Objectives: This study compared an 85-tooth versus the standard 62-tooth chainring for power outputs during a Wingate test using a Velotron electromagnetically-braked cycle ergometer.
Design: All participants completed trials using both chainring sizes in a repeated-measures cross-over design.
Methods: Resistance-trained male participants (n=20, 24.6±4.5years) performed two Wingate tests separated by at least 48h. Peak power (PP), mean power (MP), fatigue index (FI), peak cadence, mean cadence, and total work (TW) were recorded.
Results: Peak power was not significantly different (p=0.10) between trials (62-tooth=1111±187W vs. 85-tooth=1188±103W). However, MP, mean cadence, and TW were significantly greater (p<0.01) for the 85-tooth trial (869±114W, 131±16rpm, and 26,063±3418J) compared to the 62-tooth test (673±136W, 102±24rpm, and 20,199±4066J). Fatigue index was reduced during the 85-tooth trial (49.9±9.1% vs. 61.6±8.8%; p<0.01). Agreement was poor with most ICCs≈0.19 and large SEMs.
Conclusions: The two options for chainrings on Velotron cycle ergometers should not be interchangeably used with the Wingate test software; the 62-tooth ring is recommended for most applications. Individuals who can attain peak cadence >180rpm have less variability and tend to achieve higher power outputs on the 62-tooth ring. We suspect that the manufacturer's software limits peak cadence to 182rpm when using the 85-tooth chainring.
Keywords: Anaerobic; Bicycling; Conditioning; Electromagnetically-braked cycle ergometer; Ergometry; Power training.
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