Short-Term Power Output in 9-Year-Old Children: Typical Error Between Ergometers and Protocols

This study investigated the differences in short-term power output (STPO) using three different cycle ergometers in 9-year-old children. A total of 31 children participated in three cycle ergometer sprint tests of 20 s duration: a modified friction braked Monark, a modified friction braked Ergomeca cycle ergometer, and a SRM isokinetic ergometer. Common indices of peak and mean power, peak pedal rate, time to peak power, and pedal rate were recorded. Indices of peak power 1 s for the Monark, Ergomeca and SRM ergometer were found to be 299 ± 55, 294 ± 55, 297 ± 53 W and mean power 20 s to be 223 ± 40, 227 ± 43 and 216 ± 34 W, respectively. The time to peak power was found to be 3 ± 2, 6 ± 2, 5 ± 3 s, respectively. The standard error of measurement was lower in mean 20-s power compared to 1-s peak power. Despite instrumentation and protocol differences these results demonstrate reproducibility in 9-year-old children that will allow researchers confidence in comparing STPO data obtained from different ergometers.