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Stress Tests
Stress Tests
Stress tests
Stress tests are used to assess the fitness in athletes or to diagnose physical activities. An athlete will
usually undergo these tests in a specialized stress measuring laboratories. Field tests which are equally
important are usually conducted under specific conditions for a sport discipline in question.
Equipment of a stress measuring laboratory
Wingate test
The test is conducted on the isokinetic cycle ergometer. The test duration is 30s (Fig. 35) during which an
individual makes an absolute effort to push the pedals as fast as possible on a bicycle ergometer. The
values assessed include: maximum performance achieved, total work and fatigue index. The test focuses
on the ATP-AC system assessment and the LA system-speed-assessment.
Dynamometry
Muscle dynamometry is used to test strength predispositions. Isometric dynamometers test muscles in
isometric contraction (muscle length does not change) and isokinetic dynamometers test muscles during
a movement within a joint range. In addition to maximum power we may also watch the dynamographic
curve showing power progression in time. On the dynamographic curve a moment of turning may be
observed, etc.
Aerobic tests
Using aerobic tests the level of aerobic predispositions, i.e. endurance abilities are assessed. The most
frequently used tests are:
The basic physiological factors constraining endurance performance include: maximum oxygen uptake
(VO2max), the 'anaerobic threshold' value (ANT) and economy of movement (e.g. economy of
1. Lactate threshold – detection using the lactate curve (Fig. 37). Under the workload of rising
intensity blood samples are taken to determine the lactate concentration in the blood. Based on these
values a curve is drawn including a breakpoint when the volume of lactate in the body rises
dramatically. The lactate threshold may be found between 2-8 mmol/l.