Validity of power settings of the Wahoo KICKR Power Trainer

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of power output settings of the Wahoo KICKR Power Trainer (KICKR) using a dynamic calibration rig (CALRIG) over a range of power outputs and cadences.

Methods: Using the KICKR to set power outputs, powers of 100-999W were assessed at cadences (controlled by the CALRIG) of 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120rpm.

Results: The KICKR displayed accurate measurements of power between 250-700W at cadences of 80-120rpm with a bias of -1.1% (95% LoA: -3.6-1.4%). A larger mean bias in power were observed across the full range of power tested, 100-999W 4.2% (95% LoA: -20.1-28.6%), due to larger biases between 100-200W and 750-999W (4.5%, 95% LoA:-2.3-11.3% and 13.0%, 95% LoA: -24.4-50.3%), respectively.

Conclusion: When compared to a CALRIG, the Wahoo KICKR Power Trainer has acceptable accuracy reporting a small mean bias and narrow limits of agreement in the measurement of power output between 250-700W at cadences of 80-120rpm. Caution should be applied by coaches and sports scientists when using the KICKR at power outputs of < 200W and > 750W due to the greater variability in recorded power.