Aerobic energy contribution to maximal exercise in children

The aerobic energy contribution to a 30-s Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT(30) (s)) was examined in 18 boys and 18 girls aged 10-12 years. Participants completed an incremental test to volitional exhaustion to determine peak oxygen uptake (VO2) and a WAnT(30) s on two separate occasions on a cycle ergometer (Monark 834E). VO2 during the tests was monitored breath-by-breath using an online gas analysis system (SensorMedics). WAnT(30) s VO2 amounted to 67% and 73% of peak VO2 in boys and girls, respectively. By assuming extreme mechanical efficiency (ME) values of 15% and 35%, the aerobic contributions to the WAnT(30) s in boys and girls were between 16% and 45%. Peak VO2 and WAnT(30) (s) power were higher in boys than in girls but there was no sex difference in the aerobic energy contribution to the WAnT(30) (s) for the same assumed ME. The magnitude of the aerobic energy contribution to the WAnT(30) (s) reflected plausibly a swift oxygen uptake response to maximal intensity exercise and perhaps a reduced reliance on non-oxidative metabolism in boys and girls.