Preview
Hüseyin Akbulut, MSc (2026). Short Anaerobic Test (SAT): Protocol, Norms and Application. Sporeus. Retrieved, October 22, 2026. https://sporeus.com/en/egzersiz-testleri-en/short-anaerobic-test-sat/
Measures: 5–10 second anaerobic power, explosive power capacity
Table of Contents
Difficulty: Moderate | Category: Anaerobic
Protocol
The Short Anaerobic Test (SAT) measures maximal power output over 5–10 seconds on an ergometer or in the field. By keeping the duration shorter than the Wingate test, it aims to isolate pure alactic power capacity. Many researchers use the SAT in a battery together with the Wingate test.
Preparation: Cycle ergometer or running format is selected. Ergometer resistance is the same as Wingate. 10–15 minute warm-up, 2 short sprints.
Test Procedure (Cycling, 5 seconds): The participant sits ready. On command, they pedal at maximum power for 5 seconds. Resistance is engaged. Power is recorded every 0.5 seconds.
Test Procedure (Cycling, 10 seconds): Same protocol applied for 10 seconds.
Test Procedure (Running): A flying sprint is performed over a distance of 20–30m; maximum speed is reached in this zone.
Calculation: Peak power (W and W/kg) is calculated with 0.5–1 second sampling. A power decline curve (power vs time graph) is plotted. Correlated with PCr system fatigue curve.
Post-Test: 5–10 minutes of full passive or active rest. Power profile is interpreted. Evaluated together with Wingate or RAST results.
Formula
PP (W/kg) = max_watts / BW; power decline = (PP − final_power) / PP × 100
Equipment Required
cycle ergometer or treadmill, power meter or timing gates, stopwatch
Normative Values (Age: 18-30 (power athletes))
| Classification | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | PP (5 s) >14 W/kg | PP (5 s) >12 W/kg |
| Good | PP (5 s) 11-14 W/kg | PP (5 s) 9-12 W/kg |
| Average | PP (5 s) 8-11 W/kg | PP (5 s) 7-9 W/kg |
| Below Average | PP (5 s) 5-8 W/kg | PP (5 s) 4-7 W/kg |
| Poor | PP (5 s) <5 W/kg | PP (5 s) <4 W/kg |
Practical Applications
When applied before the Wingate test, the SAT is used in determining alactic capacity and power profile studies.
Limitations
Due to very short duration, glycolytic contribution is minimal; this characteristic is both an advantage and a disadvantage. Fully rested state is essential.
Related Tests: Wingate Test, Alactic Power Test, 10-Second Sprint Test
Sources: Inbar O et al., 1996, The Wingate Anaerobic Test; 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 Short Anaerobic Test (SAT) measures maximal power output over 5–10 seconds on an ergometer or in the field. By keeping the duration shorter than the Wingate test, it aims to isolate pure alactic power capacity. Many researchers use the SAT in a battery together with the Wingate test. Preparation: Cycle ergometer or running format is selected. Ergometer resistance is the same as Wingate. 10–15 minute warm-up, 2 short sprints. Test Procedure (Cycling, 5 seconds): The participant sits ready. On command, they pedal at maximum power for 5 seconds. Resistance is engaged. Power is recorded every 0.5 seconds. Test Procedure (Cycling, 10 seconds): Same protocol applied for 10 seconds. Test Procedure (Running): A flying sprint is performed over a distance of 20–30m; maximum speed is reached in this zone. Calculation: Peak power (W and W/kg) is calculated with 0.5–1 second sampling. A power decline curve (power vs time graph) is plotted. Correlated with PCr system fatigue curve. Post-Test: 5–10 minutes of full passive or active rest. Power profile is interpreted. Evaluated together with Wingate or RAST results. Formula
PP (W/kg) = max_watts / BW; power decline = (PP − final_power) / PP × 100
Equipment Required
cycle ergometer or treadmill, power meter or timing gates, stopwatch
