Anaerobic Capacity and Muscle Fiber Type Distribution in Man

Abstract
The purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between performance of an anaerobic capacity test (Wingate test) and muscle fiber type distribution. Subjects (n = 19) were 20- to 30-year-old male physical education students. Biopsies were taken from the vastus lateralis muscle at rest. The Wingate test is a 30-s cycle ergometer ride at maximal pedaling frequency, against a resistance set relative to the body weight. Average mechanical power output, peak 5 s power output, and the power decrease were calculated. Average power output was related to the relative fiber size (average FT area/average ST area); peak power, to % FT and to % FT area; and the power decrease to relative fiber size. It is suggested that muscular performance, as determined by the Wingate test, is positively related to preponderance and size of FT fibers. This test is a valid means of evaluating maximal short-term muscular power, in which energy pathways are predominantly anaerobic.