title: The validity and reliability of a sample of 10 Wattbike cycle ergometers.
abstract: The purpose of the study was to assess the validity and inter-bike reliability of 10 Wattbike cycle ergometers, and to assess the test-retest reliability of one Wattbike. Power outputs from 100 to 1000 W were applied using a motorised calibration rig (LODE) at cadences of 70, 90, 110 and 130 rev · min-1, which created nineteen different intensities for comparison. Significant relationships (P < 0.01, r2= 0.99) were found between each of the Wattbikes and the LODE. Each Wattbike was found to be valid and reliable and had good inter-bike agreement. Within-bike mean differences ranged from 0.0 W to 8.1 W at 300 W and 3.3 W to 19.3 W at 600 W. When taking into account the manufacturers stated measurement error for the LODE (2%), the mean differences were less than 2%. Comparisons between Wattbikes at each of the nineteen intensities gave differences from 0.6 to 25.5 W at intensities of 152 W and 983 W, respectively. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the measures of power recorded in the test-retest condition. The data suggest that the Wattbike is an accurate and reliable tool for training and performance assessments, with data between Wattbikes being able to be used interchangeably.
authors.affiliation: a School of Sport , Leeds Beckett University , Leeds , UK.
authors.forename: Barney
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wainwright
authors.affiliation: b School of Social and Health Sciences , Leeds Trinity University , Leeds , UK.
authors.forename: Carlton Brian
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Cooke
authors.affiliation: a School of Sport , Leeds Beckett University , Leeds , UK.
authors.forename: John Paul
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: O'Hara
mesh_terms: D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology*; D002138:Calibration; D016552:Ergometry / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D015203:Reproducibility of Results
keywords: Wattbike; cycling; ergometer; reliability; validity