Wingate normative-reference values for a large cohort of Canadian university students

Study aim: The Wingate Anaerobic Test evaluates anaerobic power and capacity. Used to assess performance, historically among athletic populations, its evaluative capacity for individuals of varying athletic abilities is limited by a lack of normative data based on large participant populations. This study developed Wingate normative-reference values based on a large-scale cohort that is representative of the Canadian university student population.

Material and methods: Data were collected from 872 participants, aged 20 to 29 years (mean body mass index [BMI]: 24.44 kg/m²). Testing was completed on a cycle ergometer using a widely recognized protocol, with resistance set at 7.5% of participants’. An independent samples t-test was used to compared the means of dependent variables (i.e., peak power [PP], mean power [MP], and fatigue index fi) and test for statistical significance (p < 0.05) between sexes, and Cohen’s d determined effect size.

Results: Males had higher PP and MP (W and W · kg⁻¹), whereas females exhibited lower FI (%). Statistically significant differences between sexes were observed for all variables.

Conclusions: Collected data yielded normative-reference standards, including percentile rankings and performance classifications. These norms will allow for significant practical applications, including an effective method to assess anaerobic performance and health.