Reliability and Validity of the Velotron Racermate Cycle Ergometer to Measure Anaerobic Power

This study assessed the reliability and validity of the Velotron Racermate (TM) cycle ergometer to assess anaerobic power. Men (9 cyclists and 13 recreationally-active) and women (17 recreationally-active and 1 cyclist) (age=24.7 +/- 4.2 yr) performed 2 Wingate tests on the Velotron or 3 Wingate tests (2 on the Velotron and 1 on the Monark Peak Bike) over a 7-14 day period. Peak power, mean power, minimum power, fatigue index, heart rate, and peak and minimum cadence were assessed. Results revealed significant test-retest reliability for mean power (r=0.90, p<0.01), minimum power (r=0.79, p<0.05) and peak power (r=0.70, p<0.05) with repeated bouts on the Velotron. Peak power was significantly higher (p<0.05) on the Velotron (9.95 +/- 1.39 W/kg) vs. the Monark (9.13 +/- 1.26 W/kg); however, mean power was higher (p<0.05) on the Monark (6.95 +/- 0.89 W/kg) vs. the Velotron (6.11 +/- 0.52 W/kg and 6.25 +/- 0.59 W/kg). Data reveal significant reliability for mean and peak power from the Velotron Racermate, yet multiple variables differ between the Velotron and the Monark mechanically-braked cycle ergometer.