses and specificity of the test. These modifications include:

• Test Duration: Some researchers have extended the duration of the test from 30 to 60 seconds (5), and even 120 seconds (6) in order to increase the demand on the alactic and lactic anaerobic energy systems.
• Test Repetition: Typically the Wingate Test is only performed once per testing session, however, researchers have experimented with the efficacy of repeated performances for training purposes. This research has demonstrated that repeating the Wingate Test four, five, or even six times can increase aerobic power and capacity and maximal aerobic capacity (7; 8).
• Test Weight/Workload: The original test weight used for the Wingate Test is 7.5 % of the participant’s body mass, or 0.075 kg per kg of body weight (9). This original workload was selected based on using young subjects, and not on adult or athletic populations. Consequently, researchers have manipulated the workload to make the results more representative of their chosen population (e.g. university rugby players or Olympic cyclists). Whilst Katch et al., (1977)(6) used workloads of 0.053, 0.067, and 0.080, others have gone as high as 0.098 kg per kg of body weight (10). Although the workload can, and has been altered, the Wingate Test still uses the original test weight of 7.5 % of body mass.

How do you conduct the Wingate Anaerobic Test?

It is important to note that whenever fitness testing is performed, it must be done so in a consistent environment (i.e. facility) so that it is protected from varying weather types, and with a dependable surface that is not affected by wet or slippery conditions. If the environment is not consistent, the reliability of repeated tests at later dates can be substantially hindered and result in worthless data.

Required Equipment

Before the start of the test, it is important to ensure you have the following items:

• Laboratory or testing room
• Cycle ergometer
• Computer and testing software (preferred, but not essential)
• Weighing scales
• Performance recording sheet
• Stopwatch

Test Configuration

Figure 1 displays the test configuration for the Wingate Test – this setup must be adhered to if accurate and reliable data is desired.

Test Procedure

1. Calculate body mass (kg)

• Participants must be weighed in lightweight clothing with shoes and accessories removed.

2. Calculate the ‘test weight’ (kg)

• The ‘test weight’ is 7.5 % of the participant’s body mass.
• Test weight (kg) = body weight in kg * 0.075

• Start cycling – The participant must cycle at 60 revolutions per minute (RPM) for 3-4 minutes at 60 W (females) or 90 W (males). In other words, all participants (male or female) should cycle at 60 RPM, though females should cycle against resistance of 1kg, and males with 1.5 kg. Note: the basket typically weighs 1kg.
• Adding the test weight – Halfway through the warm-up, the participant should briefly stop cycling, the test administrator should then add the test weight. Once the weight has been added, the administrator should then raise the basket away from the flywheel so the participant can continue cycling at 60 RPM with no resistance.
• Warm-up sprint – With the resistance still raised above the flywheel, a 3-second countdown should begin. The subject must still pedal at 60 RPM until the countdown is over. The test administrator should count down “3 – 2 – 1 – GO!“. On the ‘Go’ signal the administrator must lower the test weight basket and the participant must accelerate maximally from 60 RPM to a maximal speed for approximately three seconds. After ~3 seconds – once the pedalling speed is high, the administrators should clearly shout “STOP” and should remove the test weight so the athlete can continue cycling, without the test weight, for another minute or so.

4. After the warm-up

After the 4-minute warm-up is over, the subject should rest for two minutes before performing the sprint test.

Starting the test

• The participant should begin cycling at 60 RPM for approximately 10 seconds with no weight.
• The test administrator should count down “3 – 2 – 1 – GO!”.
• On the “GO” signal, the administrator must lower the test weight basket and the participant should begin to accelerate maximally and try to maintain maximal speed throughout the entire 30-second test. Note: Test administrators must provide verbal encouragement throughout the test.

Ending the test

• The test administrator should countdown the final three seconds of the test “3 – 2 – 1 – STOP”. Once the test is over, some subjects may react to the previous exertion. To reduce any problems, the subjects must stay on the ergometer, cycling at 60-80 RPM without any resistance, for at least 2-3 minutes. If the subject feels ill or goes quiet or pale, they should get off the bike and lie down with their feet resting on a chair. Note: never leave the participant alone after the test.

What can you calculate during the Wingate Anaerobic Test?

The following values are all commonly used during a Wingate Anaerobic Test:

• Peak Power Output (PPO)
• Relative Peak Power Output (RPP)
• Anaerobic Fatigue/ Fatigue Index (AF)
• Anaerobic Capacity (AC)

How to Calculate Peak Power Output?

This should be calculated every five seconds of the test (providing a total of 6 PPOs).

• PPO = force (kg) * distance (m) ÷ time (s)
• Distance = number of revolutions during the 5-seconds * distance per revolution (m)

Force is the weight added to the flywheel in kilograms. Time is measured in seconds or minutes (five seconds or 0.0833 minutes). Distance is the number of revolutions multiplied by the distance per revolution (measured in meters).

Table 1 shows PPO norms for active young adults (11).

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Owen Walker

Owen is the Founder of Science for Sport and has a Master’s degree in Strength & Conditioning and a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Conditioning & Rehabilitation from Cardiff Metropolitan University. Before founding Science for Sport, he was the Head of Academy Sports Science at Cardiff City Football Club, and an interim Sports Scientist for the Welsh Football Association.

He’s published research on the ‘Practical Applications of Water Immersion Recovery Modalities for Team Sports’ in the Strength & Conditioning Journal by the NSCA (National Strength & Conditioning Association). He has also been featured in the Sports Business Journal and The Roar, Australia’s leading sports opinion website.

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