Variable resistance all-out test to generate accumulated oxygen deficit and predict anaerobic capacity

Abstract

A supramaximal variable resistance test over varying time intervals was evaluated as an instrument for the assessment of a number of anaerobic parameters, including the accumulated oxygen deficit (AOD). Eight active men [age, 22±1 (SEM 1) years, peak oxygen uptake, 53.1 (SEM 2.1) ml × kg⁻¹ × min⁻¹] completed three randomly ordered all-out sprints of 45-, 60- and 90-s duration. Two incremental pretests consisting of three 5-min stages at power outputs of 45, 135, 225 W and 90, 180, 270 W were performed to establish individual efficiency relationships [r = 0.996 (SEE 1.1) ml × kg⁻¹ × min⁻¹]. These relationships were used to estimate energy demand (millilitres per kilogram of oxygen equivalents in 15-s time intervals) during the supramaximal tests. The AOD for the 45 [47.6 (SEM 1.5) ml × kg⁻¹], 60 [49.0 (SEM 1.8) ml × kg⁻¹] and 90 s [49.6 (SEM 1.7) ml × kg⁻¹] tests were significantly different only for the 45 and 90-s tests. Evaluation of the 90-s test indicated that maximal or nearmaximal (98%) anaerobic energy release was achieved in 60 s, with the AOD beginning to plateau after this time. No significant differences among tests were found for peak power, time to peak power and peak pedalling rate. Differences in mean power, total work and relative power decrement were related to the length of the test. It was concluded that a supramaximal variable resistance test over 60 to 90 s has merit as a test of anaerobic ability as both performance based data and the AOD, a quantitative measure of anaerobic capacity, may be obtained.