Preview
Hüseyin Akbulut, MSc (2026). Alactic Power Test — Protocol, Norms and Application. Sporeus. Retrieved, October 9, 2026. https://sporeus.com/en/egzersiz-testleri-en/alactic-power-test/
Measures: Phosphocreatine system capacity, explosive power under 10 seconds
Table of Contents
Difficulty: Moderate | Category: Anaerobic
Protocol
The Alactic Power Test assesses the capacity of the phosphocreatine (PCr) system during maximal 5–10 second efforts. It isolates the alactic capacity, which is the shortest and most explosive anaerobic system.
Preparation: A force platform, contact mat, or cycle ergometer may be used. The participant must be fully rested before the test. A 10–15 minute warm-up is performed. At least 3–4 practice trials familiarize the participant with the test protocol.
Test Procedure (Cycling Version): A 5–10 second version of the Wingate test is applied. The participant sits ready. On command, they pedal at the highest possible RPM for 5 or 10 seconds. Resistance is the same as standard Wingate (BW × 0.075).
Test Procedure (Jump Version): A maximal countermovement jump or squat jump is performed on a force platform. 5 trials with 2–3 minutes of rest between. Peak force, peak power, and rate of power development are recorded.
Calculation (Cycling): Alactic peak power = maximum watts (5 sec average). Normalized as W/kg for cycling.
Calculation (Jump): Force platform automatically calculates peak force (N), power (W), and RFD (N/s).
Post-Test: 5 minutes of passive rest. Results are compared to strength sports and sprint sports norms.
Formula
Alactic peak power (W/kg) = 5s_max_watts / BW; RFD (N/s) = ΔF / Δt
Equipment Required
force platform or contact mat, cycle ergometer (optional), stopwatch
Normative Values (Age: 18-30 (power athletes))
| Classification | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | >14 W/kg (5 s) | >11 W/kg (5 s) |
| Good | 11-14 W/kg | 8-11 W/kg |
| Average | 8-11 W/kg | 6-8 W/kg |
| Below Average | 5-8 W/kg | 4-6 W/kg |
| Poor | <5 W/kg | <4 W/kg |
Practical Applications
The alactic power test is used to draw a performance profile in sports where explosive power is decisive, such as Olympic weightlifting, sprint athletics, and ice hockey.
Limitations
Fully isolating the PCr system is difficult; efforts exceeding 10 seconds also engage glycolysis. Fully rested state is essential for standardization.
Related Tests: Wingate Test, 10-Second Sprint Test, Margaria-Kalamen Test
Sources: Gastin PB, 2001, Sports Med; Bar-Or O, 1987, Med Sci Sports Exerc
Hüseyin Akbulut is the founder of Sporeus and author of THRESHOLD (EŞİK), a 540-page Turkish-language book on endurance science.
- 540pp THRESHOLD Book
- MSc Sport Sciences
- Marmara University
Protocol The Alactic Power Test assesses the capacity of the phosphocreatine (PCr) system during maximal 5–10 second efforts. It isolates the alactic capacity, which is the shortest and most explosive anaerobic system. Preparation: A force platform, contact mat, or cycle ergometer may be used. The participant must be fully rested before the test. A 10–15 minute warm-up is performed. At least 3–4 practice trials familiarize the participant with the test protocol. Test Procedure (Cycling Version): A 5–10 second version of the Wingate test is applied. The participant sits ready. On command, they pedal at the highest possible RPM for 5 or 10 seconds. Resistance is the same as standard Wingate (BW × 0.075). Test Procedure (Jump Version): A maximal countermovement jump or squat jump is performed on a force platform. 5 trials with 2–3 minutes of rest between. Peak force, peak power, and rate of power development are recorded. Calculation (Cycling): Alactic peak power = maximum watts (5 sec average). Normalized as W/kg for cycling. Calculation (Jump): Force platform automatically calculates peak force (N), power (W), and RFD (N/s). Post-Test: 5 minutes of passive rest. Results are compared to strength sports and sprint sports norms. Formula
Alactic peak power (W/kg) = 5s_max_watts / BW; RFD (N/s) = ΔF / Δt
Equipment Required
force platform or contact mat, cycle ergometer (optional), stopwatch
