Validity and Reliability of the Ergomo (R) pro Powermeter

The aim of this investigation was to assess the validity and reliability of the Ergomo (R) pro powermeter. Nine participants completed trials on a Monark ergometer fitted with Ergomo (R) pro and SRM powermeters simultaneously recording power output. Each participant completed multiple trials at power Outputs ranging from 50 to 450 W. The work stages recorded were 60 s in duration and were repeated three times. Participants also completed a single trial on a cycle ergometer designed to assess bilateral contributions to work Output (Lode Excaliber Sport PFM). The power output during the trials was significantly different between all three systems, (p<0.01) 231.2 +/- 114.2W, 233.0 +/- 112.4W, 227.8 +/- 108.8W for the Monark, SRM and Ergomo (R) pro system, respectively. When the bilateral contributions were factored into the analysis, there were no significant differences between the powermeters (p = 0.58). The reliability of the Ergomo (R) pro system (CV%) was 2.31% (95% CI 2.13-2.52%) compared to 1.59% (95% CI 1.47 to 1.74%) for the Monark, and 1.37% (95% CI 1.26-1.50%) for the SRM powermeter. These results indicate that the Ergomo (R) pro system has acceptable accuracy under these conditions. However, based on the reliability data, the increased variability of the Ergomo (R) pro system and bilateral balance issues have to be considered when using this device.