Paced effort and all-out 30-second power tests

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether mean power output in 30 seconds was greater in a paced effort test or an all-out effort under optimal loading conditions. Nine male athletes volunteered to participate. All testing was done on a Monark cycle ergometer with continuous measurement of velocity and resistance. Power output was calculated (Resistance x Velocity) and corrected for acceleration of the flywheel. For each subject, optimal resistance for peak power output was determined with 5 brief (7-second) tests. Subsequently, 3 all-out 30-second tests using 80, 90 and 100% of this estimated optimal resistance, then 3 paced effort 30-second tests were completed on separate days. Pacing was accomplished with velocity feedback at 80, 100 or 120% of optimal velocity calculated from the all-out tests. Subjects were encouraged to try to exceed the target velocity if possible during the final 10 seconds of the paced effort test. The best all-out test (772 +/- 35 W) was not different (paired t test, p = 0.31) from the best paced effort test (787 +/- 27 W). Furthermore, there was no significant difference between mean power output in the all-out tests at 90% (736 +/- 28 W) and 100% (766 +/- 36 W) of estimated optimal resistance for peak power output (1.16 +/- 0.05 N x kg[-1]), but mean power at 80% of the estimated optimal resistance was lower (722 +/- 31 W; ANOVA for repeated measures, p < 0.05). In conclusion, a paced effort test does not permit greater mean power output over 30 seconds than an all-out test, and there is considerable latitude in apparent optimal resistance for mean power output in a 30-second test.