[1] The test, which can also be performed on an arm crank ergometer, consists of a set time pedalling at maximum speed against a given resistance.
In instances where there is such a standard, such as hydrostatic weighing to determine body composition, this is easy.
[2] Other references question the validity because the usual method of calculating the resistance of a brake band loaded with weights does not take into account all aspects of rope-brake theory and overestimates the actual force by 12–15%.
The original Wingate test used a load of 0.075 kp per kg bodyweight of the subject.
Before the subject starts the Wingate test, they typically perform a low-resistance warm-up for at least five minutes to help minimize the risk of injury.
During the warm-up the subject generally completes two or three 15 second “sprints” to make sure they are used to the fast movement before the test begins.
With a mechanical ergometer, the researcher must count and record the number of revolutions pedaled for every five second interval during the test, and then determine power data.
On test completion, the subject should pedal against low resistance in a cool-down phase.
The Wingate test can be completed on several types of bicycle ergometers, which can be controlled with either mechanical or electromagnetic brakes.
On an ergometer with mechanical brakes the force is the resistance (kg) added to the flywheel, while distance is:
Anaerobic fatigue shows the percentage of power lost from the beginning to end of the Wingate.
Diurnal variations occur within the body in many forms, such as hormone levels and motor coordination, therefore it is important to consideration what effects may become apparent in Wingate testing.
Recent studies have confirmed that circadian rhythms can significantly alter peak power output during a Wingate test.
As in every physical exertion, several outside factors can play a role in Wingate performance.
According to some literature, a 15-minute intermittent warm-up improved mean power output by 7% while having no impact on peak values.
Since the Wingate test stresses the anaerobic metabolic systems glucose consumption pre-testing can be another influential factor.
[7] Sampling rate can severely impact the values obtained for peak and average power output.
[18] Sampling rates consistent with a standard mechanical ergometer test show significantly lower peak and average power values than a test with much higher sampling rates in the computer data feeds.
As Hazell et al.[6] have demonstrated, training in this manner can increase aerobic and anaerobic performance.