Download PDF
Int J Sports Med 1980; 01(2): 82-85
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1034636
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Anaerobic Capacity and Muscle Fiber Type Distribution in Man

O. Bar-Or, R. Dotan, O. Inbar, A. Rothstein, J. Karlsson*, P. Tesch*
  • Department of Research and Sports Medicine, Wingate Institute, Israel, the *Laboratory for Human
    Performance (FOA 57) and the Department of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
This study was supported by the Sports and Physical Education Authority, Ministry of Education and Culture, Israel, and by grants from the Swedish Medical Research Council (No. 4251) and the Research Council of the Swedish Sports Federation. The authors are thankful to H. Dobroni, S. Erez, E. Salomon, and D. Figenbaum for their technical help, to U. Goldbourt for statistical advice and, especially, to all the volunteers who showed enthusiasm and perseverence.
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
14 March 2008 (online)

Also available at
  PDF Download  Permissions and Reprints

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between performance of an anaerobic capacity test (Wingate test) and muscle fiber type distribution. Subjects (n = 19) were 20- to 30-year-old male physical education students. Biopsies were taken from the vastus lateralis muscle at rest. The Wingate test is a 30-s cycle ergometer ride at maximal pedaling frequency, against a resistance set relative to the body weight. Average mechanical power output, peak 5 s power output, and the power decrease were calculated. Average power output was related to the relative fiber size (average FT area/average ST area); peak power, to % FT and to % FT area; and the power decrease to relative fiber size. It is suggested that muscular performance, as determined by the Wingate test, is positively related to preponderance and size of FT fibers. This test is a valid means of evaluating maximal short-term muscular power, in which energy pathways are predominantly anaerobic.

Key Words

power - exercise - fitness

      >