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Influence of testing sequence on a child's ability to achieve maximal anaerobic and aerobic power
J L Andreacci1, L Haile, C Dixon
1Department of Exercise Science, Bloomsburg University, Bloomsburg, PA, United States. jandreac@bloomu.edu
Insights
The order of testing matters when measuring children's anaerobic and aerobic power together. Performing a maximal oxygen consumption test before the Wingate Anaerobic Test does not impact anaerobic power results.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Human Performance
Background:
- Assessing maximal anaerobic and aerobic power in children is crucial for understanding their physical capabilities.
- The sequence of testing may influence performance outcomes, particularly when both energy systems are evaluated within the same session.
- Previous research has not definitively established the optimal testing order for pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of testing sequence on the achievement of maximal anaerobic and aerobic power in children.
- To determine if performing the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) before or after the maximal oxygen consumption (V.O2max) test affects performance.
- To provide guidance on the most effective testing protocol for pediatric exercise physiology studies.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-two children (ages 7-11) participated in three testing sessions: WAnT only, V.O2max only, and a combined session with WAnT/V.O2max or V.O2max/WAnT.
- A 20-minute rest interval was implemented between tests in the combined session.
- Performance metrics included WAnT power, V.O2max, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and exercise duration.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found in baseline WAnT or V.O2max values between groups.
- Anaerobic power (WAnT) was not significantly affected by the testing sequence.
- Children tested with WAnT followed by V.O2max showed significantly lower V.O2max, RER, and exercise time compared to their baseline V.O2max test.
Conclusions:
- The order of testing is important when assessing both anaerobic and aerobic power in a single session for children.
- Performing a V.O2max test 20 minutes prior to a WAnT appears to be a viable sequence without compromising anaerobic performance.
- This finding has implications for designing reliable and valid pediatric exercise testing protocols.
Abstract:
The aim of the study was to examine the order of testing sequence on a child's ability to achieve maximal anaerobic and aerobic power. Thirty-two children (20 females, 12 males) between 7 - 11 years of age participated in this study. All subjects were tested on three separate occasions as follows: anaerobic power session - Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) only; aerobic power session - maximal oxygen consumption (V.O (2max)) test only; and experimental session - WAnT followed by a V.O (2max) test (WAnT/V.O (2max)) or a V.O (2max) test followed by a WAnT (V.O (2max)/WAnT), each with 20 minutes of rest between the assessments. No significant differences were observed between the baseline WAnT or V.O (2max) between the two groups. No significant differences were observed for WAnT power values in either group regardless of testing sequence. Children in the WAnT/V.O (2max) group had significantly lower experimental V.O (2max) (38.6 +/- 7.6 vs. 40.6 +/- 7.4 mL . kg (-1) . min (-1); p < 0.05), RER (1.10 +/- 0.08 vs. 1.13 +/- 0.07; p < 0.05), and exercise time (472 +/- 87 vs. 511 +/- 79 s; p < 0.01) values when compared to the baseline V.O (2max) test. The results of this study indicate that when assessing a child's anaerobic and aerobic power during the same testing session, the testing sequence is of importance. However, it appears that a V.O (2max) test can be performed 20 minutes prior to the WAnT without affecting anaerobic power in children.
