Comparison of the Wingate and Bosco anaerobic tests

The purpose of this study was to compare the Wingate cycling and Bosco repeated jumps anaerobic tests. Eleven men (21.36 +/- 1.6 years; 179.1 +/- 9.3 cm; 78.7 +/- 11.0 kg) and 9 women (21.89 +/- 3.66 years; 171.8 +/- 10.0 cm; 75.9 +/- 21.4 kg), all university athletes, volunteered to participate. Subjects performed each test in random order. The tests consisted of a 30-second Wingate test and a 60-second Bosco test. The Wingate test was conducted using a Monark cycle ergometer and the Bosco test was conducted on a force platform. Following the performance of each test, peak lactate concentrations were determined. Average and peak power values were statistically greater in men and on the Bosco test. Peak lactate values were statistically greater in men but did not differ based on test. Correlations between peak lactate concentrations between tests and lactate values with peak or average power were not statistically significant. The relationship between peak power between tests was statistically significant among men, but not women. The results of the study indicated that the Bosco and Wingate tests, which both measure anaerobic characteristics, appear to measure different aspects of anaerobic power and capacity. The Bosco test also may be inappropriate for athletes who are not well trained in jumping.