Preview
(2026). Phosphate Recovery Test — Protocol, Norms and Application. Sporeus. Retrieved, September 25, 2026. https://sporeus.com/en/egzersiz-testleri-en/phosphate-recovery-test/
Measures: PCr (fosfokreatin) toparlanma hızı, kısa dinlenme sonrası sprint gücü koruma kapasitesi
Table of Contents
Difficulty: Orta | Category: Anaerobik
Protocol
The Phosphate Recovery Test measures how quickly the phosphocreatine (PCr) system replenishes following short rest periods. PCr recovery is dependent on oxidative processes and also reflects aerobic capacity.
Preparation: The participant warms up for 15 minutes. Cycle ergometer or sprint area is prepared. Fully rested state is essential before the test.
Protocol: Four-stage protocol:
1. Sprint 1: 6–10 second maximal sprint (reference)
2. Recovery: 30 seconds passive rest
3. Sprint 2: Another 6–10 second maximal sprint
4. Long recovery: 5 minutes
5. Sprint 3: Repeat reference sprint
In some protocols, recovery duration is systematically increased (10, 20, 30, 60 seconds, and 5 minutes) with a sprint at each recovery duration.
Data Recording: Peak power (watts or time) of each sprint is recorded. Power retention index = (Sprint2 / Sprint1) × 100.
Calculation: PCr recovery half-life = t½ ≈ 25–30 seconds in healthy individuals; inversely related to aerobic capacity (higher VO₂max = faster PCr recovery).
Post-Test: Cool-down is performed. Power retention percentage is reported as an indicator of training status.
Formula
Güç koruma (%) = (Sprint2_W / Sprint1_W) × 100; PCr t½ ≈ 25-30 sn sağlıklı bireylerde
Equipment Required
bisiklet ergometre veya sprint alanı, kronometre, fotosel (opsiyonel)
Normative Values (Age: 18-30 (sporcular))
| Classification | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | Güç koruma >90% (30sn dinlenme) | Güç koruma >88% (30sn dinlenme) |
| Good | Güç koruma 80-90% | Güç koruma 78-88% |
| Average | Güç koruma 70-80% | Güç koruma 68-78% |
| Below Average | Güç koruma 60-70% | Güç koruma 58-68% |
| Poor | Güç koruma <60% | Güç koruma <58% |
Practical Applications
The phosphate recovery test is used to determine recovery capacity in high-intensity intermittent sports and to understand aerobic-anaerobic system interaction.
Limitations
Standardization of recovery duration is critical. PCr is estimated indirectly from power loss; direct measurement requires MRS (magnetic resonance spectroscopy).
Related Tests: Wingate Test, Alactic Power Test, Repeated Sprint Ability Test
Sources: Harris RC et al., 1976, Biochem J; Bogdanis GC et al., 1996, J Appl Physiol
Protocol The Phosphate Recovery Test measures how quickly the phosphocreatine (PCr) system replenishes following short rest periods. PCr recovery is dependent on oxidative processes and also reflects aerobic capacity. Preparation: The participant warms up for 15 minutes. Cycle ergometer or sprint area is prepared. Fully rested state is essential before the test. Protocol: Four-stage protocol: 1. Sprint 1: 6–10 second maximal sprint (reference) 2. Recovery: 30 seconds passive rest 3. Sprint 2: Another 6–10 second maximal sprint 4. Long recovery: 5 minutes 5. Sprint 3: Repeat reference sprint In some protocols, recovery duration is systematically increased (10, 20, 30, 60 seconds, and 5 minutes) with a sprint at each recovery duration. Data Recording: Peak power (watts or time) of each sprint is recorded. Power retention index = (Sprint2 / Sprint1) × 100. Calculation: PCr recovery half-life = t½ ≈ 25–30 seconds in healthy individuals; inversely related to aerobic capacity (higher VO₂max = faster PCr recovery). Post-Test: Cool-down is performed. Power retention percentage is reported as an indicator of training status. Formula
Güç koruma (%) = (Sprint2_W / Sprint1_W) × 100; PCr t½ ≈ 25-30 sn sağlıklı bireylerde
Equipment Required
bisiklet ergometre veya sprint alanı, kronometre, fotosel (opsiyonel)