Female Rowers Research Articles

Effects of Feedback Type and Personality on 2,000-m Ergometer Performance in Female Varsity Collegiate Rowers.

Stine, KA, Moxey, JR, Gilbertson, NM, Malin, SK, and Weltman, AL. Effects of feedback type and personality on 2,000-m ergometer performance in female varsity collegiate rowers. J Strength Cond Res 33(8): 2170-2176, 2019-Rowing performance is routinely tested on ergometers, involving visual cues and verbal encouragement, whereas on-water rowing lacks the visual cues. Personality is also hypothesized to influence rowing performance. The purpose was to examine the effects of visual and verbal feedback and to determine the impact of personality on performance. Thirty-eight female collegiate rowers (body mass 75.0 ± 5.7 kg and height 176.6 ± 5.0 cm) were recruited. Participants were asked to complete a progressive continuous graded exercise test, body composition analysis, personality questionnaire (Neo five-factor inventory, version 3), and 2 randomly ordered 2000-m ergometer tests: routine verbal and visual vs. verbal only. Differences between the 2,000-m tests were analyzed with a paired t-test. The relationships among VO2max, body composition, and 2,000-m performance were analyzed with Pearson's Correlations. A 2 × 2 analysis of variance analyzed neuroticism, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness to investigate how personality impacted 2,000-m performance. Statistical significance was set to p ≤ 0.05. The combination of visual plus verbal feedback trended toward improving performance compared with the verbal feedback alone (430.3 ± 8.6, 431.6 ± 8.9 seconds, respectively). High neuroticism negatively impacted 2,000-m performance (p ≤ 0.05). Conscientiousness and agreeableness trended toward improved performance: as conscientiousness and agreeableness increase, time decreases. We conclude that the combination of verbal plus visual feedback tends to yield better 2,000-m performance and that highly conscientious, highly agreeable, and low neurotic athletes outperform their respective counterparts. Using visual plus verbal encouragement while simultaneously targeting personality factors may be a novel strategy to optimize rowers' training.

Inspiratory muscle training effects on oxygen saturation and performance in hypoxemic rowers: Effect of sex

ABSTRACTExercise-induced arterial hypoxemia (EIAH) has been consistently reported in elite endurance athletes. This study examined the effects of an inspiratory muscle training protocol (IMT) on resting pulmonary function, end-exercise arterial oxygen saturation and performance in hypoxemic rowers. Twenty male and sixteen female well-trained hypoxemic rowers were divided into four groups: IMT-male, control-male, IMT-female and control-female. The IMT groups, additionally to the regular training, performed IMT (30 min/day, 5 times/week, 6 weeks). Before and after training, groups underwent an incremental rowing test, a 2000-m time trial and a 5-min “all-out” race. IMT increased respiratory strength in the IMT-male (135 ± 31 vs. 180 ± 22 cmH2O) and IMT-female (93 ± 19 vs. 142 ± 22 cmH2O) (P < 0.05). The IMT-female group exhibited lower EIAH and improved rowing performance in the 2000-m time trial (487 ± 32 vs. 461 ± 34 sec) and in the 5-min “all-out” test (1,285 ± 28 vs. 1,310 ± 36m) (P < 0.05). IMT protocol improved performance in IMT-male only in the 5-min test (1,651 ± 31 vs. 1,746 ± 37m) (P < 0.05). IMT may be a useful tool for increasing respiratory strength and enhancing performance in hypoxemic rowers, especially for women.Abbreviations: EIAH: Exercise-induced arterial hypoxemia; IMT: inspiratory muscle training protocol; PaO2: partial pressure of arterial oxygen; SaO2: arterial oxyhemoglobin saturation; VO2max: maximal oxygen consumption; [(A-a)DO2]: alveolar-to-arterial oxygen difference; VA/Q: ventilation-perfusion inequality/mismatching; PImax: maximal inspiratory pressure; BMI: body mass index; BSA: body surface area; FVC: vital capacity; FEV1: forced expiratory volume in 1 sec; VCin: vital capacity; MVV12: maximal voluntary ventilation in 12 sec

The Coach-Athlete Relationship and Athlete Psychological Outcomes

This study examined associations among athlete perceptions of the coach-athlete relationship and psychological outcomes of burnout and engagement across a competitive season. We hypothesized that higher levels of the three markers of the coach-athlete relationship (closeness, commitment, and complementarity) would be negatively associated with burnout and positively associated with engagement across a sport season. American female collegiate rowers (N = 37; Mage = 19.3 years, SD = 1.18) completed online self-report assessments of study variables at four seasonal survey waves. Multilevel linear modeling analyses revealed closeness to be a significant predictor of seasonal global burnout and engagement across the season assessment period. Findings inform future research and intervention to promote engagement and deter burnout via improving coach-athlete closeness.

Comparative Analysis of the Use of Moderate-Altitude Training by Top Russian and Chinese Athletes

Abstract Introduction. The aim of our work was to study the effect of natural hypoxia applied by elite athletes in the course of common training. Data analysed in this paper were collected during joint Russian-Chinese research on the training of elite athletes, who were members of the Russian national team (8 male biathletes, B-team) and 2016 Chinese Olympic team (12 female rowers, R-team). Material and methods. The study was held in the preparatory period, which lasted 4-5 months. The preparatory period in each team was divided into two stages. In the R-team, in the first stage, a training camp was organised at sea level (SL) (200 m, 57 days), and in the second stage, an altitude camp (AC) was held at 2,280 m (40 days). In the B-team, in the first stage, two training camps were held: the first one at 1,100 m (AC, June-July, 19 days) and the second one, a sea level camp (SLC), at 140 m (July-August, 31 days). Thus, the second control test was preceded by 31-day-long training at SL. In the second stage (September-October), three training camps were held: the first one at 1,100 m (AC, 19 days), the second one at 150 m (SLC, 13 days), and the third one at 1,100-2,800 m (AC, 11 days). Both teams underwent three control tests: prior to the first training stage, at the end of the first training stage, and 6-8 days after the end of the second training stage. All control tests were performed at SL. Results. Monitoring of elite athletes’ training in the preparatory period showed positive changes in physical preparedness in both groups. However, we found that those positive changes might not be related to an additional effect of natural hypoxia. Conclusion. Our study has shown that rational and well-balanced planning according to training goals is the key factor in improving general and specific athletic preparedness.

Cardiac Parasympathetic and Anaerobic Performance Recovery After High-Intensity Exercise in Rowers.

To determine the effect of different high-intensity interval-training (IT) sessions on the postexercise recovery response and time course across varying recovery measures. A total of 13 highly trained rowers (10 male and 3 female, peak oxygen uptake during a 6-min maximal test 4.9 [0.7]L·min-1) completed 3 IT sessions on a rowing ergometer separated by 7 d. Sessions consisted of 5 × 3.5min, 4-min rest periods (maximal oxygen uptake [VO2max]); 10 × 30s, 5-min rest periods (glycolytic); and 5 × 10min, 4-min rest periods (threshold). Participants were instructed to perform intervals at the highest maintainable pace. Blood lactate and salivary cortisol were measured preexercise and postexercise. Resting heart-rate (HR) variability, post-submaximal-exercise HR variability, submaximal-exercise HR, HR recovery, and modified Wingate peak and mean power were measured preexercise and 1, 10, 24, 34, 48, 58, and 72 h postexercise. Participants resumed training throughout the measurement period. Between-groups short-term response differences (1 h post-IT) across IT sessions were trivial or unclear for all recovery variables. However, post-submaximal-exercise HR variability demonstrated the longest recovery time course (threshold = 37.8 [14.2], glycolytic = 20.2 [11.0], and VO2max = 20.6 [15.2]; mean [h] ± confidence limits). Short-term responses to threshold, glycolytic, and VO2max IT in highly trained male and female rowers were similar. Recovery time course was greatest following threshold compared with glycolytic and VO2max-focused training, suggesting a durational influence on recovery time course at HR intensities ≥80% HRmax. As such, this provides valuable information around the programming and sequencing of high-intensity IT for endurance athletes.

Effects of training and detraining on muscle strength in rowers

Introduction. Annual and periodized training protocols significantly affect the muscle adaptation in rowers. Considering that the main goal of the training period is increasing specific muscle strength and of detraining period increasing general strength and active rest, the aim of this study was to compare the strength of different muscle groups between training and detraining periods. Material and Methods. The study was conducted at the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine Novi Sad, and it included 34 male and female rowers, 15 to 18 years of age. The muscle strength was measured using a Concept 2 DYNO dynamometer. The strength of the arm extensors and flexors, as well as the leg extensors was measured twice, at the end of the competition season (peak of performance) and before the beginning of the preparation season (after detraining). Results. A statistically significant decrease was found in absolute and relative muscle strength, flexor and arm extensor contraction rate, as well as relative leg extensor strength and contraction rate during the training and detraining periods (p &lt; 0.05). No difference was found in the absolute leg extensor power between the two measurements (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusion. Periodization of the annual training program in rowers has a higher impact on differences in the upper limb muscle adaptation, compared to lower limb muscles in terms of absolute strength.

Musculoskeletal Screening to Identify Female Collegiate Rowers at Risk for Low Back Pain.

Rowers are at risk for overuse injuries, including low back pain (LBP). Defining the utility of screening tests for identifying those at risk for LBP can aid in the development of guidelines for injury prevention. To determine if the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and impairments can identify rowers at risk for developing LBP. Prospective cohort study. Athletic training room. A total of 31 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I, female, open-weight rowers (age = 19.9 ± 1.4 years, height = 163.6 ± 30.8 cm, mass = 84.1 ± 37.63 kg); coxswains were excluded. We assessed the FMS and 5 impairment measures of the Star Excursion Balance Test, closed kinetic chain dorsiflexion range of motion, and the plank, Sorensen, and sit-and-reach tests before the fall season. Low back pain injuries were tracked by the sports medicine staff. Impairment measures were compared between the injured and uninjured athletes. The FMS cutoff score that discriminated injured from uninjured rowers was determined using a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Impairments were compared between those at a higher versus lower risk of LBP. Eighteen rowers sustained an LBP injury. No differences in FMS or impairments between groups were demonstrated. The FMS receiver operating characteristic curve analysis cutoff score was 16 points (area under the curve = 0.60, specificity = 0.67, risk ratio = 1.4 [95% confidence interval = 0.91, 2.11]). Rowers with an FMS score ≤16 had a shorter plank-test time (109.5 ± 60.2 seconds) than those with less risk (175.3 ± 98.6 seconds, mean difference = 65.9 seconds, 95% confidence interval = -129.4, -2.3; P = .043). Those with an FMS score ≤16 had a shorter plank-test hold time, indicating that a lack of core endurance may contribute to the increased risk of LBP in female rowers. An FMS score ≤16 indicated a small increased risk (1.4) of developing LBP compared with rowers who had scores >16; however, the FMS is not recommended for widespread screening of female rowers because the risk ratio was relatively small and had a wide 95% confidence interval.

Circulating Inflammatory Cytokine Responses to Endurance Exercise in Female Rowers.

This investigation examined the effects of acute rowing exercise on a panel of 12 different inflammatory cytokines. Fifteen female rowers (18.3±1.6 yrs; 172.0±5.0 cm; 67.5±8.8 kg; maximal oxygen consumption [VO2max]: 47.2±7.9 ml.min.-1kg-1) completed a 1-h endurance exercise (distance: 12.1±1.1 km; energy expenditure [EE]: 639±69 kcal; heart rate: 151±7 beats.min-1; intensity: 79.6±3.5% of the second ventilatory turn point). Venous blood samples were analysed for interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-1α, IL-1β, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) concentrations. Rowing exercise resulted increment (P<0.05) in IL-6, IL-8, VEGF and MCP-1. Exercise metabolic demand variables such as rating of perceived exertion (r=0.61), distance covered (r=0.60) and EE (r=0.57) were related (P<0.05) to changes in VEGF concentration. Cardiorespiratory fitness as measured by VO2max was correlated with changes in IL-6 (r=-0.55; P<0.05) level. In conclusion, acute exercise-induced inflammatory reaction was induced by a significant increase in IL-6, IL-8, VEGF and MCP-1 concentrations. Variance in exercise-induced increases in inflammatory cytokines in response to prolonged endurance exercise was characterised by exercise metabolic demand and cardiorespiratory fitness measures in female 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.

Bone and Inflammatory Responses to Training in Female Rowers over an Olympic Year.

To examine whether fluctuations in training load during an Olympic year lead to changes in bone mineral densities and factors that regulate bone (sclerostin, osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand), energy metabolism (insulin-like growth factor-1 and leptin), and inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin 6) in elite heavyweight female rowers. Blood samples were drawn from 15 female heavyweight rowers (27.0 ± 0.8 yr, 80.9 ± 1.3 kg, 179.4 ± 1.4 cm) at baseline (T1-45 wk before Olympic Games) and after 7, 9, 20, 25, and 42 wk (T1-6, respectively). Ongoing nutritional counseling was provided. Total weekly training load was recorded over the week before each time point. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry at T1 and T6. Total BMD increased significantly before to after training (+0.02 g·cm), but was below the least significant change (±0.04 g·cm). Osteoprotegerin, insulin-like growth factor-1, and leptin remained stable across all time points. Fluctuations in training load (high vs low) were accompanied by parallel changes in tumor necrosis factor-α (2.1 ± 0.2 vs 1.5 ± 0.2 pg·mL), interleukin 6 (1.2 ± 0.08 vs 0.8 ± 0.09 pg·mL), and sclerostin (high: 993 ± 109 vs low: 741 ± 104 pg·mL). In this population of young female athletes with suitable energy availability, sclerostin and inflammation markers responded to fluctuations in training load, whereas BMD and bone mineral content were stable during the season, suggesting that training load periodization is not harmful for the bone health in athletes.

Stress Fractures And The Reproductive System In The Female Athlete

Stress fractures are more common in the female athlete. Stress fractures of the pubic ramus and femoral neck are particularly more common in females than in males. Rib stress fractures are an important injury to consider in the female rower, whereas spondylolysis is a common cause of low back pain in female athletes who hyperextend their spines. The higher incidence of stress fractures in females is mainly due to the higher prevalence of disordered eating and subsequent energy imbalance, which leads to detrimental effects on bone. This review discusses stress fractures and unique issues related to exercise and the female reproductive system. This review contains 6 figures, 5 tables and 49 references Key words: amenorrhea, bone mineral density, disordered eating, female athlete triad, femoral neck, pregnancy, pubic ramus, rib, spondylolysis, stress fracture

The Influence of Oral Contraceptive Use on Skeletal Characteristics of Female Collegiate Rowers

The Influence of Oral Contraceptive Use on Skeletal Characteristics of Female Collegiate Rowers

23 Year Analysis Of Anthropometric Profiles And Long-Term Career Progression Of German Junior Female Rowers

23 Year Analysis Of Anthropometric Profiles And Long-Term Career Progression Of German Junior Female Rowers

Force coordination strategies in on-water single sculling: Are asymmetries related to better rowing performance?

Asymmetries of the rowing stroke cycle have been assessed with reference to kinematics and foot-force measures in laboratory testing environments. It remains unclear how asymmetries in propulsive kinetic measures are related to on-water rowing performance. A new approach for the evaluation of both global and local asymmetries across the entire movement was used to assess the continuous role of asymmetries and whether these change according to the level of competitive representation. Twenty-seven highly skilled female rowers (national and international competition level), rowing at 32 strokes per minute in a single scull boat, were evaluated. A symmetry index (SI) and functional data analysis (FDA) techniques were applied to a continuous difference time-series, which described fluctuating asymmetry in propulsive pin forces for each rower. Univariate ANOVAs revealed that differences in asymmetries were present as a factor of competition level for the SI and results of FDA. International athletes were more likely to utilize an asymmetry strategy with increased stroke-side (port-side) force early in the drive phase and increased bow-side (starboard) force through the second half of the drive. This was likely the result of international performers customizing their movement strategies relative to known boat mechanical offsets. The first half of the drive phase was also found to be an adaptive part of the rowing stroke cycle, suggesting asymmetries may have a functional role in successful execution of movements during the rowing stroke.

Stress Fractures And The Reproductive System In The Female Athlete

Stress fractures are more common in the female athlete. Stress fractures of the pubic ramus and femoral neck are particularly more common in females than in males. Rib stress fractures are an important injury to consider in the female rower, whereas spondylolysis is a common cause of low back pain in female athletes who hyperextend their spines. The higher incidence of stress fractures in females is mainly due to the higher prevalence of disordered eating and subsequent energy imbalance, which leads to detrimental effects on bone. This review discusses stress fractures and unique issues related to exercise and the female reproductive system. This review contains 6 figures, 5 tables and 49 references Key words: amenorrhea, bone mineral density, disordered eating, female athlete triad, femoral neck, pregnancy, pubic ramus, rib, spondylolysis, stress fracture

Stress Fractures And The Reproductive System In The Female Athlete

Stress fractures are more common in the female athlete. Stress fractures of the pubic ramus and femoral neck are particularly more common in females than in males. Rib stress fractures are an important injury to consider in the female rower, whereas spondylolysis is a common cause of low back pain in female athletes who hyperextend their spines. The higher incidence of stress fractures in females is mainly due to the higher prevalence of disordered eating and subsequent energy imbalance, which leads to detrimental effects on bone. This review discusses stress fractures and unique issues related to exercise and the female reproductive system. This review contains 6 figures, 5 tables and 49 references Key words: amenorrhea, bone mineral density, disordered eating, female athlete triad, femoral neck, pregnancy, pubic ramus, rib, spondylolysis, stress fracture

How gender and boat-side affect shape characteristics of force–angle profiles in single sculling: Insights from functional data analysis

ObjectivesTo examine whether gender or side of the boat influenced shape characteristics of the force–angle profile in on-water single sculling. DesignCross-sectional study design. MethodsBivariate functional principal components analysis (bfPCA) was applied to force–angle data to identify the main modes of variance in curves of forty highly skilled male and female rowers (national and international level), rowing at 32 strokes per minute in a single scull boat. ResultsSeparate discriminant function analyses for each side of the boat showed strong classification of rowers for gender. Force application close to (or closely around) the perpendicular oar position was demonstrated to be different between genders. A mixed ANOVA exploring gender, boat side and their interaction revealed that bow and stroke side forces were also statistically different from each other independently of gender. A main effect, independent of side of the boat, was also present for gender and no interaction was found between gender and boat side. Bow side forces seemingly acted as a driver of power and peak force production, while stroke side forces may have acted as a mediator of propulsive forces with an additional potential role in steering due to known asymmetrical offsets in boat rigging. ConclusionsResults demonstrate that propulsive force differences according to gender and boat-side are evident and must be acknowledged and accounted for before force–angle graphs are explored relative to performance measures.

Rowers' Self-Reported Behaviors, Attitudes, and Safety Concerns Related to Exercise, Training, and Competition During Pregnancy.

BackgroundThe American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology notes that pregnant athletes require more supervision due to their involvement in strenuous training schedules throughout pregnancy. Currently, rowing is not mentioned in the guidelines despite its increasing popularity, high cardiovascular demands, and risk for abdominal trauma.MethodsThis study aimed to elicit information from competitive female rowers regarding exercise, training, and competition during pregnancy. We administered a survey consisting of 122 items to female Masters rowers in the United States, aged 21 to 49 years, from June to December 2013.ResultsA total of 224 recreational and elite rowers met the inclusion criteria. Pregnant rowers self-reported high levels of exercise engagement: 85.2% (n/N = 98/115) exercised during any past pregnancy; exercise adherence decreased throughout pregnancy with 51.3%, 42.4%, and 15.7% meeting and/or exceeding national guidelines during the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively. Rowers were significantly (p < 0.001) more likely to state that an activity at a specified intensity and trimester was unsafe if they were younger, had less rowing experience, or were nulliparous. Decreased perceived rowing safety was associated with on-water training, higher intensity exercise, competition, and increasing gestational age. Primary safety concerns were the risk of oar-induced abdominal trauma and physiological effects due to high intensities required by the sport. Novel barriers to exercise in pregnancy included guilt towards the team and a mental barrier due to decreased performance. Healthcare providers are the number one information source for rowers regarding exercise during pregnancy.ConclusionPregnant rowers are a relevant obstetrics population and have barriers and sport-specific safety concerns not previously identified in the literature. Rowers consider exercising in pregnancy to be important and struggle to meet exercise guidelines like the general population, indicating the need for healthcare providers to provide prenatal and antenatal education and interventions to support exercise during pregnancy even amongst athletes.

In-season changes in heart rate recovery are inversely related to time to exhaustion but not aerobic capacity in rowers.

To determine if in-season changes in heart rate recovery (HRR) are related to aerobic fitness and performance in collegiate rowers. Twenty-two female collegiate rowers completed testing before and after their competitive season. Body fat percentage (BF%) was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max ) and time to exhaustion (Tmax ) were determined during maximal rowing ergometer testing followed by 1minute of recovery. HRR was expressed absolutely and as a percentage of maximal HR (HRR%1min ). Variables were compared using paired Wilcoxon tests. Multivariable regression models were used to predict in-season changes in HRR using changes in VO2max and Tmax , while accounting for changes in BF%. From preseason to post-season, VO2max and BF% decreased (3.98±0.42 vs 3.78±0.35L/min, P=.002 and 23.8±3.4 vs 21.3±3.9%, P<.001, respectively), while Tmax increased (11.7±1.3 vs 12.6±1.3min, P=.002), and HRR%1min increased (11.1±2.7 vs 13.8±3.8, P=.001). In-season changes in VO2max were not associated with HRR%1min (P>.05). In-season changes in Tmax were related to changes in HRR%1min (β=-1.67, P=.006). In-season changes in BF% were not related to changes in HRR (P>.05 for all). HRR1min and HRR%1min were faster preseason to post-season, although the changes were unrelated to VO2max . Faster HRR%1min post-season was inversely related to changes in Tmax . This suggests that HRR should not be used as a measure of aerobic capacity in collegiate rowers, but is a promising measure of training status in this population.

Assessment of propulsive pin force and oar angle time-series using functional data analysis in on-water rowing.

The graphical presentation of the propulsive force applied at the pin plotted relative to the horizontal angle of the oar has been used practically in on-water rowing for the qualitative assessment of skill. How the pattern is related to performance variables has not been well identified, particularly for highly trained sculling athletes. Bivariate functional principal components analysis (bfPCA) was used on force-angle data to identify the main modes of variance in curves representing twenty-seven female rowers of different competition levels (national level and international level), rowing at 32 strokes per minute in a single scull boat. Discriminant function analysis showed moderate classification of rowers using force-angle graphs across both sides of the boat, with rate of force development identified as a potentially important characteristic for international rowers. Additionally for the bow-side, spending less time in the first half of the drive phase was also identified as an important feature for international rowers. Multiple linear regression of scores from the bfPCAs showed that a more pronounced front-peaked profile was associated with a higher average boat velocity. The results of this demonstrate that different characteristics of the force-angle graph may be associated with different metrics of performance.