Male Rowers Research Articles

No evidence of improvements in energy metabolism after 1week of nitrate and citrulline co-supplementation in elite rowers.

Citrulline (CIT) and beetroot extract (BR) supplements positively impacts exercise performance in elite rowers. However, its influence on metabolic outcomes such as whole-body volumes of oxygen consumption (VO2) and carbon dioxide production (VCO2), substrate oxidation, energy expenditure (EE), and gross efficiency remains unknown. We studied the effects of 1week of daily co-supplementation of 3.5g BR (500mg NO3-) plus 6g CIT on VO2 and VCO2 kinetics, substrate utilization, EE, and gross efficiency in elite male rowers compared to a placebo and to a BR supplementation. Twenty elite rowers participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial completing 1week of supplementation in each group of study: Placebo (PLAG); BRG; and BR-CITG. Efficiency (70% VO2max) and performance (incremental maximal) tests were performed, and gas-exchange data were collected via indirect calorimetry. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) showed no mean between-condition differences on respiratory exchange ratio (RER), EE, and gross efficiency in the efficiency test (all P > 0.06), and in the performance test (all P > 0.28). Moreover, in both tests no interaction Time × Supplement effects were observed for VO2, VCO2, RER, EE, substrate oxidation, and, gross efficiency (all P > 0.12). After 1week, no effects on energy metabolism and substrate utilization were observed after the daily co-ingestion of BR extract plus CIT supplement, therefore longer (> 7days) and higher doses of supplementation might be needed to influence metabolism.

Influence of Neuromuscular Activity and Technical Determinants on Scull Rowing Performance

Rowing is a complex sport where technique can significantly impact performance. A better understanding of the rowers’ technique and neuromuscular activations during scull rowing, along with their impact on rowing performance, could greatly help trainers and athletes. Twelve male rowers were asked to row at their competitive stroke rate, and we collected data describing neuromuscular activations, trunk and arm kinematics, as well as technical determinants such as oar angles and angle asymmetries. We fitted linear mixed-effect models to investigate the effects of these variables on power production and boat speed. A larger effective angle had the greatest positive effect on power output, and slip angles had the largest negative effects. Increased elbow flexion at catch had the greatest negative effect on speed. Angle asymmetries affected neither power nor speed. Increased upper limb neuromuscular activity during the first and third quarters of the drive phase helped reduce slip angles, thus increasing performance. Power and speed were influenced similarly by the predictor variables. Still, they showed subtle differences, indicating that the strategies to maximize power production might not be the best ones to also achieve the maximum speed.

Training volume, intensity, and performance of world-class Chinese rowers prior to the 2019 world championships: A case study

Six world-class Chinese male rowers (age: 28.2 ± 3.2 years; height: 1.93 ± 0.02 m; body mass: 94.7 ± 3.9 kg) participated in the study. The training volume in different modalities and intensities were recorded over 44 weeks. To evaluate rowing performance, rowers completed four 2000 m and 5000 m maximum effort time trials and two incremental step tests. Total training time for the season was 907 h, which consisted of 67.5% of rowing training, 16.9% of strength training, 15.2% of warm-up and flexibility, and 0.4% of non-specific endurance training. The rowing training intensity distribution (TID) was 87.0% performed at low intensity (LIT), 8.4% at moderate intensity (MIT), and 4.6% at high intensity (HIT). There was no significant difference in average weekly rowing training volume (distance) at LIT across four phases (p = 0.12), as well as rowing training at MIT (p = 0.07) and HIT (p = 0.97). The fourth 2000 m time trials performance significantly improved from the first trial (−6.4 s, p = 0.02). The fourth 5000 m time trial performance was significantly improved from the first (−13.4 s, p = 0.02) and second trial (−14.1 s, p = 0.01). The final-step mean power output (W) in the second incremental step test improved significantly (p = 0.04). In the 2018–19 season, China's world-class rowers conducted considerable LIT rowing. The training volume distribution and rowing TID were similar in all phases.

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.

The Influence of Anthropometric Variables on the Performance of Elite Traditional Rowers.

Athletes' anthropometry, and especially their body composition, plays an important role in sport performance in general and in Trainera rowing in particular. Rowers' anthropometric and performance profiles may vary according to their position in the boat. The objectives of this study were to investigate the relationship between anthropometry, physical performance, physiological variables, and elite male rowers' boat positions. Twenty elite male traditional rowers were assessed and categorized according to their boat position: either in the middle of the boat (M) (n = 9) or in the bow and stern positions (BS) (n = 11). Anthropometric measurements and body composition were obtained for each rower, and physical performance was measured by a 45-s supramaximal rowing test and a VO2max incremental test on a Concept II rowing ergometer. The results showed that the rowers in the middle were taller (186.6 ± 4.9 cm), and significant differences were also found between the two groups according to body mass (BS 72.3 ± 3.8 vs. M 85.4 ± 4.3) and peak power (BS 641.5 ± 84 vs. M 737 ± 47.1), mean power (BS 538.5 ± 48.4 vs. M 604.1 ± 42.3), and physiological parameters (p < 0.05), VO2max (BS 66.5 ± 4.9 vs. M 59.3 ± 6.7). It can be concluded that height could be associated with elite rowers' performance and that a lower body mass index is related to better performance in bow and stern positions.

Effects of acute beetroot juice intake on performance, maximal oxygen uptake, and ventilatory efficiency in well-trained master rowers: a randomized, double-blinded crossover study.

Beetroot juice (BRJ) intake has been considered a practical nutritional strategy among well-trained athletes. This study aimed to assess the effects of BRJ intake on performance, cardiorespiratory and metabolic variables during a simulated 2000-meter rowing ergometer test in well-trained master rowers. Ten well-trained male master rowers (30-48 years) participated in a randomized, double-blind, crossover design for 3 weeks. In the first week, a researcher explained all the experimental procedures to the participants. In the next two weeks, the participants were tested in 2 rowing ergometer sessions, separated from each other by a 7-day washout period. In both strictly identical sessions, the participants randomly drank BRJ or placebo (PL) 3 hours before the start of the tests. Subsequently, the participants carried out the 2000-meter rowing ergometer tests. Oxygen saturation and blood lactate measurements were performed before starting (pretest) and at the end of the test (posttest). Performance parameters and cardiorespiratory variables were recorded during the rowing ergometer test. An improvement in time trial performance was observed, with a mean difference of 4 seconds (90% confidence limits ± 3.10; p ≤ 0.05) compared to PL. Relative and absolute increased (mean difference of 2.10 mL·kg-1·min-1, 90% confidence limits ± 1.80; mean difference of 0.16 L·min-1 90% confidence limits ± 0.11, respectively; p ≤ 0.05) compared to PL. No ergogenic effect was observed on ventilatory efficiency and blood lactate concentrations after BRJ intake. Acute BRJ intake may improve time trial performance as well as in well-trained master rowers. However, BRJ does not appear to improve ventilatory efficiency.

Is There a Relationship between Low Back, Hamstring, and Ankle Flexibility with Rowing Performance in Elite Rowers?

The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between low back, hamstring, and ankle flexibility with rowing performance. The study included 26 male rowers (mean age: 16.72±0.73 years). All participants were assessed regarding the flexibility of the low back, hamstring, ankle, and rowing performance by sit and reach (Baltaci et al., 2003), weight-bearing lunge (Powden et al., 2015)., and 2000-m rowing ergometer performance time tests (Mikulić et al., 2009), respectively. No correlation was found between sit and reach and 2000-m rowing ergometer performance time test results. However, a negative correlation was found between ankle flexibility and 2000-m rowing ergometer performance time test results (r= -0.39; p &amp;lt;0.05). Additionally, 2000-m rowing ergometer performance time test result was negatively correlated with anthropometric variables and the training frequency of rowers in a week. The stepwise multiple regression analysis results indicated that only training frequency had a significant impact on the outcome variable. Conversely, weight, height, and ankle flexibility were insignificant predictors in the analysis (R2 = .492; R = .39, p&amp;lt;0.05). The training frequency plays a crucial role in influencing the outcome variable. Other factors, such as weight, height, and ankle flexibility, did not demonstrate significant associations. However, it is essential to note that the regression model only takes into account a medium level of variance. Future studies may examine the potential impact of other risk factors.

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 &lt;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 &amp; 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.

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.

Five-Week, Low-Intensity Blood Flow Restriction Rowing Improves V̇ o2 max in Elite Rowers.

Held, S, Rappelt, L, Rein, R, Deutsch, J-P, Wiedenmann, T, and Donath, L. Five-week, low-intensity, blood flow restriction rowing improves V̇ o2 max in elite rowers. J Strength Cond Res 38(6): e299-e303, 2024-This controlled intervention study examined the effects of low-intensity rowing with blood flow restriction (BFR) on maximal oxygen uptake (V̇ o2 max), peak power output during ramp testing (PPO), and 2000-m time trial performance (P2k). Eleven, highly elite, male rowers (22.1 ± 1.6 years; 92.6 ± 3.8 kg; 1.93 ± 0.04 m; 7.9. ± 2.2 years rowing experience; 20.4 ± 2.0 h·w -1 training volume; 11.9 ± 1.1 session per week) trained 5 weeks without BFR (Base) followed by a 5-week BFR intervention period. BFR of the lower limb was applied through customized elastic wraps. BFR took place 3 times a week (accumulated net pBFR: 60 min·wk -1 ; occlusion per session: 2 times 10 min·session -1 ) and was used exclusively at low intensities (<2 mmol·L -1 ). V̇ o2 max, PPO, and P2k were examined before, between, and after both intervention periods. Bayesian's credible intervals revealed relevantly increased V̇ o2 max +0.30 L·min -1 (95% credible interval: +0.00 to +0.61 L·min -1 ) adaptations through BFR. By contrast, PPO +14 W (-6 to +34 W) and P2k -5 W (-14 to +3 W) were not noticeably affected by the BFR intervention. This study revealed that 15 sessions of BFR application with a cumulative total BFR load of 5 h over a 5-week macrocycle increased V̇ o2 max remarkably. Thus, pBFR might serve as a promising tool to improve aerobic capacity in highly trained elite rowers.

Impact of a short-term nitrate and citrulline co-supplementation on sport performance in elite rowers: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial.

Citrulline (CIT) and beetroot extract (BR) have separately shown benefits in rowing performance-related outcomes. However, effects of combined supplementation remain to be elucidated. The main purpose of this research was to study the effects of 1week of daily co-supplementation of 3.5g BR (500mg NO3-) plus 6g CIT on aerobic performance, maximal strength, and high-intensity power and peak stroke in elite male rowers compared to a placebo and to a BR supplementation. 20 elite rowers participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial completing 1week of supplementation in each group of study: Placebo group (PLAG); BR group (BRG); and BR + CIT group (BR-CITG). 3 main physical tests were performed: aerobic performance, Wingate test and CMJ jump, and metabolic biomarkers and physiological outcomes were collected. The Wingate all-out test showed no between-condition differences in peak power, mean power, relative power, or fatigue index (P > 0.05), but clearance of lactate was better in BR-CITG (P < 0.05). In the performance test, peak power differed only between PLAG and BR-CITG (P = 0.036), while VO2peak and maximum heart rate remained similar. CMJ jumping test results showed no between-condition differences, and blood samples were consistent (P > 0.200). Supplementation with 3.5g of BR extract plus 6g of CIT for 7days improved lactate clearance after Wingate test and peak power in a performance test. No further improvements were found, suggesting longer period of supplementation might be needed to show greater benefits.

Shifting the Energy Toward Los Angeles: Comparing the Energetic Contribution and Pacing Approach Between 2000- and 1500-m Maximal Ergometer Rowing.

To compare the energetic contribution and pacing in 2000- and 1500-m maximal rowing-ergometer performances. On separate visits (>48 h apart, random order), 18 trained junior (16.7 [0.4]y) male rowers completed 3 trials: a7 × 4-minute graded exercise test, a2000-m time trial (TT2000), and a1500-m TT (TT1500). Respiratory gases were continuously measured throughout each trial. The submaximal power-to-oxygen-consumption relationship from the graded exercise test was used to determine the accumulated oxygen deficit for each TT. Differences in mean power output (MPO), relative anaerobic contribution, percentage of peak oxygen uptake, pacing index, maximum heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and blood lactate concentration were assessed using linear mixed modeling. Compared to TT2000 (324 [24]W), MPO was 5.2% (3.3%) higher in TT1500 (341 [29W]; P < .001, ηp2=.70). There was a 4.9% (3.3%) increase (P < .001, ηp2=.71) in anaerobic contribution from 17.3% (3.3%) (TT2000) to 22.2% (4.3%) (TT1500). Compared to TT1500, maximum heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and blood lactate concentration were all greater (P < .05) in TT2000. The pacing index was not different between trials. Percentage increase in MPO from TT2000 to TT1500 was negatively associated with pacing variance in TT1500 (R2 = .269, P = .027). Maximal ergometer performance over 1500m requires a significantly greater anaerobic contribution compared with 2000m. Junior male athletes adopt a consistent pacing strategy across both distances. However, those who experienced greater percentage increases in MPO over the shorter test adopted a more even pacing strategy. To prepare for 1500-m performance, greater emphasis should be placed on developing capacity for work in thesevere domain and completing race simulations with a more even pacing strategy.

Association of cartilage metabolism biomarkers and 25(OH)D levels with muscle biomechanical functions in professional rowers and canoeists

The purpose of the study was to assess the association of cartilage metabolism biomarkers and vitamin D metabolite levels with muscle biomechanical functions in professional rowers and canoeists. The serum levels of aggrecan, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) were determined in elite male sweep-oar rowers (n = 24) and canoeists (n = 15). This was followed by a biomechanical study consisting in isometric measurement of peak torque (PT) of muscles involved in the rowing cycle in the athletes. There were found significant correlations of COMP with the ratio of trunk PT flexor to extensor (p < 0.05) and 25(OH)D with trunk PT—left rotators (p < 0.05), knee joints PT—left and right flexor (p ≤ 0.01), ratio of knee joint PT—right flexor to knee joint PT—right extensor (p < 0.05) in rowers and aggreccan with elbow joint PT of the right flexor (p ≤ 0.01) and extensor (p = 0.05) in canoeists. The correlations of COMP and aggrecan levels with PT of the muscle groups studied in rowers and canoeists indicate the importance of stabilizing the muscular system in cartilage metabolism. The relationship between 25(OH)D status and biomechanical parameters confirm that vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining skeletal muscle health.

Rowing and pain: does rowing lead to exercise-induced hypoalgesia?

Physical activity acutely alters pain processing known as exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH). This randomized controlled crossover study investigated the effects of two different rowing exercises on EIH and to explore whether possible EIH effects are related to individual rowing specific performance. Fifty male experienced rowers conducted two rowing sessions (submaximal: 30 min of moderate rowing (70% of maximum heart rate); maximal: 350 m in an all-out fashion) and a control session. Pre and post exercise pain sensitivity was measured bilaterally using pressure pain thresholds (PPT; Newton (N)) at the elbow, knee, ankle, sternum, and forehead. Individual performance was determined as maximum watt/kg and was tested for correlations with changes in PPT. Higher PPT values were observed after maximal exercise at all landmarks with a mean change ranging from 2.5±7.8N (right elbow; p=0.027; dz=0.323) to 10.0±12.2N (left knee; p≤0.001; dz=0.818). The submaximal (range from-1.6±8.8N (Sternum; p=0.205; dz=0.182) to 2.0±10.3N (right ankle; p=0.176; dz=0.194)) and control session (range from-0.5±7.6N (left elbow; p=0.627; dz=0.069) to 2.6±9.1N (right ankle; p=0.054; dz=0.279)) did not induce changes. Relative performance levels were not correlated to EIH (range from: r = -0.129 (p=0.373) at sternum to r=0.176 (p=0.221) at left knee). EIH occurred globally after a short maximal rowing exercise while no effects occurred after rowing for 30 min at submaximal intensity. EIH cannot be explained by rowing specific performance levels in experienced rowers. However, the sample may lack sufficient heterogeneity in performance levels to draw final conclusions.

Acute effects of muscle mechanical properties after 2000-m rowing in young male rowers.

The mechanical properties of muscles, such as changes in muscle tone and stiffness, are related to sports performance and injuries. Rowers are at increased risk of muscle fatigue and injury during high-repetition and heavy-load cyclic muscle actions. In view of this, the aim of the present study was to investigate the acute effect on muscle tone and stiffness, as well as bilateral muscle asymmetry, in high school rowers after a 2000-meter rowing ergometer test. Twelve young male rowers (age = 17.1 ± 0.9 years, body weight = 73.5 ± 9.7 kg) were included in the study. The data of muscle tone (frequency) and stiffness of the posterior deltoids (PD), latissimus dorsi (LD), and rectus femoris (RF) (dominant and non-dominant side) before and after a 2000-m rowing ergometer test were collected using a handheld MyotonPRO device. After the rowing ergometer test, the muscle tone of dominant side PD, LD, and RF were significantly increased (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the muscle stiffness of the non-dominant side LD and RF, as well as the dominant side PD, LD, and RF were significantly increased after the rowing ergometer test (p < 0.05). The muscle tone and stiffness results showed that the dominant side PD, LD, and RF were all significantly higher than the non-dominant side after the rowing ergometer test (p < 0.05), where bilateral PD and RF exhibits moderate asymmetry (5% < symmetry index < 10%). After a high-intensity and high-load 2000-m rowing ergometer test, PD, LD, and RF showed increases in muscle tone and stiffness, as well as changes in the symmetry of bilateral muscle mechanical properties.

Effect of whole-body cryotherapy on recovery after high-intensity training in elite rowers.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) on acute recovery after a single high-intensity training day. Twelve elite professional male rowers from the national aquatic training base. They were randomly divided into a WBC group (n = 6) and a control group (CON group, n = 6). They performed a high-intensity training program, with a single session immediately followed by WBC (-110°C, 3min) or recovered naturally for 3min (CON group). Rowing performance, skin temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and blood lactate concentrations were recorded before training, immediately, 5min, and 15min after the intervention. Blood samples were collected early in the morning of the day of intervention and that of the following day. The results indicated that 1) the blood lactate concentrations after WBC were significantly lower than pre-training (p < 0.05); 2) the maximum power significantly decreased immediately after WBC compared to pre-training (p < 0.05); 3) a significant main effect of time was observed for average speed, which significantly decreased after WBC (p < 0.05); 4) a significant main effect of time for blood parameters was observed. Specifically, hematocrit, cortisol, and hemoglobin were significantly lower after WBC than pre-intervention, whereas testosterone/cortisol was significantly higher than pre-intervention (p < 0.05). The results of this study showed that a single session of WBC had a positive effect on accelerating the elimination of blood lactate after HIT, but did not significantly change rowing performance and physiological parameters. A single session of WBC was not an effective strategy for elite rowers for acute recovery after HIT.

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.