Effect of Test Sequence on Maximal Anaerobic and Aerobic Power Achievements in Adults

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of test sequence on adults' ability to achieve maximal aerobic and anaerobic power during a single assessment visit. Forty-one adults (24 men, 17 women; 22.0 ± 1.8 years) completed two baseline visits in randomized order consisting of either a maximal oxygen consumption (V̇O_2max) or Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT). The subsequent experimental visit consisted of both V̇O_2max and WAnT in randomized order separated by 20 minutes of rest. Mixed-model ANOVAs compared baseline and experimental performance between and within groups. Chi Squared Goodness of Fit tests determined if test sequence significantly affected V̇O_2max criteria achievement. Significant interaction effects were observed for relative V̇O_2max (p = 0.005), RER (p < 0.001), and exercise time (p = 0.022). Within WAnT/V̇O_2max subjects, these values significantly decreased from baseline to experimental tests. No differences were found for WAnT values. During the experimental session, 50% of subjects who performed WAnt/V̇O_2max and 81% of subjects who performed V̇O_2max/WAnT achieved a valid V̇O_2max. Chi squared analysis found the change to be significant in WAnT/V̇O_2max subjects only. Therefore, performing the WAnT before V̇O_2max sequence significantly reduced the percent of subjects who achieved V̇O_2max criteria. These findings indicate that the sequence of V̇O_2max testing before a WAnT allowed maximal results similar to expected baseline values.