Female Rowers Research Articles

A Comparison of the Effect of High-Intensity Interval Resistance Training and Traditional Resistance Training on the Performance and Physiological Indicators in Young Female Rowers

A Comparison of the Effect of High-Intensity Interval Resistance Training and Traditional Resistance Training on the Performance and Physiological Indicators in Young Female Rowers

Respiratory problems in rowers: outcomes from a systematic assessment of an elite squad

ObjectivesTo characterise the respiratory health of elite rowers using a systematic screening approach to assess respiratory health (SARAH) and identify the associations between SARAH findings and acute respiratory illness (ARI)...

A Study on the Percentage of Pacing Strategies in Elite Asian Rowers: Analysis of Crew, Boat Type, and Gender

Background: For optimal performance, rowers should maintain a consistent rowing cadence over the entire distances. However, the rowing cadence of each category can be influenced by several factors. Understanding the rowing strategy related to these factors may help improve rowing performance. Objective: This analytical research aimed to examine the pacing strategies used by elite Asian rowers in different categories: crew, boat type, and gender during competitions at the 2023 Asian Games. Methods: The official Final A competition results of 14 events, comprising 42 male and 37 female rowers, totaling 79 datasets, were used for statistical analysis. Pacing techniques for each category were analyzed in the 500 m intervals and expressed as a percentage. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess rowing interval correlation. Results: The 2- and 2X showed the most percentage change (9.56%), while the 8+ showed the lowest (6.83%). After 8.33% and 8.37% adjustments, sweeps and sculls were essentially identical. Male rowers changed 7.08%, while female rowers changed 9.49%. The 500 m and 1000 m interval had a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.462), while the 2000 m distance had a significant negative correlation (r = -0.750) and the 1000 m had a strong negative correlation (r = -0.818) (p0.05). Conclusion: Rower’s size and gender are the major factors influencing pacing percentage. Smaller boats are more affected than larger ones. Males are less different per interval than females. Crew, boat type, and gender may impact rowing performance during certain intervals. Coaches and athletes need specialized pacing strategies for competition success.

Eating disorder symptoms and weight pressure in female rowers: associations between self-concept, psychological well-being and body composition

BackgroundFemale rowers may be at risk of eating disorders and high weight pressure.AimThe purpose of the study was to investigate the prevalence of disordered eating symptoms and weight-related pressure and the associations with self-concept, psychological well-being, socio-demographic data, experience, performance level and body composition in female fixed-bench rowers.MethodsFemale rowers (n = 208; age ranged mean ± SD 23.6 ± 6.5 years) completed the SCOFF scale, Weight-Pressures in Sport-Females (WPS-F), Physical Self-Concept Questionnaire and the Ryff scales of psychological well-being and provided information on their experience and level of competition. In a subgroup of 115 athletes, body composition was assessed using bioimpedance.ResultsIt was found that 42.3% of the athletes scored ≥ 2 on SCOFF and mean ± SD value of WPS-F score was 3.65 ± 0.82. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that self-concept of strength and pressure from teammates and the uniform were associated with higher ED symptoms, whereas better psychological well-being in terms of autonomy, self-concept of attractiveness, and age were protective factors for ED symptoms. BMI, athletes’ physical condition, strength, and experience were associated with more weight-related pressure and better self-concept of attractiveness and physical well-being of autonomy were significantly associated with less pressure. In body composition analysis, higher extra cellular water, self-acceptance, and physical condition were associated with more weight-related pressure in female rowers, being attractiveness and the environmental mastery protective elements.ConclusionsThe prevalence of ED symptomatology and weight-related pressure are high in female fixed bench rowing. The psychological factors of well-being and self-concept, team environment, body image concerns and body composition analysis should be considered to promote healthy eating behaviours in female rowers.

Physiological and Biomechanical Characteristics of Olympic and World-Class Rowers—Case Study

In this study, we quantified relevant biophysical characteristics of two elite rowers across a wide range of intensities. Two <40-year-old male and female Olympic and World Championship finalists performed a 7 × 3 min protocol plus 1 min maximal effort on a rowing ergometer. The intensity increase resulted in maximum values of 79.4 ± 2.4 and 69.7 ± 1.5 mL/min/kg for oxygen uptake, 179.3 ± 5.7 and 152.5 ± 2.9 L/min for ventilation, 170 ± 1 and 173 ± 0 bpm for heart rate, 10.6 and 15.8 mmol/L for blood lactate concentration, and 38.1 ± 0.03 and 38.8 ± 0.03 °C for core temperature for the male and female rowers. The percentage of power corresponding to a previously conducted maximum 2000 m rowing ergometer test and the work at each step increased from 49 to 127 and 42 to 103% and from 226.8 to 398.9 J and 174.0 to 250.0 J, from low to extreme intensities, for the male and female. Concurrently, there was a decrease in cycle length and propulsive time, followed by an increase in maximal handle drive velocity, with the rise in rowing intensity. These world-class rowers seem capable of maintaining physiological and technical profiles (and a remarkable capacity to generate substantial power) at this phase of their careers possibly due to long-term engagement in elite-level training. Biophysical data provide valuable referential information for guiding rowers to improve their performance.

V̇O2PEAK PROVIDES A BETTER PREDICTOR OF ERGOMETER MEAN MAXIMAL POWER THAN MAXIMAL OXYGEN EXTRACTION IN TRAINED ROWERS

INTRODUCTION & AIMS Muscle oxygenation characteristics are suggested to better explain performance than peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) in highly trained canoe-kayak athletes (Paquette et. al, 2018), but this has not been explored with rowers. Therefore, this investigation aimed to 1) determine whether maximal oxygen extraction improved prediction of rowing ergometer mean maximal power (MMP; W/kg) compared to V̇O2peak alone, and 2) assess differences in muscle oxygen extraction between anatomical sites during incremental rowing. METHODS Trained male (n=16) and female (n=6) rowers completed a 7x4min graded exercise test on a rowing ergometer to determine mean power output for each stage and V̇O2peak and MMP during the final stage. Change in muscle oxygen extraction (Δ[HHb]) during each stage was determined using near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) at the vastus lateralis (VL), gastrocnemius medialis (GM), and biceps brachii (BB). The best predictor of MMP was determined using linear regression, and mixed-effects models were used to assess Δ[HHb] across sites and stage. RESULTS V̇O2peak was a significant predictor of MMP (R2=0.74); however, Δ[HHb] (at each site individually or combined) had no association with MMP (R2≤0.05). The strongest model included V̇O2peak and GM Δ[HHb] (R2=0.83); however, the improvement in model fit was modest (mean absolute error decreased from 0.211W.kg-1 to 0.193W.kg-1). A significant site x stage interaction was observed for Δ[HHb] at each site across all stages. Post-hoc analysis revealed VL Δ[HHb] was higher than GM Δ[HHb] for each stage; VL Δ[HHb] was lower than BB Δ[HHb] from stages 1-4, then higher from stages 5-7; and GM Δ[HHb] was lower than BB Δ[HHb] for stages 1-6, but higher in the final stage. CONCLUSION Maximal oxygen extraction alone cannot predict ergometer MMP in trained rowers. However, NIRS derived muscle oxygen extraction may provide additional useful information regarding relative muscle contributions at varying exercise intensities.

Blood Flow-Restricted Training and Time Trial Performance: A Cohort Study of World-Class Rowers.

This study aimed to explore the potential impact of incorporating blood flow restriction (BFR) training within a training block characterized by minimal high-intensity work on 2000-m rowing ergometer time trial (TT) performance in elite/world-class rowers. Physiological markers often associated with endurance performance (maximal aerobic capacity, V̇O 2max ; blood lactate thresholds and hemoglobin mass, Hb mass ) were measured to determine whether changes are related to an improvement in performance. Using a quasi-experimental, observational study design (no control group), 2000-m TT performance, V̇O 2max , submaximal work rates eliciting blood lactate concentrations of ~2 and ~4 mmol·L -1 , and Hb mass were measured before and after 4 wk of noncompetitive season training, which included BFR rowing. BFR training consisted of 11 sessions of 2 × 10 min of BFR rowing at a workload equating to blood lactate concentrations of ~2 mmol·L -1 . Paired t -tests were used to compare pre-/postvalues, and Pearson correlation was used to examine whether physiological changes were associated with changes to TT performance. TT performance improved in both female (1.09% ± 1.2%, ~4.6 ± 5.2 s; P < 0.01) and male (1.17% ± 0.48%, ~4.5 ± 1.9 s; P < 0.001) athletes. V̇O 2max increased in female rowers only ( P < 0.01), but both sexes had an increase in work rates eliciting blood lactate concentrations of 2 mmol·L -1 (female: 184 ± 16 to 195 ± 15 W, P < 0.01; male: 288 ± 23 to 317 ± 26 W, P = 0.04) and 4 mmol·L -1 (female: 217 ± 13 to 227 ± 14 W, P = 0.02; male: 339 ± 43 to 364 ± 39 W, P < 0.01). No changes in Hb mass (both sexes, P = 0.8) were observed. Improvements in TT performance were not related to physiological changes (all correlations P ≥ 0.2). After 4 wk of training with BFR, the improvement in TT performance was greater than what is typical for this population. Physiological variables improved during this training block but did not explain improved TT performance.

Validation Study to Assess the Concurrent Validity of the Beep Test as a Proxy for Cardiopulmonary Endurance, Using VO2 Max as the Criterion Standard

Rowing, characterized as a “velocity-centric sport,” demands high physical and physiological performance. Cardiorespiratory endurance, an integral component of physical fitness, plays a vital role in rowing performance. Optimal physical fitness is essential for injury prevention and success in international competitions. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is the gold standard for assessing maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), a crucial indicator of cardiopulmonary endurance. The considerable expense and specialized expertise required for CPET have prompted the utilization of field tests, such as the beep test. The current study aims to validate the accuracy of the beep test in measuring VO2 max uptake as the gold standard. The present cross-sectional observational study involved 16 participants from the national rowing pool of Sri Lanka (11 males, 5 females). The study adhered to the Bruce protocol for implementing CPET to measure VO2 max. Concurrently, the standardized beep test, encompassing 21 progressively challenging levels, was administered to assess the VO2 max of participants. The number of shuttles completed during the beep test underwent meticulous conversion into corresponding VO2 max values, facilitating a comparative analysis with the VO2 max values derived from CPET. Among the key findings, the CPET among Sri Lankan rowers, male rowers exhibited statistically significant disparities across several vital physiological parameters, including VO2 max, VO2 max at anaerobic threshold (VO2 max AT), maximum heart rate (HR max), and minute ventilation (VE), against their female counterparts. A statistically significant and positive correlation was discerned among female rowers between the VO2 max values obtained through the gold standard CPET and those derived from the beep test. However, a consistent trend emerged, revealing that the beep test consistently overestimated VO2 max in both male and female rowers compared to the gold standard CPET method. The study underscores the importance of considering population-specific factors and advocates for developing refined equations to enhance the accuracy of field tests in predicting cardiopulmonary endurance.

Effects of Specific Training Using a Rowing Ergometer on Sport Performance in Adolescents

The main purpose of this study was to study the effects of a specific rowing ergometer training program on the athletic performance of young adolescents (N = 56; 11.73 ± 1.4 years old) compared to a workout based on general strength training. An eight-week training program was implemented, with four sessions per week and two hours per session. The sample was divided into two groups: a control group (CG) that performed circuit training with exercises aimed at building general strength and an experimental group (EG) who focused on specifically training on a rowing ergometer (rowing machine). The data obtained in a rowing meter test over the competition distance were analyzed to obtain the average power attained (W) at the beginning of the training, at the middle (4 weeks), at the end of the training (8 weeks) and one year after the experimentation. The results show that although both forms of training improve the average W obtained in both categories, the EG subjects (+29.94 W) obtained better averages in all phases of the study compared to the CG (+5.88 W). Furthermore, this increase was greater in male rowers (+34.06 W) than in female rowers (+24.54 W). These results reveal that a specific rower rowing ergometer training program has a more significant effect than a general strength program and these effects can even be observed a year after the intervention.

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.

CARACTERÍSTICAS ANTROPOMÉTRICAS E FISIOLÓGICAS DE REMADORES JUNIORES DE ELITE

Introduction: Rowing is a competitive sport in which men and women of all ages compete. Most of the studies reported on rowing have been carried out with young adult rowers. As it is important to have rowing experience before a senior age classification, it is necessary to study adolescent or junior athletes in this sport. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between selected physiological variables of male and female rowers and rowing performance as determined by a 2,000 m time-trial. Methods: Fifteen rowers (six males and nine females) ages 15-18 years who competed in the Hungarian Junior Rowing Championships performed a 2,000-m rowing ergometer test in the laboratory. Prior to this task, these subjects completed a measure of body size, composition and vertical jump on a force platform. Oxygen consumption was measured along with power output during the rowing ergometer trial. Results: This descriptive study of Junior Rowers identify the importance of aerobic power (rate of oxygen consumption) as a predictor of rowing performance. Since the mean Power was highly related (r = 0.99) with the time to complete the rowing distance, factors that reflect power might also be evaluated to confirm these findings. The time in the competition and time on the rowing ergometer were strongly related (r = 0.721). Excluding power in the regression analyses, oxygen consumption (VO2) and percentage lean body mass (%Lean) were identified as the significant (F=50.63, df=2,12, p &lt;0.001) predictors of performance time. No other variables were selected in the regression equations. Conclusion: The rate of oxygen consumption and lean mass in adolescent rowers need to be considered in explaining performance. Level of Evidence III; Case Control Study.

English

Anthropometric, mechanical and performance differences have been observed in rowing between rowers from the same club competing in different categories. Maximal aerobic power has been defined as one of the best predictors of rowing performance. The aim was to observe differences between male and female rowers in anthropometric, physiological and aerobic power data. Weight (P), height (T), fat percentage (G), sum of seven folds (S7) and absolute and relative watts (W) (W/kg) of 55 subjects were assessed. Of the 55 subjects, 38 were male (26.95 ±7.0 years) and 17 were female (24.82 ±6.8 years). Cohen’s d was used to calculate the effect size as standardised mean difference. In the results, sample means were obtained for the variables analysed in the different sexes (F: females and M: males). For F: [P: 77.25 (9.41) - T: 1.80 (0.07) - G: 12.77 (3.04) - S7: 72.23 (28.20) - W: 273.6 (52.88) - W/kg: 3.57 (0.67)] and for M: [P: 61.79 (6.85 - T: 1.67 (0.07) - G: 14.44 (2.47)- S7: 103.83 (28.64) - W: 171.35 (29.19) - W/kg: 2.78 (0.43)]. Finally, the results were as follows: P: 1.77 - T: 1.87 - G: 0.57 - S7: 1.11 - W: 2.17 - W/kg: 1.28. Showing significant differences and a large effect size between both sexes in all the variables analysed, except for the fat percentage variable.

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.

Mental and physiological wellbeing while rowing across the North Atlantic: a single-case study of subjective versus objective data.

Introduction: Unassisted rowing across the Atlantic Ocean is an extreme undertaking challenging the human body in every possible way. The reported rowing journey lasted for 42days in a small vessel with 12 rowers, each rowing for 12h a day, broken into 3h shifts. This schedule disrupts the natural circadian cycle and autonomic balance, affecting subjective and objective wellbeing and sleep quality, that lack continuous empirical quantification. Methods: With a self-reported questionnaire and objective heart rate variability measurements every second day in a single female rower, we monitor evolutions of the subjective sleep quality and mental wellbeing as well as autonomic body control over the journey duration. We evaluate the hypothesis that extreme rowing impairs subjective and objective data in a similar way over time and that 3h shifts diminish the circadian rhythm of the autonomic body control. Results: The sleep quality was mainly influenced by wake ups during sleep, while mental wellbeing was predominantly influenced by physical exhaustion. The perceived sleep quality and wellbeing dropped 2-3days after the start with the rower not yet accommodated, in the middle of the journey with major wake ups, and again 5-6days prior to the end with major exhaustion of the participant. Evolutions of the subjective perceptions diverge from that of the heart rate variability. The body's autonomic recovery during short sleep periods progressively decreases over the journey duration while the vagal activity rises and the sympathovagal balance shifts towards vagal tone. The shifts of 3h weaken the circadian rhythm of the heart rate variability. Discussion: Our results demonstrate how human body meets extreme mental and physical exhaustion on the high seas. The gained physiological and psychological insights also offer a basis for effective preparation of undertakings involving extreme physical exhaustion and sleep deprivation.

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.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Active Living and Life Satisfaction of Rowers

The broad variety of measures that governments worldwide took against the COVID-19 pandemic led to restrictions in our everyday life, including the practice of sports such as rowing. This study aimed to examine changes in the daily life of rowers and their rowing engagement. We distributed an online questionnaire in German among rowers in 2021. In total, 234 (48.7% females, mean age 45.01 years, SD 16.94) participants met the inclusion criteria. We found that the amount of time spent rowing was significantly lower during the COVID-19 crisis. Additionally, we detected a notable shift in the rowing landscape, with a marked increase in home-based training and a complete cessation of rowing activities. Moreover, the life satisfaction of both female and male rowers witnessed a significant decline during the pandemic when compared to before. The present findings showed that the pandemic led to far-reaching changes in sports activities among rowers. Most rowers had to deal with negative effects not only on their rowing engagement, but also on life satisfaction. In view of future pandemics, it becomes crucial to prioritize and ensure the continuity of active sports engagement, including that of rowers, in a safe and secure manner.

A Maximal Rowing-Ergometer Protocol to Predict Maximal Oxygen Uptake in Female Rowers.

Laboratory assessment of maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max) is physically and mentally draining for the athlete and requires expensive laboratory equipment. Indirect measurement of V˙O2max could provide a practical alternative to laboratory testing. To examine the relationship between the maximal power output (MPO) in an individualized 7 × 2-minute incremental test (INCR-test) and V˙O2max and to develop a regression equation to predict V˙O2max from MPO in female rowers. Twenty female club and Olympic rowers (development group) performed the INCR-test on a Concept2 rowing ergometer to determine V˙O2max and MPO. A linear regression analysis was used to develop a prediction of V˙O2max from MPO. Cross-validation analysis of the prediction equation was performed using an independent sample of 10 female rowers (validation group). A high correlation coefficient (r = .94) was found between MPO and V˙O2max. The following prediction equation was developed: V˙O2max (mL·min-1) = 9.58 × MPO (W) + 958. No difference was found between the mean predicted V˙O2max in the INCR-test (3480mL·min-1) and the measured V˙O2max (3530mL·min-1). The standard error of estimate was 162mL·min-1, and the percentage standard error of estimate was 4.6%. The prediction model only including MPO, determined during the INCR-test, explained 89% of the variability in V˙O2max. The INCR-test is a practical and accessible alternative to laboratory testing of V˙O2max.

A Glimpse into the Future of Rowing in Sri Lanka Through Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET)

Rowing requires high physiological demand with metabolic contribution from both aerobic and anaerobic energy pathways. Hence VO2 Maxmeasurement is the most important physiological factor affecting rowing performance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cardiopulmonary fitness states of National rowers, National youth rowers, and rowers from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), Sri Lanka who are at three different age categories and thereby to get a glimpse into the prospects of rowing in Sri Lanka. Twenty male and twenty-seven female rowers from the three groups were recruited and all the subjects performed incremental exercise tests on a Concept II rowing ergometer. All three groups achieved a heart rate of more than 90% of predicted. The best oxygen pulse (VO2/HR) was achieved by male youth rowers (15.52 L/min) followed by KDU rowers (14.53 L/min) and national rowers (11.48 L/min). Youth male rowers had the best delivery of oxygen which is 97.6% predicted. The highest average VO2 Max value obtained by male youth rowers was 43.84 ml/min/kg (87.5 % of the prediction of VO2). KDU male rowers achieved a VO2 Max of 40.33 ml/min/kg which is higher, than the national rowers with a VO2 Max of 36.23 ml/min/kg. The highest mean VO2 Max among females was 30.43 ml/min/kg (76% of the predicted) achieved by national rowers. Female KDU rowers achieved the lowest VO2 Max at 27.03 ml/min/kg (69% of the predicted) and female youth rowers achieved a VO2 Max value of 29.1 ml/min/kg. KDU male rowers had the lowest VO2 at anaerobic threshold (AT) indicating capacity to improve (27.34 ml/min/kg). The highest VO2 at AT among females, (21.65 ml/min/kg) was achieved by youth rowers. National female rowers also showed a VO2 AT of 21.02 ml/min/kg and The KDU female rowers achieved 19.49 ml/min/kg, indicating the need for improvement. Considering the age of national youth rowers and their respective VO2 Max and VO2 AT values, our finding suggests the national rowing federation of Sri Lanka should focus more on youth rowers to improve the future chances to bring international victories to Sri Lanka.