What assessment is used to test the highest rate of ATP production sustained without relying on the anaerobic energy system?

The critical power test is designed to assess the highest rate of ATP production that can be sustained for extended periods without depending on the anaerobic energy system. This assessment focuses on the balance between aerobic energy production and the exercise intensity that can be maintained over time. Essentially, it identifies the power output at which a subject can perform a task continuously without fatigue, reflecting their aerobic capacity and endurance.

In contrast, the maximal oxygen uptake test is primarily concerned with determining an individual's maximum capacity for aerobic energy production, not necessarily how long they can sustain a specific power output. The Wingate anaerobic test measures peak power and anaerobic performance, emphasizing short bursts of high-intensity exercise rather than prolonged endurance. The cardiovascular endurance test is a broader category of assessments that measure how efficiently the heart and lungs supply oxygen to the muscles, but it does not specifically isolate the highest sustained rate of ATP production without anaerobic contribution. Therefore, the critical power test is the most accurate method for evaluating sustained ATP production within aerobic capacity.