Contribution of energy systems during a Wingate power test

Six men performed a total of 23 modified Wingate power tests against 5.5 kp (53.9 N) resistance on a Monark 864 ergometer. Breath-by-breath VO2 was measured using a SensorMedics 4400 metabolic cart. Peak anaerobic power (highest 5 s; mean(s.e.m.)) was 819(16) W (11.1(0.6) W kg-1) and anaerobic capacity (work in 30 s; mean(s.e.m.)) was 18.2(0.2) kJ (248(11) J kg-1). Contributions of ATP-PC, glycolytic and aerobic systems each 5 s were estimated. ATP-PC power (mean(s.e.m.)) peaked at 750(14) W (10.2(0.6) W kg-1) in the first 5 s; glycolytic power (mean(s.e.m.] peaked at 497(11) W (6.8(0.7) W kg-1) between 10 and 15 s into the test; aerobic power (mean(s.e.m.)) peaked at 157(5) W (2.1(0.3) W kg-1) during the last 5 s of the test, and VO2 exceeded 90% VO2peak Over the entire 30 s, aerobic contribution was 16%, glycolytic contribution was 56%, and ATP-PC contribution was 28%. It is concluded that glycolytic power peaks within the first 15 s of high power exercise; also, aerobic metabolism responds quickly during 'anaerobic' exercise and makes a significant contribution to the work performed.