Peak Cardiorespiratory Performance can be Achieved during a Maximal 60-sec Effort as Compared to Traditional Exercise Tests in Healthy Individuals

Background: This study compared peak cardiorespiratory performance when performing either a 1-min or 3-min stage graded maximal exercise test (GXT) to a 60-sec Wingate test (WGT). Materials and Methods: healthy college students were randomly assigned to perform either a 1-min stage or a 3-min stage GXT before completing a 60-sec WGT within 21-days. Results: Differences (%) in VO2 peak (Lmin-1) were insignificant between the WGT and both the 1-min protocol (-0.61%, ES = -0.03, p = 0.80) and the 3-min protocol (0.85%, ES = 0.04, p = 0.65). Bland–Altman analysis revealed a mean bias (SD) in VO2 peak of -0.02 0.25 between the 1-min GXT and WGT, and a mean bias of 0.03 0.20 between the 3-min GXT and WGT. There were no significant differences in minute ventilation (Lmin-1) between the WGT and both the 1-min (-2.10%, p = 0.73) and 3-min protocols (-7.91%, p = 0.10). A similar O2 pulse (mL·beat) was observed between the WGT and both the 1-min protocol (-1.73%, p = 0.44), and 3-min protocol (0.00%, p = 0.97). Max heart rate (bpm) was comparable between the WGT and both the 1-min (1.00%, p = 0.52) and 3-min protocol (1.01%, p = 0.53). A significant reduction in the respiratory exchange ratio was observed in both the 1-min (-11.00%, p = 0.008) and 3-min (-22.70%, p = 0.0002) protocol compared to the WGT. Conclusion: This study suggests peak cardiorespiratory performance can be achieved using a brief, 60-sec maximal effort, as compared to traditional graded exercise tests in health individuals.