Wingate Test
A 30-second anaerobic effort on a cycle ergometer, originally designed for cyclists, which measures peak power, mean power and the fatigue index.
About the Wingate test
The Wingate test measures athletes' anaerobic power and anaerobic capacity. On a cycle ergometer, the athlete pedals at full intensity for 30 seconds against a braking force predetermined by body weight.
Anaerobic power is the ability to generate power quickly without oxygen. It matters in short, intense-effort sports such as sprinting, basketball or weightlifting. Anaerobic capacity is the total amount of energy available from the anaerobic energy systems.
How the test works
Three main indicators: peak power (the highest output during the 30 seconds), mean power (average output over the whole duration) and the fatigue index (the decline in power over the course of the test).
Calculator
Calculate your fatigue index
Using the power values recorded by your ergometer. Formula: (Pmax − Pmin) / Pmax × 100.
Taking the test
Although professional supervision is recommended, here is how it unfolds:
Protocol
How the test unfolds
- Warm upPedal at low intensity for 5 to 10 minutes to gradually raise muscle temperature.
- PreparationAdjust the saddle and handlebars, and set the resistance appropriate for your body weight.
- ExecutionPedal at full intensity from the start signal, without interruption, for exactly 30 seconds.
- RecoverySlow down gradually and keep pedalling at low intensity for 5 to 10 minutes.
Equipment needed
- A calibrated cycle ergometer able to adjust resistance precisely
- A stopwatch or timer to control the 30 seconds exactly
- Scales to set the appropriate braking force based on body weight
- A spreadsheet or software to record and analyse the data
Recommended gear
To run the test in good conditions
- Exercise bike / indoor trainer View on Amazon →
- Heart rate monitor View on Amazon →
- Bathroom scales View on Amazon →
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Frequently asked questions
FAQ
Can you do this test without a cycle ergometer?
No, the Wingate test requires an ergometer able to measure power output precisely and apply a resistance calibrated to body weight. It is a laboratory or specialist-facility test.
What is the difference between peak power and mean power?
Peak power is the highest output reached during the 30 seconds; mean power is the average output over the whole test. The gap between the two reflects muscular fatigability.
What is the fatigue index for?
It quantifies, as a percentage, the drop in power between the peak and the lowest point of the test. It is the indicator of anaerobic capacity to sustain effort.
Is the Wingate test accessible to the general public?
Not really: it requires a specialised ergometer and is mainly aimed at elite athletes and equipped facilities (laboratories, training centres), rather than self-administered testing.