Elite Female Rowers Research Articles

Emotions Are Not in the Way, They Are the Way: Abolishing Unhealthy Beliefs about Emotion and Cultivating the Spiritual–Emotional Development of Athletes

The emotional, physical, and spiritual health of athletes continues to be a concern at all levels of sport. With respect to emotions and health, previous studies have sought to understand the role of normalization of emotion on elite female rowers’ decisions to train regardless of their health. This research demonstrated how athletes may be persuaded to accept that emotions are negative, irrational, and weak, and this may play a significant role in subsequent unhealthy behaviours. In turn, these findings have generated further explorations into a more comprehensive emotion education for all athletes, which have focused on athletes’ emotional awareness and spiritual growth. The present paper provides theoretical, educational, and practical insight into the areas of emotion and spiritual development. In doing so, it presents a conceptual model for sport chaplains, coaches, and/or sport advocates for educating and mentoring the emotional and spiritual formation of athletes.

Eight weeks of heavy strength training increases hemoglobin mass and V̇o2peak in well-trained to elite female and male rowers.

O2-transport and endurance exercise performance are greatly influenced by hemoglobin mass (Hbmass), which largely depends on lean body mass (LBM). This study investigated the effects of 8 wk with three weekly sessions of conventional (3-SET: 3 × 10 reps) or high-volume strength training (10-SET: 5-10 × 10 reps) on LBM, Hbmass, muscle strength, and exercise performance in female and male rowers. Hematological parameters were obtained through CO rebreathing and body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans before and after the training period. Concomitantly, V̇o2peak was determined during 2-km ergometer rowing and muscle strength by isometric midthigh pull. There were no differences in training responses between groups for any of the parameters. Pooled data revealed overall increments for Hbmass (10-SET: 882 ± 199 g to 897 ± 213 g; 3-SET: 936 ± 245 g to 962 ± 247 g, P = 0.02) and V̇o2peak (10-SET: 4.3 ± 1.0 to 4.4 ± 0.9 L·min-1; 3-SET: 4.5 ± 0.9 to 4.6 ± 0.9 L·min-1, P = 0.03), whereas LBM remained unchanged (10-SET: 58.7 ± 10.5 to 58.7 ± 10.1 kg; 3-SET: 64.1 ± 10.8 to 64.5 ± 10.6 kg, P = 0.42). Maximal isometric midthigh pull strength increased (10-SET: 224 ± 47 kg to 237 ± 55 kg; 3-SET: 256 ± 77 kg to 281 ± 83 kg, P = 0.001). Strong associations were observed between LBM and Hbmass and V̇o2peak (r2 = 0.88-0.90), entailing sex differences in Hbmass and V̇o2peak. Normalizing V̇o2peak to LBM reduced the sex difference to ∼10%, aligning with the sex difference in Hbmass·LBM-1. Strength training successfully increased Hbmass and V̇o2peak in elite female and male rowers, without an additional effect from increased training volume. Moreover, sex differences in V̇o2peak were mainly explained by differences in LBM, but likely also by differences in Hbmass·LBM-1.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study in female and male rowers demonstrates that hemoglobin mass (Hbmass), V̇o2peak, and muscle strength increases with 8 wk of heavy strength training and that this response is not different between conventional (3 × 10 repetitions) and high-volume strength training (10 × 10 repetitions). Moreover, female rowers exhibited less hemoglobin per kilogram of lean body mass compared with their male counterparts, which likely contributes to sex differences in V̇o2peak and rowing performance.

Prevalence of low energy availability in 25 New Zealand elite female rowers – A cross sectional study

ObjectivesTo quantify energy availability (EA) in elite female rowers, determine its association with bone mineral density (BMD), and examine the ability of the low energy availability in females-questionnaire (LEAF-Q) and brief eating disorder in athletes-questionnaire (BEDA-Q) to distinguish between low and normal EA. DesignObservational cross-sectional study. MethodsTwenty-five elite female rowers participated in the study. EA was calculated by means of a 4-day food intake diary and analysis of training load. Low energy availability (LEA) was defined as EA <30 kCal * kg−1 * FFM−1 * day−1. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to assess fat free mass (FFM) and BMD Z-scores. LEA risk was assessed using the LEAF-Q and BEDA-Q. ResultsThe mean EA was 23.2 ± 12.2 kCal * kg−1 * FFM−1 * day−1. Prevalence of LEA was 64 %. The mean BMD Z-score was 1.6 ± 0.6 (range: 0.7 to 2.9). Athletes with LEA had a significantly higher BEDA-Q score than the group with normal EA (mean 0.30 ± 0.17 vs. 0.09 ± 0.11, P < 0.05), but LEAF-Q score was not different between groups (mean 10.4 ± 4.6, 8.2 ± 4.5, P = 0.29). ConclusionLow energy availability is common amongst elite female rowers in New Zealand and is positively correlated with higher scores on the BEDA-Q. Bone mineral density was normal irrespective of EA status.

Heart Rate Variability Of Elite Female Rowers In Preparation For And During The National Selection Regatta: Relation To On Water Performance

Heart Rate Variability Of Elite Female Rowers In Preparation For And During The National Selection Regatta: Relation To On Water Performance

Heart rate variability of elite female rowers in preparation for and during the national selection regattas: a pilot study on the relation to on water performance.

To comprehensively analyze elite female rowers, evaluating acute changes in HRV and subjective psychometrics during the NSR. Five elite female rowers (26 ± 2 years, 180 ± 8 cm, 82 ± 8 kg, 19 ± 6%fat) were recruited and tracked prior to and during NSR I and II. Morning HRV measures were completed using photoplethysmography (HRV4training) along with self-reported levels of fatigue, soreness, rating of perceived exertion, mentally energy and physical condition. Significant decreases were observed in log transformed root-mean square of successive differences (LnRMSSD; p = 0.0014) and fatigue (p = 0.01) from pre-to-during NSR, while mental energy (p = 0.01), physical condition (p = 0.01), and motivation (p = 0.006) significantly increased. These psychometric measures returned to pre-NSR levels, at post-NSR (all p < 0.05), though HRV remained slightly suppressed. NSR on-water performance was not correlated to LnRMSSD or the change in LnRMSSD (p > 0.05). HRV and psychometric measures are sensitive to the stress of elite rowing competition in females. However, HRV was not associated with on-water rowing performance during an elite rowing competition.

Morphological and hand grip strength characteristics and differences between participants of the 2022 world rowing championship.

Rowing is a strength endurance type of sport, and morphology and mass are undoubtedly performance-related factors. Precisely identifying these morphological factors associated with performance, can assist the exercise scientists and coaches in selecting and developing talented athletes. There is however, a lack of anthropometric data collected at either World Championship or Olympic Games level. The aims of this study were to describe and compare the morphology and basic strength characteristic of male and female heavyweight and lightweight rowers competing at 2022 World Championship (18.-25. September, Račice, Czech Republic). A total of 68 athletes (of 46 male competitors: 15 competed in the lightweight category and 31 in the heavyweight category; of 22 female athletes: 6 competed in the lightweight category and 16 in the heavyweight category) were assessed using anthropometric methods, bioimpedance analysis and performed a hand-grip test. Between heavyweight and lightweight male rowers there were a statistically and practically significant differences in all monitored aspects except the sport age, sitting height/body height ratio and arm span/body height ratio. Between heavyweight and lightweight female rowers there were also statistically and practically significant differences in all monitored aspects except the identical indicators as in male. Within this research it can be argued that female rowers are in many anthropometric aspects more similar to their male counterparts than to female rowers in the lightweight category. In some anthropometric aspects (BMI, thigh girth, calf girth), female rowers are even more similar to male heavyweight than to male lightweight rowers. The physical characteristics of elite male and female lightweight rowers differ radically from those of heavyweight. From a practical point of view, this research can be used to determine what type of athletes should be recruited or selected for heavy category and what type for lightweight category in male and female rowing based on the somatotype.

Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Endurance Performance in Elite Female Rowers: A Pilot, Single-Blinded Study.

Endurance, which is dependent at least partly upon the activation of the brain cortex, is important for performance in rowing. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has shown benefits for endurance, but its effects on the endurance performance of elite rowing athletes are unknown, and are examined in this study. Eight elite female rowers completed 5 km of rowing on an ergometer following stimulation of the tDCS and sham over motor cortices. Each session lasted 20 min and the current was set at 2.2 mA. Time, 500 m/split, power, time corresponding to 500 m (TC500) and power corresponding to 500 m (PC500) were recorded continuously throughout the tests. No significant differences in time, 500 m/split and power were observed between baseline, tDCS and sham. Compared to the sham, tDCS induced a percentage reduction in TC500 from baseline to 2500 m and 4000 m, and a percentage increase in PC500 from baseline to 500 m, 1000 m, 1500 m, 2000 m, 2500 m, 4000 m, 4500 m and 5000 m. One-session tDCS did not have significant benefits for rowing endurance performance in elite professional rowers, and had only marginally greater efficacy compared to sham. These findings offer knowledge helpful to the design of future studies exploring the effects of tDCS on the endurance performance of elite rowers.

The validity of using inertial measurement units to monitor the torso and pelvis sagittal plane motion of elite rowers

ABSTRACT In elite sport, inertial measurement units (IMUs) are being used increasingly to measure movement in-field. IMU data commonly sought are body segment angles as this gives insights into how technique can be altered to improve performance and reduce injury risk. The purpose of this was to assess the validity of IMU use in rowing and identify if IMUs are capable of detecting differences in sagittal torso and pelvis angles that result from changes in stroke rates. Eight elite female rowers participated. Four IMUs were positioned along the torso and over the pelvis of each athlete. Reflective markers surrounded each IMU which were used to compute gold-standard data. Maxima, minima, angle range and waveforms for ten strokes at rates of 20, 24, 28 and 32 strokes per minute were analysed. Root mean square errors as a percentage of angle range fell between 1.44% and 8.43%. In most cases when significant differences (p < 0.05) in the angles were detected between stroke rates, this was observed in both IMU and gold-standard angle data. These findings suggest that IMUs are valid for measuring torso and pelvis angles when rowing and are capable of detecting differences that result from changes in stroke rate.

Training-Induced Muscle Adaptations During Competitive Preparation in Elite Female Rowers.

Training-induced adaptations in muscle morphology, including their magnitude and individual variation, remain relatively unknown in elite athletes. We reported changes in rowing performance and muscle morphology during the general and competitive preparation phases in elite rowers. Nineteen female rowers completed 8 weeks of general preparation, including concurrent endurance and high-load resistance training (HLRT). Seven rowers were monitored during a subsequent 16 weeks of competitive preparation, including concurrent endurance and resistance training with additional plyometric loading (APL). Vastus lateralis muscle volume, physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA), fascicle length, and pennation angle were measured using 3D ultrasonography. Rowing ergometer power output was measured as mean power in the final 4 minutes of an incremental test. Rowing ergometer power output improved during general preparation [+2 ± 2%, effect size (ES) = 0.22, P = 0.004], while fascicle length decreased (−5 ± 8%, ES = −0.47, P = 0.020). Rowing power output further improved during competitive preparation (+5 ± 3%, ES = 0.52, P = 0.010). Here, morphological adaptations were not significant, but demonstrated large ESs for fascicle length (+13 ± 19%, ES = 0.93), medium for pennation angle (−9 ± 15%, ES = −0.71), and small for muscle volume (+8 ± 13%, ES = 0.32). Importantly, rowers showed large individual differences in their training-induced muscle adaptations. In conclusion, vastus lateralis muscles of elite female athletes are highly adaptive to specific training stimuli, and adaptations largely differ between individual athletes. Therefore, coaches are encouraged to closely monitor their athletes' individual (muscle) adaptations to better evaluate the effectiveness of their training programs and finetune them to the athlete's individual needs.

Effects of Equal Volume Heavy-Resistance Strength Training Versus Strength Endurance Training on Physical Fitness and Sport-Specific Performance in Young Elite Female Rowers.

Strength training is an important means for performance development in young rowers. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 9-week equal volume heavy-resistance strength training (HRST) versus strength endurance training (SET) in addition to regular rowing training on primary (e.g., maximal strength/power) and secondary outcomes (e.g., balance) in young rowers. Twenty-six female elite adolescent rowers were assigned to an HRST (n = 12; age: 13.2 ± 0.5 yrs; maturity-offset: +2.0 ± 0.5 yrs) or a SET group (n = 14; age: 13.1 ± 0.5 yrs; maturity-offset: +2.1 ± 0.5 yrs). HRST and SET comprised lower- (i.e., leg press/knee flexion/extension), upper-limbs (i.e., bench press/pull; lat-pull down), and complex exercises (i.e., rowing ergometer). HRST performed four sets with 12 repetitions per set at an intensity of 75–95% of the one-repetition maximum (1-RM). SET conducted four sets with 30 repetitions per set at 50–60% of the 1-RM. Training volume was matched for overall repetitions × intensity × training per week. Pre-post training, tests were performed for the assessment of primary [i.e., maximal strength (e.g., bench pull/knee flexion/extension 1-RM/isometric handgrip test), muscle power (e.g., medicine-ball push test, triple hop, drop jump, and countermovement jump), anaerobic endurance (400-m run), sport-specific performance (700-m rowing ergometer trial)] and secondary outcomes [dynamic balance (Y-balance test), change-of-direction (CoD) speed (multistage shuttle-run test)]. Adherence rate was >87% and one athlete of each group dropped out. Overall, 24 athletes completed the study and no test or training-related injuries occurred. Significant group × time interactions were observed for maximal strength, muscle power, anaerobic endurance, CoD speed, and sport-specific performance (p ≤ 0.05; 0.45 ≤ d ≤ 1.11). Post hoc analyses indicated larger gains in maximal strength and muscle power following HRST (p ≤ 0.05; 1.81 ≤ d ≤ 3.58) compared with SET (p ≤ 0.05; 1.04 ≤ d ≤ 2.30). Furthermore, SET (p ≤ 0.01; d = 2.08) resulted in larger gains in sport-specific performance compared with HRST (p < 0.05; d = 1.3). Only HRST produced significant pre-post improvements for anaerobic endurance and CoD speed (p ≤ 0.05; 1.84 ≤ d ≤ 4.76). In conclusion, HRST in addition to regular rowing training was more effective than SET to improve selected measures of physical fitness (i.e., maximal strength, muscle power, anaerobic endurance, and CoD speed) and SET was more effective than HRST to enhance sport-specific performance gains in female elite young rowers.

PL - 037 Effect of HiHiLo on autonomic nervous system and body functional status of excellent female rowers

Objective 12 female rowing athletes of Shanghai as research object of this study. 7 weeks of hypoxic experiment will be carried out on the study subjects. Monitoring of HRV and functional indexes of athletes during this period. To explore the effect of 3 weeks of Living High Training High Training Low（HiHiLo） training of female rowers ANS and functional status, and discussion on the relationship between ANS and functional status of athletes in HiHiLo. Methods 12 Shanghai elite female rowers for 3 weeks HiHiLo training. Simulated altitude from 2500m to 3200m, A total of seven weeks of HRV and biochemical function indexes were tested before and after hypoxia training. In addition, the HRV test of the athletes in a hypoxic exposure. According to the change characteristics of each index, analysis of the change of the athletes ANS in acute hypoxic exposure, and the evaluation of the effects of HiHiLo on ANS and functional status. Results 1. The results of HRV test showed that there was no significant difference in time domain and frequency domain between normal condition and low oxygen environment, But SDNN in hypoxia environment in higher than normal environment, RMSSD slightly lower than the normal environment, indicate that hypoxic environment for athletes of cardiovascular ANS regulation will change and PSNS tension decreased; TP decreased and LF/HF increased, but the change was not significant. 2. The detection of the three stages of the athletes found that there were no significant changes in the indicators of HRV. However, the SDNN、RMSSD and PNN50 indexes showed a certain change trend, that settled low oxygen, time domain index increased, and in hypoxia exposure within three weeks are maintained at high levels and hypoxia after the end of each indicator of the level of decline, as well as the domain indexes, the frequency domain indexes HF、LF and LF/HF also showed obvious change tendency. 3. After the beginning of the experiment, Hb、RBC continued to rise, and after three weeks of hypoxia reached the highest value, compared with before the experiment was increased by 7.7%, 5%, RBC and the experiment was significantly different (p 0.05); In this experiment, the BU, CK of the Shanghai women`s rowing athletes at each stage in the normal range, there was no significant difference, but there is a clear trend of change; There was no significant difference in the T of the athletes in the seven week test, but the change trend is obvious. The C was significantly decreased (p<0.05) in the second week after hypoxia exposure, and the follow-up period was significantly lower than that before the experiment(p<0.05) at second weeks. T/C value was significantly increased in the second week of hypoxia (p<0.05), the trend of change is roughly the same as T. The correlation analysis between biochemical function index and HRV was found that the correlation coefficient between PNN50 and T/C was 0.672(p<0.05), before hypoxia, LF/HF and T/C were negatively correlated with -0.825(p<0.01), LF/HF and T correlation coefficient -0.789(p<0.01); During the 3 week HiHiLo training, CK was significantly correlated with SDNN, HF and LF, respectively, and the correlation coefficients were -0.425(p<0.05), -0.43(p<0.05), -0.496(p<0.01), LF/HF and T were negatively correlated with -0.42(p<0.05); The tracking period athletes T were significantly positively correlated with SDNN, RMSSD, PNN50, HF in HRV index, correlation coefficients were 0.378(p<0.05), 0.443(p<0.01), 0.341(p<0.05), 0.371(p<0.05). In addition, the correlation coefficient between PNN50 and C was 0.411(p<0.05). Conclusions 1. The ANS of Shanghai female rowers will change in acute hypoxic exposure, SNS would be enhanced. 2. Three weeks of longer periods of hypoxia training will enable the athletes to enhance the PSNS activity of the ANS, and may make the ability of the regulating equilibrium state from SNS and PSNS, the changes of the ANS regulation of the athletes to the PSNS activity were enhanced, this may be the result of long time hypoxia stimulation and training, to a certain extent, it shows that the level of athletes` performance has been enhanced. 3. Functional status index of Shanghai women`s rowing athletes was well in 3 week HiHiLo training, Part of the improvement of the functional status indicators shows that the effect of the hypoxic training is obvious, The functional status of athletes showed a rising trend. 4. In the different stages of the experiment, there was a significant correlation between the HRV partial indexes and some biochemical indexes. This shows that there is a certain relationship between the ANS and functional status in the hypoxic training. Detection and evaluation of autonomic nervous function in hypoxic training can reflect the functional level of the body to a certain extent. This suggests that it is necessary to strengthen the research and application of ANS function evaluation in hypoxic training.

Central Factors Contribute to Knee Extensor Strength Loss after 2000-m Rowing in Elite Male and Female Rowers.

Despite growing interest in task-dependent alterations of central and peripheral fatigue after endurance exercise, little is known about the effect of rowing on quadriceps muscle fatigue. This study aimed to investigate central and peripheral mechanisms of fatigue after a 2000-m rowing time trial. Eight competitive rowers (four males and four females, 20 ± 4 yr) performed a 2000-m time trial on an indoor rower and a control condition (sitting). The neuromuscular function of the knee extensors was analyzed before and 3 min after each experimental condition. Maximal voluntary torque, voluntary activation, and normalized root-mean-square of the EMG signal were measured during isometric and concentric contractions. Furthermore, knee extensor twitch torque and maximal M-wave amplitudes in response to electrical nerve stimulation were assessed. After the 2000-m rowing, there were significant reductions in isometric and concentric maximal voluntary torque of the knee extensors (-20% ± 9% and -18% ± 7%, respectively, P < 0.01). Both the voluntary activation of the knee extensors during isometric and concentric contractions decreased by 18% ± 15% (P < 0.05, respectively). The normalized muscle activity of rectus femoris was significantly reduced after rowing (P = 0.007), whereas vastus medialis and vastus lateralis muscle activities did not significantly differ from baseline values. No significant change was observed for knee extensor twitch torque in response to paired electrical stimuli after rowing. The 2000-m rowing time trial resulted in significant knee extensor strength loss. Quadriceps muscle fatigue after high-intensity rowing exercise was explained primarily by central factors that lead to large reductions in voluntary drive.

Differences among Elite Female Rowers Regarding Carbohydrate Consumption at Rest

Backround: The objective of this study was interpreting the reported differences within carbohydrate consumption at rest, in female rowing groups. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study, on a group of elite rowing athletes, monitoring carbohydrate consumption at rest. 34 subjects, divided in 3 groups of activities (senior, youth, junior) took part in this study being monitored through Cosmed Quark CPET device. Results: The average amount of carbohydrates consumed at rest among the group of seniors was 263.6 grams/day, representing 1080.76 kcal. Youth group has reached an average of 248 grams/day, representing 1016.8 kcal., whereas the junior group has reached high average consumption of carbohydrates, 359 grams/day, equivalent to 1417.9 kcal/day. Noticeable differences among the average value was recorded between G3-G1, G3-G2 groups while the most significant differences were seen between G1-G3, and G2-G3 groups of athletes. Conclusion: The results of this study show a lack of adaptation among athletes in exercise performed with a monitored increased carbohydrate consumption at rest, and a low lipid consumption. At the same time, increased preponderance of carbohydrates at rest can negatively affect the activity of recovery, in terms of energy and nutritional needs by initiating the specific effort with an advanced stage of fatigue dictated by time spent in anaerobic effort indicated by the energy consumption of the monitored athletes.

Incremental training intensities increases loads on the lower back of elite female rowers

Lumbar-pelvic kinematics change in response to increasing rowing stroke rates, but little is known about the effect of incremental stroke rates on changes in joint kinetics and their implications for injury. The purpose of this study was to quantify the effects of incremental rowing intensities on lower limb and lumbar-pelvic kinetics. Twelve female rowers performed an incremental test on a rowing ergometer. Kinematic data of rowers’ ankle, knee, hip and lumbar-pelvic joints, as well as external forces at the handle, seat and foot-stretchers of the rowing machine were recorded. Inter-segmental moments and forces were calculated using inverse dynamics and were compared across stroke rates using repeated measures ANOVA. Rowers exhibited increases in peak ankle and L5/S1 extensor moments, reductions in peak knee moments and no change in peak hip moments, with respect to stroke rate. Large shear and compressive forces were seen at L5/S1 and increased with stroke rate (P < 0.05). This coincided with increased levels of lumbar-pelvic flexion. High levels of lumbar-pelvic loading at higher stroke rates have implications with respect to injury and indicated that technique was declining, leading to increased lumbar-pelvic flexion. Such changes are not advantageous to performance and can potentially increase the risk of developing injuries.

Biomechanical determinants of elite rowing technique and performance

In rowing, the parameters of injury, performance, and technique are all interrelated and in dynamic equilibrium. Whilst rowing requires extreme physical strength and endurance, a high level of skill and technique is essential to enable an effective transfer of power through the rowing sequence. This study aimed to determine discrete aspects of rowing technique, which strongly influence foot force production and asymmetries at the foot-stretchers, as these are biomechanical parameters often associated with performance and injury risk. Twenty elite female rowers performed an incremental rowing test on an instrumented rowing ergometer, which measured force at the handle and foot-stretchers, while three-dimensional kinematic recordings of the ankle, knee, hip, and lumbar-pelvic joints were made. Multiple regression analyses identified hip kinematics as a key predictor of foot force output (R(2) = 0.48), whereas knee and lumbar-pelvic kinematics were the main determinants in optimizing the horizontal foot force component (R(2) = .41). Bilateral asymmetries of the foot-stretchers were also seen to significantly influence lumbar-pelvic kinematics (R(2) = 0.43) and pelvic twisting (R(2) = 0.32) during the rowing stroke. These results provide biomechanical evidence toward aspects of technique that can be modified to optimize force output and performance, which can be of direct benefit to coaches and athletes.

Prediction of Rowing Performance by Using Critical Thresholds in Elite Female Rowers

The purpose of this study was to compare the different critical thresholds, critical velocity (CV) and critical power (CP), combining with anaerobic power and energy expenditure to predict the 2,000m indoor performance of female rowers in Taiwan. Fifteen elite female rowers (age 20.7±1.4 years, height 164±3.5cm, weight 56.6±4.4kg) were recruited for this study. By using counter-balanced design order, 4 time-trials on 90s, 240s, 600s and 1,200s were underwent to determine the CP (139.5±20.4W), whereas CV (4.0±0.1 m/s) was derived by 400m, 600m, 800m and 1,000m distance-trials on different days by using linear distance-time model. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2peak=2.5±0.5L/min) and anaerobic threshold (AT4=157.8±22.1W) were obtained from an incremental exercise test. Further, anaerobic capacity (6,912.1±895.6W), mean power (323.2±26.7W) and fatigue index (3.8±2.6%) were obtained using a modified Wingate protocol on rowing ergometer followed by a 2,000 m time-trial. The results showed that CV, CP as well as VO2peak and AT4 were significantly correlated with 2,000 m indoor rowing performance. Stepwise regression analysis indicated CV and fatigue index (FI) were most important determinants in establishing predicting model of 2,000 m indoor rowing performance (T2000=-131.44 CV-89.57 FI+1022.27, SEE=4.08s). This study concludes that both CV and CP were significant correlated with 2,000m indoor rowing performance. CV and FI constructed the best predicting model for indoor rowing performance of female rowers in Taiwan.

Changes in kinematics and trunk electromyography during a 2000 m race simulation in elite female rowers

Achieving excellence in rowing requires optimization of technique to maximize efficiency and force production. Investigation of the kinematics of the trunk, upper and lower extremity, together with muscle activity of the trunk, provides an insight into the motor control strategies utilized over a typical race. Nine elite female rowers performed a 2000 m race simulation. Kinematic data of the trunk and extremities, together with electromyography (EMG) activity of spinal and pelvic extensor and flexor muscles, were compared at 250 and 1500 m. At 1500 m, there was greater dissociation in the timing of leg extension and arm flexion and delayed trunk extension. Also at 1500 m, the spine demonstrated a delayed peak extension angular velocity of the T4-T7 and L3-S1 spinal segments in the early drive along with delayed and increased peak extension angular velocity of T10-L1 and L1-L3 spinal segments during the late drive. Trunk muscle fatigue was not evident; however, the abdominals demonstrated larger EMG burst areas at 1500 m. Alterations in trunk kinematics suggest that the trunk acts as a less stiff lever on which to transfer the forces of the legs to the arms and handle. Increased abdominal activity may reflect increased demand to control the trunk, given the altered coordination between the legs, trunk and arms.

Electromyography and Kinematics of the Trunk during Rowing in Elite Female Rowers

The purpose of this study was to characterize the EMG of trunk muscles together with kinematics of the pelvis and the spine of elite female rowers during the rowing stroke. Nine Rowing Canada national team candidates performed a 2000-m race simulation. EMG activity of spinal and pelvic extensor and flexor muscles and kinematic data of the pelvis and the spine were collected and analyzed during the period of peak force production. During this period, pelvic and spinal extensor muscles demonstrated similarities in the timing of muscle activity with minimal coactivation of flexors and extensors. Minimal excursion of spinal segments occurred during the stroke with most of the extension occurring at the pelvis. Flexor activity occurred toward late drive, suggesting that trunk extension is slowed by increasing activity of the flexor muscles. This study provides data of trunk kinematics and muscle recruitment patterns in elite female rowers. During the period of peak force production, there is minimal coactivation of trunk flexor and extensor muscles and, of the spinal segments, L3-S1 shows the most movement, which may make it more susceptible to soft tissue injury.

Two Critical Concept Indexes, Combining With Different Physiological Variables, In Predicting 2000m Indoor Rowing Performance

Critical velocity (CV) and critical power (CP) have been proposed to be effective indirect anaerobic threshold methods in monitoring training and predicting performance of rowing, respectively. However, which index is the most proper one when applying critical concept in rowing performance is not clear. Purpose To compare the two indexes in predicting indoor rowing performance by combining different physiological variables, including maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), anaerobic threshold (OBLA) and modified Wingate test, which are important physiological variables in endurance performance. Method Fifteen elite female rowers (age 20.7 ± 1.4 years, height 1.64 ± 0.35m, weight 56.64 ± 4.38kg) were recruited in this study. VO2max (43.31 ± 5.25ml/kg/min) and OBLA (157.81 ± 22.08W) were measured during a discontinuous graded exercise test, starting at 100W, on a Concept II ergometer increased by 25 W for each 3 min stage. Four test times of duration 90s, 240s, 600s, and 1200s were used to determine CP (139.49 ± 20.37W), and CV(4.00 ± 0.14m/s) was estimated by 400m, 600m, 800m, 1000m maximal exertion trials on different days as well by using Linear distance-time model. Peak power (353.48 ± 27.71W), maximum power (350.12 ± 26.72W), minimum power (336.85 ± 21.58W), mean power (314.44 ± 27.87W), fatigue index [(max power – min power)/mean power] were obtained using a modified Wingate test protocol (30s sprint) on the ergometer. Result The results showed that VO2max, OBLA, CP, CV, peak power, mean power were significantly correlated with 2000m indoor rowing performance (r=−0.84, −0.85, −0.81, −0.97, −0.66, −0.67, p<0.01). By submitting mean power, fatigue index, VO2max, OBLA with each index to a stepwise regression analysis, it produced two individual critical concept models as following to predict 2000m indoor rowing performance:CV model: Time for 2000m=−131.44(CV)-89.57(fatigue) index+1022.27 (R2 = 0.96, SEE=4.08, p<0.05); CP model: Time for 2000m = −0.445(OBLA) −1.853(VO2max) +643.98 (R2 = 0.84, SEE=7.75, p<0.05). Conclusion Our findings in this study indicated that in the CV model, CV has more predictive power, represented as anaerobic threshold, than OBLA to predict rowing performance. Besides CV, fatigue index from modified Wingate test explains an additional 15 % variance in rowing performance. Therefore, compared with CP, CV could be used when applying critical concept in training and evaluate indoor performance in rowing.

Towards an ideal rowing technique for performance : the contributions from biomechanics.

At international standard, sculling (two oars) and rowing (one oar) are competed on-water over 2000 m. Race time is the critical measure of performance and is determined from mean skiff velocity during a race. Although a high proportion of race training is completed on-water, rowing ergometers are commonly used for performance testing, technique coaching, crew selection or for training during poor weather. Rowing biomechanics research has aimed to identify characteristics of successful sculling and sweep rowing strokes; however, biomechanical predictors of 2000 m rowing performance are indistinct in the literature. If specific biomechanical parameters distinguish between ability levels and successful or unsuccessful techniques, these attributes can be considered when modifying technique or predicting future rowing performance. The kinematics and kinetics of the sculling and rowing movements have been described on ergometers, on-water and for novice and elite male and female rowers, but there is limited research on the ideal technique or how a rower's anthropometry or boat set-up could help improve/optimise their rowing performance. Currently viewing the technique and providing verbal feedback is the primary tool used by a coach to help improve a rower's technique and performance. The greater use of customised telemetered sensors on the rowing skiff can assist the coach and biomechanist with judging when performance (skiff velocity) improves with some form of intervention.