New Records in Human Power.

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Human Performance

Background:

• Maximal aerobic and anaerobic power are critical for athletic success across various sports.
• Previous research has documented power data for elite athletes in running, cycling, rowing, and cross-country skiing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define the current upper limits of human aerobic and anaerobic power in elite athletes.
• To establish reference values for maximal aerobic and anaerobic power in different sports.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and data on elite athlete power outputs.
• Analysis of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and peak power measurements.
• Comparison of power data across different sports and genders.

Main Results:

• Elite male athletes demonstrate VO2max values up to ~7.5 L·min⁻¹ (absolute) or ~90 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ (relative).
• Elite female athletes show VO2max values up to ~5.0 L·min⁻¹ (absolute) or ~80 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ (relative).
• Peak anaerobic power in males can reach ~85 W·kg⁻¹ (vertical jump) and ~36 W·kg⁻¹ (horizontal power), with females reaching ~70 W·kg⁻¹ and ~30 W·kg⁻¹, respectively.

Conclusions:

• The study presents current world records for human aerobic and anaerobic power in elite athletes.
• These values serve as important benchmarks for sports science and coaching.
• Methodological rigor and consideration of factors like doping are essential for accurate interpretation.