Male Rowers Research Articles

Foot force production and asymmetries in elite rowers

The rowing stroke is a leg-driven action, in which forces developed by the lower limbs provide a large proportion of power delivered to the oars. In terms of both performance and injury, it is important to initiate each stroke with powerful and symmetrical loading of the foot stretchers. The aims of this study were to assess the reliability of foot force measured by footplates developed for the Concept2 indoor ergometer and to examine the magnitude and symmetry of bilateral foot forces in different groups of rowers. Five heavyweight female scullers, six heavyweight female sweep rowers, and six lightweight male (LWM) rowers performed an incremental step test on the Concept2 ergometer. Vertical, horizontal, and resultant forces were recorded bilaterally, and asymmetries were quantified using the absolute symmetry index. Foot force was measured with high consistency (coefficient of multiple determination>0.976 ± 0.010). Relative resultant, vertical, and horizontal forces were largest in LWM rowers, whilst average foot forces significantly increased across stroke rates for all three groups of rowers. Asymmetries ranged from 5.3% for average resultant force to 28.9% for timing of peak vertical force. Asymmetries were not sensitive to stroke rate or rowing group, however, large inter-subject variability in asymmetries was evident.

Association of the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism in Polish rowers

AbstractThe ACTN3 R577X polymorphism has been associated with an elite athlete status. Several studies have determined that the R allele is connected with power-oriented athletic performance, whereas the nonfunctional XX genotype may give some beneficial effect for endurance performance. The main aim of the study was to determine the possible interaction between the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism and an endurance athlete status in a group of Polish rowers in comparison with sedentary individuals.121 male Polish rowers, members of academic sports clubs, and 115 unrelated volunteers were recruited for the study. Genotyping for the R577X variant was performed by PCR-RFLP.The genotype distribution amongst the rowers (52.06% RR, 38.85% RX, 9.09% XX) was significantly different from that amongst sedentary individuals (RR-33.5%; RX- 49.60%; XX-17,35%; P = 0.024). A significant excess of the R allele was noted in the rowers (71.48%, P = 0.008) when comparing with the controls (60.0%).The obtained results show that the ACTN3 X allele and XX genotype are underrepresented in Polish rowers and they are not advantageous for the endurance-type athletes in the studied population. On the contrary, the R allele seems to be useful for a top-level rower. However, additional studies are needed to clarify this problem.

Are changes in HSPA1A, HSPB1 and LDHb genes expression during physical performance ”till exhaustion” independent of their exercise possibility?

AbstractBackground: The aim of the study was to designate changes in the expression of HSPA1A, HSPB1 and LDHb in elite rowers after completing a test “till exhaustion” on a rowing ergometer. Finally, we searched for the answer whether there are significant correlations between the expression of the genes and anaerobic threshold (AnT) or the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max).Material/Methods: The research was conducted on the sample of 9 Polish lightweight male rowers (23.7 ±3.77 yrs, 72.7 ±1.76 kg, 183.6 ±4.58 cm). To determine AnT and VO2max, the subjects performed the test “till exhaustion” with an increasing load on a rowing ergometer. Directly before and after the test, blood samples were collected from the ulnar vein in order to isolate genetic material. RNA was extracted from white cells of venous blood by the chemical method. 2 μg RNA for the reverse transcription was used and the expression of HSPA1A, HSPB1 and LDHb was determined by Real time PCR reaction. To assess the intensity of expression, the ΔΔCt method was used.Results: The study showed an increased expression of HSPA1A and HSPB1 and a decreased one of LDHb. Moreover, post-training changes of the genes activity in white blood cells occurred immediately and could be determined directly after the termination of exertion.Conclusions: No significant correlations between the expression of the genes and anaerobic threshold (AnT), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) were stated

Effect of moderate and high intensity training sessions on cardiopulmonary chemosensitivity and time-based characteristics of response in high performance rowers

AbstractThe present study was performed to clarify fatigue-induced effects of a strenuous and moderate intensity endurance training session on temporary changes of cardiopulmonary (CP) chemosensitivity and fast kinetics response.Eleven high performance (national level) male rowers participated in this study [age 21.8 ±1.7 (range 18-25 years), 89.3 ±2.0 kg, 190.1 ±1.7 cm, VO2 max 67.9 ±1.1 ml·kg-1·min-1]. The studies involved three steps: 1) a study of effects related to a training session of moderate intensity, 2) effects of a high intensity session, and 3) an impact of a high intensity session on values of peak response. The high intensity session consisted of intermittent training loads made up of five sets of four repetitions of sixty-second work intervals (HR of 149-186 bt·min-1). The moderate intensity session consisted of unvarying type of exercise (HR of 138-167 bt·min-1). Measurements were made at rest before, 13-15, and 37-39 hours after the training session. In rebreathing tests ventilatory sensitivity to COWe found that a training session of high intensity resulted in a significant decrease in sensitivity to hypercapnia, an increase in CP sensitivity to hypoxia, a decrease in CP fast kinetics and stability of peak response 13-15 hours after the session vs. baseline. Mean power in a 6-min maximum test decreased, which was mainly determined by a decrease in mean power during the first 3 min and utilization of VO2max for a 6-min test. Moderate intensity of a training session resulted in an increase in ventilatory sensitivity to hypercapnia whereas sensitivity CP to hypoxia and fast kinetics remained unaffected.These results suggest that not only CP chemosensitivity to hypoxia but also CP chemosensitivity to hypercapnia are variable in high intensity endurance training. The variability related to the effect of fatigue in the recovery phase (up to 15-15 hours) after strenuous training sessions.

The Effect of Variable Doses of Inorganic Nitrate-Rich Beetroot Juice on Simulated 2000-m Rowing Performance in Trained Athletes

Beetroot juice is a naturally rich source of inorganic nitrate (NO(3-)), a compound hypothesized to enhance endurance performance by improving exercise efficiency. To investigate the effect of different doses of beetroot juice on 2000-m ergometer-rowing performance in highly trained athletes. Ten highly trained male rowers volunteered to participate in a placebo-controlled, double-blinded crossover study. Two hours before undertaking a 2000-m rowing-ergometer test, subjects consumed beetroot juice containing 0 mmol (placebo), 4.2 mmol (SINGLE), or 8.4 mmol (DOUBLE) NO(3-). Blood samples were taken before supplement ingestion and immediately before the rowing test for analysis of plasma [NO(3-)] and [nitrite (NO(2-))]. The SINGLE dose demonstrated a trivial effect on time to complete 2000 m compared with placebo (mean difference: 0.2 ± 2.5 s). A possibly beneficial effect was found with DOUBLE compared with SINGLE (mean difference -1.8 ± 2.1 s) and with placebo (-1.6 ± 1.6 s). Plasma [NO(2-)] and [NO(3-)] demonstrated a dose-response effect, with greater amounts of ingested nitrate leading to substantially higher concentrations (DOUBLE > SINGLE > placebo). There was a moderate but insignificant correlation (r = -.593, P = .055) between change in plasma [NO(2-)] and performance time. Compared with nitratedepleted beetroot juice, a high (8.4 mmol NO(3-)) but not moderate (4.2 mmol NO(3-)) dose of NO(3-) in beetroot juice, consumed 2 h before exercise, may improve 2000-m rowing performance in highly trained athletes.

Assessing Prevalence of Eating Disorders and Eating Disorder Symptoms Among Lightweight and Open Weight Collegiate Rowers

Athletes in sports with weight requirements may be especially vulnerable to eating disorders (EDs), yet there is limited research regarding collegiate rowers. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine prevalence rates of ED symptoms in 133 male and female competitive collegiate rowers in lightweight and open weight programs. This is the first study to examine eating pathology in rowers using a diagnostic tool based on DSM-IV criteria, the Q-EDD; and examining ED symptoms using the EDI-2 (drive for thinness [DT] and body dissatisfaction [BD]). The majority of rowers were classified as symptomatic (n = 65; 49%) or clinical (n = 5; 4%). Lightweight rowers had a significantly higher prevalence of eating pathology and a significantly greater DT and BD than open weight rowers. Males had considerably higher prevalence of eating pathology than females, but females had significantly greater BD. Ongoing monitoring of rowers’ eating behaviors is highly encouraged. Implications for counseling and prevention are discussed.

Self-reported prevalence, pain intensity and risk factors of low back pain in adolescent rowers

The primary objective of this study was to determine the lifetime and point prevalence of low back pain, the related pain intensity and the rowing-related aggravating factors for low back pain in adolescent rowers who participated in school-level competitions. The secondary objective was to determine whether between-gender differences existed in these data. Retrospective cross-sectional survey 130 adolescent male and 235 adolescent female rowers aged between 14 and 16 years were recruited in this study. Participants completed a questionnaire to determine their lifetime and point prevalence of low back pain, their pain intensity and rowing-related factors that aggravated their low back pain. A high lifetime and point prevalence of low back pain were found in both adolescent male (93.8% and 64.6%, respectively) and female (77.9% and 52.8%, respectively) rowers. A significant between-gender difference was reported for both statistics (p<0.001). A significantly lower (p=0.003) level of pain intensity via a visual analog scale was found for males (4.1/10) when compared to females (5.0/10). Similar rowing-related aggravating factors were reported by males and females although fewer males reported that lifting the rowing shell aggravated their low back pain. A high lifetime and point prevalence of low back pain was reported by the adolescent rowers recruited in this study. While a greater proportion of adolescent male rowers reported low back pain, they reported a lower intensity of pain when compared to their female counterparts. Coaches, clinicians and rowers should be made aware of these findings such that future research and development can focus on promoting pain management strategies in this sport.

Effects of 6-week Handgrip Strengthening on the Rowing Performance of Young Male Oarsmen

LANGUAGE NOTE | Document text in English; abstract also in Chinese.&#x0D; The purposes of this study were to investigate (1) the contribution of the different muscular strength to the performance of 30-second indoor rowing maximal test (30-sec Test) and 6-minute indoor rowing all-out test (6-min Test); and (2) the effects of 6-week handgrip strength training on the performance of 30-secTest and 6-minTest. Twenty young male rowers (age: 14.7±1.2years, height: 172.4±7.7cm, weight: 66.3±8.9kg) were randomized (n=10) into the experimental and control groups. The experimental group performed 3 sets of 12 Repetition Maximum barbell wrist curl training 3 times per week for 6 weeks. A series of tests for muscular strength and the two rowing performances were carried out Pre and Post the training period. The results of 30-secTest was significant correlated with the sum of left and right handgrip strength (HGS) (r = .76 - .78; p&lt;.01) and the leg and back strength (LBS) (r = .65 -. 66; p&lt;.05). Significant correlation was recorded between the performance of 6-minTest and the LBS (r=.84; p&lt;.01), but not with the HGS. Results of a paired t-test show that only the HGS improved significantly in the experimental group with an overall improvement of 9.6% (p&lt;.05) but produced no significant changes in the performance of 30-sec Test and 6-minTest.&#x0D; 本研究探討：(1)身體不同部位的肌力分別對30秒賽艇機極速測試(30秒測試)和6分鐘的賽艇機測試(6分鐘測試)表現之關係；(2) 在接受6星期手握力訓練後分別對30秒測試和6分鐘測試之表現的影響。採用實驗研究法，隨機將20位男子賽艇學員分為實驗組和對照組。結果表明：(1)腳和腰的肌力與雙手握力總和在30秒測試表現有直接關係。(2)只有腳和腰的肌力與6分鐘測試表現有直接相關。另外，實驗組經過6星期手握力訓練後，雙手握力總和明顯增加了接近一成，但分別對30秒測試和6分鐘測試表現沒有顯注的提高。

Sagittal plane motion of the lumbar spine during ergometer and single scull rowing

Lumbar spine injury in rowers is common and ergometer rowing has been cited as a risk factor for this injury. The purpose of this study is to compare lumbar kinematics between ergometer and single scull rowing and to examine the effect of fatigue on kinematics. The sagittal lumbar spine motion of 19 elite male rowers (lumbar spine injury free in the previous six months) was measured with an electrogoniometer during a ‘step test’ on an ergometer and in a single sculling boat. Maximum range of lumbar flexion was recorded in standing for reference. Power output and heart rate were recorded during the ergometer tests. Heart rate was used as a surrogate for power output in the sculling test. Maximum lumbar flexion increased during the step test and was significantly greater on the ergometer (4.4° ± 0.9°change), compared with the boat (+1.3° ± 1.1°change), (3.1°difference, p = 0.035). Compared to the voluntary range of motion, there is an increase of 11.3% (ergometer) and 4.1% (boat). Lumbar spine flexion increases significantly during the course of an ergometer trial while changes in a sculling boat were minimal. Such differences may contribute to the recent findings linking ergometer use to lower-back injury.

A Common Polymorphism of the MCT1 Gene and Athletic Performance

In red skeletal muscle, monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) is required for lactate to enter the myocytes for oxidation. The A1470T polymorphism (rs1049434) in the MCT1 gene was shown to be associated with lactate transport rates in human skeletal muscles. The aim of the study was to compare genotype and allele frequencies of the MCT1 gene polymorphism in 323 Russian athletes and 467 nonathletic controls and to investigate the association of the MCT1 gene A1470T polymorphism with maximal oxygen consumption and maximal lactate concentration in rowers (n = 79). Genotyping for the A1470T MCT1 polymorphism was performed by PCR-RFLP method. Physiological measurements of 79 Russian rowers of national competitive standard were determined during an incremental test to exhaustion on a rowing ergometer. Frequencies of the A allele (71.8% vs 62.5%, P < .0001) and AA genotype (59.8% vs 39.4%, P < .0001) were significantly higher in endurance-oriented athletes (n = 142) than in the control group. Mean blood lactate concentration was higher in male rowers with the T allele (AT+TT 10.26 ± 1.89 mmol/L, AA 8.75 ± 1.69 mmol/L, P = .005). MCT1 gene A1470T polymorphism is associated with endurance athlete status and blood lactate level after intensive exercise.

Effect of Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation on 2000-m Rowing Performance

The ability to buffer H+ could be vital to exercise performance, as high concentrations of H+ contribute to the development of fatigue. The authors examined the effect of sodium bicarbonate (SB) supplementation on 2000-m rowing-ergometer performance. Twenty male rowers (age 23 ± 4 y, height 1.85 ± 0.08 m, mass 82.5 ± 8.9 kg, 2000-m personal-best time 409 ± 16 s) completed two 2000-m rowing-ergometer time trials, separated by 48 h. Participants were supplemented before exercise with 0.3 g/kg body mass of SB or a placebo (maltodextrin; PLA). The trials were conducted using a double-blinded, randomized, counterbalanced crossover study design. Time to complete the 2000-m and time taken for each 500-m split were recorded. Blood lactate, bicarbonate, pH, and base excess were determined preexercise, immediately postexercise, and 5 min postexercise. Performance data were analyzed using paired t tests, as well as magnitude-based inferences; hematological data were analyzed using a repeated-measures ANOVA. Using paired t tests, there was no benefit of SB over PLA (P = .095). However, using magnitude-based inferences there was a likely beneficial effect of SB compared with PLA (PLA 412.0 ± 15.1 s, SB 410.7 ± 14.9 s). Furthermore, SB was 0.5 ± 1.2 s faster than PLA in the third 500 m (P = .035; possibly beneficial) and 1.1 ± 1.7 s faster in the fourth 500 m (P = .004; very likely beneficial). All hematological data were different between SB and PLA and were different from preexercise to postexercise. SB supplementation is likely to be beneficial to the performance of those competing in 2000-m rowing events, particularly in the second half of the event.

The impact of low intensity specific and nonspecific strength-endurance training on submaximal work capacity in trained male rowers

The aim of the current study was to compare the effects of general strength endurance and specific strength endurance training cycle to rowing performance in highly trained male rowers. Twelve international and national level male rowers (21.25±1.76 years; height 188.3±4.92 cm; body mass 84.07±5.61 kg; training experience 7.38±2.70 years) took part in this investigation. The first group (n=6) performed low intensity strength endurance trainings using rowing ergometer for specific exercises (Specific group; S), and the second group (n=6) trained for strength endurance without rowing ergometer (Gymgroup; G). The experimental period lasted for four weeks. Stepwise incremental test was performed on the Concept II rowing ergometer (Morrisville, USA) before the first training week. After incremental ergometer test, subjects performed a constant 95% of Pa max test until exhaustion. This test was done 24 hours after incremental test and was performed before Week 1 and after Week 4. The stroke rates of the 95% Pa max test were not significantly different (p>0.05) between the two groups during both testing sessions. Despite the fact that both groups improved their 95% Pa max test results, no significant differences between the groups were found (p>0.05). However, test result was significantly improved only in G group (from 362±108 to 416.5±133 s), while no significant changes were observed in 95% Pa max test result in S group (from 372.8±132.3 to 442.3±153.1 s). No other significant differences were observed either between the two groups or between the two testing sessions (p>0.05). In conclusion, a 4 week non-specific strength endurance training program has an advantage over the specific strength endurance training on rowing ergometer in developing aerobic capacity in male rowers.

Variation in the HIF1A Gene in Elite Rowers

The transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF1) is one of the key regulators of cellular metabolism. The aim of this study was to analyze the possible importance of the HIF1A Pro582Ser polymorphisms in rowing. One hundred twenty-seven male Polish rowers (both former and current competitors) were recruited for this study. Genotyping was carried out by polymerase chain reaction. Significance was assessed by Chi-square (χ(2)) analysis. The results obtained revealed that frequency of the HIF1A Pro/Ser genotype (32.28 vs. 18.91%; p = 0.006) and Ser allele (16.93 vs. 10.00%; p = 0.01) were significantly higher in the rowers compared with those in controls. The results obtained confirm the significance of the HIF1A gene as a useful genetic marker in rowing. This kind of information would presumably be applicable in a program to search for the most predisposed individuals and also in the planning of training programs.

The effect of rowing to exhaustion on frontal plane angular changes in the lumbar spine of elite rowers

Lumbar spine injury is common in rowers and examination of spinal kinematics may improve the understanding of this injury's prevalence. This study aimed to examine the range of frontal plane angular displacement (AD) in the lumbar spine at L3 during ergometer rowing and to investigate the effect of exhaustion on lumbar kinematics. Twelve elite male rowers completed an incremental test on a Concept 2 ergometer. Lumbar AD at L3 was measured continually throughout the rowing trial using a Spectrotilt Inclinometer and blood lactate was sampled at 3-minute intervals. AD of between 4.7° and 8.8° was recorded at L3. There was a significant increase in AD between the first and last stage of the test (mean increase = 4.1 ± 1.94°, 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 2.9 to 5.3°, t = 7.36, P = 0.000014). Incremental rise in AD was associated with an incremental rise in blood lactate but regression confirmed that only stroke rate was a significant predictor for increasing angle. Thus there is a statistically significant increase in frontal plane AD at L3 over the course of an incremental exercise test although it cannot be confirmed if this is as a result of exhaustion. The values of AD confirm that there is motion in the frontal plane in ergometer rowing.

Consistency of Pacing and Metabolic Responses During 2000-m Rowing Ergometry

This study investigated the pacing strategy adopted and the consistency of performance and related physiological parameters across three 2000-m rowing-ergometer tests. Fourteen male well-trained rowers took part in the study. Each participant performed three 2000-m rowing-ergometer tests interspersed by 3-7 d. Throughout the trials, respiratory exchange and heart rate were recorded and power output and stroke rate were analyzed over each 500 m of the test. At the completion of the trial, assessments of blood lactate and rating of perceived exertion were measured. Ergometer performance was unchanged across the 3 trials; however, pacing strategy changed from trial 1, which featured a higher starting power output and more progressive decrease in power, to trials 2 and 3, which were characterized by a more conservative start and an end spurt with increased power output during the final 500 m. Mean typical error (TE; %) across the three 2000-m trials was 2.4%, and variability was low to moderate for all assessed physiological variables (TE range = 1.4-5.1%) with the exception of peak lactate (TE = 11.5%). Performance and physiological responses during 2000-m rowing ergometry were found to be consistent over 3 trials. The variations observed in pacing strategy between trial 1 and trials 2 and 3 suggest that a habituation trial is required before an intervention study and that participants move from a positive to a reverse-J-shaped strategy, which may partly explain conflicting reports in the pacing strategy exhibited during 2000-m rowing-ergometer trials.

All for One and One for All! Disparity Between Overall Crew’s and Individual Rowers’ Pacing Strategies During Rowing

This study examined individual contributions to overall pacing strategy during 2- and 5-km rowing trials in a coxless-4 boat. A crew of 4 male rowers performed maximal-effort on-water trials over 2 and 5 km, and power output during every individual stroke was measured for each crew member. Mean overall boat and individual rower stroke power were calculated for each 25% epoch (25% of total strokes taken), and power for each individual epoch was calculated as a percentage of mean power maintained over the entire distance. The coefficient of variation was used to determine stroke-to-stroke and epoch-to-epoch variability for individual rowers and the overall boat. In both trials, the overall pacing strategy consisted of a high power output in the initial 25% that decreased in the middle 50% and increased again in the final 25%. However, individual rower data indicate wide variation in individual power profiles that did not always mimic the overall boat profile. This study demonstrates that overall boat power profiles during 2- and 5-km rowing trials are similar to velocity profiles previously reported for individual ergometry and on-water racing events. However, this overall profile is achieved despite considerable variation in individual rower profiles. Further research is warranted to determine the mechanisms through which individual contributions to overall pacing strategy are regulated and the effectiveness or otherwise of seemingly disparate individual strategies on overall performance.

Gender Differences in Trunk and Pelvic Kinematics During Prolonged Ergometer Rowing in Adolescents

The trunk and pelvis kinematics of 20 healthy male and female adolescent rowers were recorded during an ergometer trial using an electromagnetic tracking system (Fastrak). The kinematics of each drive phase were collected during the 1st and 20th minute, respectively. The mean and range of the kinematics, stroke rate and stroke length were compared between genders and over time. Male rowers postured their pelvis with more posterior tilt and their thoracic spine in more flexion than female rowers (P < .05). Both genders postured their pelvis in more posterior pelvic rotation and upper trunk in more flexion over time. Male rowers were found to have a significantly shorter drive phase than female rowers (P = .001). Differences in trunk and pelvic kinematics between adolescent male and female rowers suggest potentially various mechanisms for biomechanical stress. Assessment and training of rowers should take gender differences into consideration.

Dietary Nitrate Supplementation Improves Rowing Performance in Well-Trained Rowers

Increased plasma nitrate concentrations from dietary sources of nitrate have proven to benefit exercise performance. Beetroot (BR) contains relatively high levels of nitrate (NO₃⁻), which increases nitric oxide stores. This study investigated whether dietary nitrate supplementation, in the form of a BR beverage, would improve rowing performance during ergometer repetitions. In a randomized crossover design, 14 well-trained junior male rowers consumed 500 ml of either BR or placebo (PL) daily for 6 d. After supplementation, rowers completed 6 maximal 500-m ergometer repetitions and times were recorded. A 7-d washout period separated the 2 trials. Blood pressure, oxygen saturation, maximum heart rate, urine (specific gravity, pH, and nitrites), and lactates were collected for analysis at baseline and pre- and postperformance. Changes in the mean with 95% confidence limits were calculated. There was a likely benefit to average repetition time in the BR condition, compared with PL (0.4%, 95% confidence limits, ± 1.0%). In particular, Repetitions 4-6 showed an almost certain benefit in rowing time on BR (1.7%, 95% CL, ± 1.0%). The underlying mechanism for the observed results remains unknown, as differences observed in rowers' physiological measures between the 2 conditions were unclear. Conclusively, nitrate supplementation in the form of BR juice resulted in improved maximal rowing-ergometer repetitions, particularly in the later stages of exercise.

ACTN3 R577X polymorphism in top-level Polish rowers

The first evidence that a mononucleotide difference in DNA sequence was associated with power ability referred to the R577X polymorphism of the ACTN3 gene, where translation (C > T) at nucleotide position 1747 in the ACTN3 coding sequence converts an arginine (R) to a stop codon (X) at residue 577. In the present study, DNA polymorphism derived from the ACTN3 gene was studied in Polish rowers to examine the hypothesis that the ACTN3 genotype is associated with athletic performance. The study involved 80 male Polish rowers of a nationally competitive standard and 204 unrelated volunteers for controls. Genotype distribution among the whole group of athletes (53.8% RR, 38.8% RX, 7.4 XX% DD) was significantly different to that among controls (36.3% RR, 46.1% RX, 17.6%; p = 0.01). When only elite rowers were considered, p value for genotype distribution (56.8% RR, 37.8% RX, 5.4% XX) was 0.03. The genotype distribution among nonelite rowers (52.2% RR, 39.1% RX, 8.7% XX) was not significantly different to that among controls (p = 0.09). A significant excess of the 577R allele was noted in the whole cohort of rowers (73.11%, p = 0.002). This trend was similar when comparing with the controls (59.3%) the allele frequency in elite rowers (75.7%, p = 0.007) and nonelite rowers (71.7%, p = 0.026). In conclusion, our results are contrary to the hypothesis that the ACTN3 577X allele may have some beneficial effect on endurance performance in rowing. On the contrary, the ACTN3 RX or RR genotypes seem to be a requirement for being an elite rower, therefore, identification of ACTN3 polymorphism as a genetic marker for rowing talent should be interpreted with great caution.

Warm-Up Intensity and Duration’s Effect on Traditional Rowing Time-Trial Performance

The warm-up procedure in traditional rowing usually involves continuous low-intensity rowing and short bouts of intense exercise, lasting about 60 min. To compare the effects of a traditional and an experimental 30-min warm-up of lower intensity on indoor rowing time-trial performance. Fourteen highly trained male rowers (age 25.9 ± 5.3 y, height 1.86 ± 0.06 m, mass 80.4 ± 5.2 kg, peak aerobic power 352.0 ± 24.4 W; mean ± SD) performed 2 indoor rowing trials 12 d apart. Rowers were randomly assigned to either LONG or SHORT warm-ups using a crossover design, each followed by a 10-min all-out fixed-seat rowing-ergometer time trial. Mean power output during the time trial was substantially higher after SHORT (322 ± 18 vs 316 ± 17 W), with rowers generating substantially more power in the initial 7.5 min of the time trial after SHORT. LONG elicited substantially higher mean warm-up heart rate than SHORT (134 ± 11 vs 121 ± 13 beats/min), higher pre-time-trial rating of perceived exertion (10.2 ± 1.4 vs 7.6 ± 1.7) and blood lactate (1.7 ± 0.4 mM vs 1.2 ± 0.2 mM), but similar heart rate (100 ± 14 vs 102 ± 9 beats/min). No substantial differences were observed between LONG and SHORT in stroke rate (39.4 ± 2.0 vs 39.4 ± 2.2 strokes/min) or mean heart rate (171 ± 6 vs 171 ± 8 beats/min) during the time trial, nor in blood lactate after it (11.8 ± 2.5 vs 12.1 ± 2.0 mM). A warm-up characterized by lower intensity and shorter duration should elicit less physiological strain and promote substantially higher power production in the initial stages of a rowing time trial.