Male Rowers Research Articles

Changes in stress and recovery after heavy training in rowers

In this study, the effect of rapidly increased training volume on performance, recovery-stress state and stress hormones over a six-day training camp were investigated in competitive male rowers (n=21). The training regimen consisted mainly of low-intensity on-water rowing and resistance training, in total 19.6+/-3.8 hrs, corresponding to approximately 100% increase in training load. Two thousand metre rowing ergometer performance time worsened by the end of a heavy training period. The resting blood testosterone decreased and cortisol remained unchanged. The Recovery-Stress-Questionnaire for Athletes (RESTQ-Sport) revealed an increase in somatic components of stress (Fatigue, Somatic Complaints, Fitness/Injury) and a decrease in recovery factors (Success, Social Relaxation, Sleep Quality, Being in Shape, Self-Efficacy). Relationships were observed between training volume, and Fatigue (r=0.49), Somatic Complaints (r=0.50) and Sleep Quality (r=-0.58) at the end of heavy training. In addition, relationships were also observed between cortisol and Fatigue (r=0.48) at the end of heavy training as well as between changes in cortisol and changes in Fatigue (r=0.57) and Social Stress (r=0.51). In conclusion, changes in specific stress and recovery scales of the RESTQ-Sport for athletes and changes in stress hormone values indicated a state of heavy training stress and incomplete recovery at the end of a six-day heavy training period.

Can functional electric stimulation-assisted rowing reproduce a race-winning rowing stroke?

Halliday SE, Zavatsky AB, Hase K. Can functional electric stimulation-assisted rowing reproduce a race-winning rowing stroke? Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004;85:1265–72. Objective To compare the ergometer rowing technique of a person with spinal cord injury (SCI), using functional electric stimulation (FES) of his leg muscles, with that of a well-defined group of able-bodied rowers. Design Whole-body kinematics and kinetics and electric activity of selected muscles were measured during ergometer rowing. Setting A hospital-based motion analysis laboratory. Participants Five male university varsity-level rowers and 1 male rower with SCI. Interventions Eight rowing trials were collected on the university-level rowers, 2 trials each at 20, 24, 28, and 32 strokes/min. The rower with SCI had surface electrodes applied to his medial hamstrings and medial quadriceps muscle bellies. The electrodes were attached to a stimulator that was activated using a button in the ergometer handle. The subject with SCI rowed at a self-selected stroke rate. Main outcome measures Forces at the ergometer handle and foot cradle, 3-dimensional whole-body kinematics, net joint moments, and phasic activity of muscles. Results Motion of the arms, ankles, and knees of the rower with SCI was similar to those of the university-level rowers; other joint motions and forces applied to the ergometer differed. Conclusions FES-assisted rowing in its current implementation cannot reproduce a race-winning rowing stroke. Further development work is required.

A Comparison of Rowing Technique at Different Stroke Rates: A Description of Sequencing, Force Production and Kinematics

Low back pain is the commonest musculoskeletal complaint in rowers. Research into the relationship between rowing technique, the forces generated during the rowing stroke and the kinematics of spinal motion are increasing, but to date none have investigated the impact of different rowing intensities on this relationship. A technique has been developed using an electromagnetic motion system and strain gauge instrumented load cell to measure spinal and pelvic motion and force generated at the handle during rowing on an exercise rowing ergometer. Using this technique ten collegiate male rowers (mean age 22.1+/-2.8 years) from local rowing clubs were investigated. The test protocol consisted of rowing on an ergometer at three different stroke ratings; 17-20 strokes per minute; 24-28 strokes per minute; and 28-36 strokes per minute. Each rating was held for four minutes, with a five-minute rest between each rating. Marked changes in the force output curve and lumbopelvic kinematics were observed at the different rowing intensities. Although there was no change in the magnitude of peak torque generated during the different rating, there was a marked shift in when this occurred during the stroke. In terms of kinematic changes, these centred around changes in pelvic rotation at the catch and finish stages of the stroke with significantly less anterior rotation occurring at the catch position at higher rowing intensities. To conclude, this study suggests that rowing kinematics and force profiles do change at higher rowing intensities. These changes may be an important factor with respect to injury mechanisms, however, further work is required at an elite level.

T-wave and heart rate variability changes to assess training in world-class athletes.

A decrease of electrocardiographic T-wave voltage with increasing training loads has been reported in elite endurance athletes and ascribed to training-related adaptation in sympathetic activity to the ventricles. A switch from vagal to sympathetic predominance in sino-atrial node regulation on going from low to peak training load has been reported in world-class rowers. In this study on world-class endurance athletes, we tested the hypothesis that training-induced variations in T-wave amplitude at higher training loads are paralleled by changes in HR spectral profile. We studied eight male rowers of the Italian national team in the season culminating with the Rowing World Championship. Athletes were evaluated at 50 and 100% of training load, approximately 20 d before the World Championship, and during the World Championship, when the intensity was markedly reduced. We assessed T-wave maximum amplitude in chest lead V6 and cardiac autonomic regulation by power spectral analysis of R-R interval variability. The increase in training load from 50 to 100% was accompanied by a significant decrease in high frequency and a significant increase in low-frequency R-R variability (in normalized units) with a concomitant significant decrease in T-wave amplitude (microV). Reduction in training load during the World Championship resulted in a return of spectral profile to the level observed at 50% training load and in a partial recovery of T-wave amplitude. HR did not change significantly. In high-performance world-class athletes, training load simultaneously affects both ventricular repolarization and HR variability patterns possibly through variations in cardiac sympathetic modulation to the ventricles and the sino-atrial node. Information on concomitant changes in ventricular repolarization and autonomic cardiac regulation might be employed to tailor training protocols of elite athletes.

The Relationship Between Heart Rate Variability and Maximal Oxygen Uptake in Elite Male Rowers

1430 Heart rate variability (HRV) has become a widely used tool for assessing the autonomic responses of the heart during various physiological and clinical conditions. PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between HRV and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) in elite male rowers. METHODS: Twelve male elite rowers were recruited to this study (18.7 ± 1.6years?190.8 ± 4.8cm?84.4 ± 7.3kg). The VO2 max test was conducted on a rowing ergometer (CONCEPT II) with an initial load of 20 stroke frequency (SF)/min. Two SF were added every 3 minutes until volitional fatigue. Heart rate, VO2, VCO2, RQ, O2-pluse, VE were recorded at 10-s interval using the CORTEX Biophysik MetaMax Portable CPX system. The measurement of HRV was based on the frequency domain analysis by calculating the power density spectrum using the fast Fourier algorithm. The parameters observed included Total Variability (TV.rri), Low Frequency (LF.rri), High Frequency (HF.rri), and LF/HF. All data were processed with SPSS 10.0 and Microsoft Excel. RESULTS: The results showed that VO2 max of the male rowers was 5.18 ± 0.42 L/min, whereas TV.rri, LFrri, HFrri, and LF/HF were 5360.1 ± 3883, 1330.9 ± 1382, 2215.6 ± 2454, and 0.838 ± 0.46, respectively. Significant positive correlation(P<0.01) was found between VO2 max and TV.rri in the subjects (r = 0.74). Similar result was observed between VO2 max and LF.rri (P<0.05; r = 0.666). In addition, there were no correlations between VO2 max and both HF.rri and LF/HF. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that: 1) the elite male rowers had a high aerobic capacity and an increased HRV responses; 2) the autonomic nervous system is important in determining performance in endurance exercise of rowers; 3) the HRV profile of rowers may be an important indicator for monitoring their long-term training effects. This regular long-term stimulus is required in order to achieve a higher VO2 max value

The Effects of Resistance Exercise on Metabolic Responses to Subsequent Aerobic Exercise

2378 Resistance and aerobic exercise are often completed during the same training session, however the acute effects of resistance training on the metabolic response to aerobic exercise has not been thoroughly investigated. PURPOSE: This investigation examined the effects of resistance training on heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO2), minute ventilation (VE), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and blood lactate responses to subsequent aerobic exercise. METHODS: 13 male collegiate rowers (age 20.5 ± 1.0 yr.; height 182.1 ± 7.9 cm.; body weight 82.9 ± 1.2 kg; body fat 7.7 ± 2.9 %; VO2max 60.4 ± 3.6 ml·kg−1·min−1) completed two submaximal exercise trials conducted seven days apart in random order. The aerobic only trial (A) required subjects to complete 20 minutes of treadmill running at a speed and grade approximating 65% of their VO2max. The resistance/aerobic trial (RA) required subjects to complete an identical bout of aerobic exercise immediately after completing a standard 50-min resistance training bout working all the major muscle groups (6 exercises, 3 sets of 10 reps at 70% 1-RM). HR, VO2, VE, RER and lactate were assessed during aerobic exercise at minutes 10 and 20. RESULTS: Heart rate was higher (p < 0.05) during RA than A at minutes 10 (161.5 ± 8.9 vs. 152.5 ± 10.5 bpm) and 20 (163.4 ± 9.9 vs. 159.0 ± 9.4 bpm). VO2 was higher (p < 0.05) during RA than A at minutes 10 (42.1 ± 4.1 vs. 40.9 ± 3.8 ml·kg−1·min−1) and 20 (42.1 ± 4.2 vs 41.2 ± 3.8 ml·kg−1·min−1). VE was higher (p < 0.05) during RA compared to A at minute 10 (80.1 ± 8.6 vs. 75.9 ± 7.6 L/min). RER was lower (p< 0.05) during RA compared to A at minute 10 (0.87 ± .03 vs. 0.90 ± .03) CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the metabolic responses to aerobic exercise are altered when it is completed immediately after resistance training. This may be an important consideration for individuals who require precise exercise prescriptions.

The Effects of Resistance Exercise on Metabolic Responses to Subsequent Aerobic Exercise

2378 Resistance and aerobic exercise are often completed during the same training session, however the acute effects of resistance training on the metabolic response to aerobic exercise has not been thoroughly investigated. PURPOSE: This investigation examined the effects of resistance training on heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO2), minute ventilation (VE), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and blood lactate responses to subsequent aerobic exercise. METHODS: 13 male collegiate rowers (age 20.5 ± 1.0 yr.; height 182.1 ± 7.9 cm.; body weight 82.9 ± 1.2 kg; body fat 7.7 ± 2.9 %; VO2max 60.4 ± 3.6 ml·kg−1·min−1) completed two submaximal exercise trials conducted seven days apart in random order. The aerobic only trial (A) required subjects to complete 20 minutes of treadmill running at a speed and grade approximating 65% of their VO2max. The resistance/aerobic trial (RA) required subjects to complete an identical bout of aerobic exercise immediately after completing a standard 50-min resistance training bout working all the major muscle groups (6 exercises, 3 sets of 10 reps at 70% 1-RM). HR, VO2, VE, RER and lactate were assessed during aerobic exercise at minutes 10 and 20. RESULTS: Heart rate was higher (p < 0.05) during RA than A at minutes 10 (161.5 ± 8.9 vs. 152.5 ± 10.5 bpm) and 20 (163.4 ± 9.9 vs. 159.0 ± 9.4 bpm). VO2 was higher (p < 0.05) during RA than A at minutes 10 (42.1 ± 4.1 vs. 40.9 ± 3.8 ml·kg−1·min−1) and 20 (42.1 ± 4.2 vs 41.2 ± 3.8 ml·kg−1·min−1). VE was higher (p < 0.05) during RA compared to A at minute 10 (80.1 ± 8.6 vs. 75.9 ± 7.6 L/min). RER was lower (p< 0.05) during RA compared to A at minute 10 (0.87 ± .03 vs. 0.90 ± .03) CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the metabolic responses to aerobic exercise are altered when it is completed immediately after resistance training. This may be an important consideration for individuals who require precise exercise prescriptions.

The Relationship Between Heart Rate Variability and Maximal Oxygen Uptake in Elite Male Rowers

The Relationship Between Heart Rate Variability and Maximal Oxygen Uptake in Elite Male Rowers

Acute Human Growth Hormone Response in Elite Rowers After 12- weeks of Training

2084 PURPOSE: A number of studies have examined the hGH response to a chronic exercise stimulus. Under a varying range of circumstances with sub-elite populations results have been mixed, with findings of an increase, decrease and no change being demonstrated. However, no studies exist which compare the exercise induced hGH response (EIGR) in elite rowers before and after a period of concentrated endurance training. The present study compared the acute hGH response to a standardised graded exercise stimulus in members of the GB heavyweight male rowing squad. METHODS: Eight elite male rowers entered the study. All have a minimum of six years international competitive experience, and all are Olympic gold medallists. Participants completed an incremental rowing exercise test in January and again in April. This comprised 5 × 4-minute stages (25 W/stage increment) and a sixth and final 4-minute effort which was a maximal paced effort. Capillary (earlobe) blood samples for lactate and hGH determination were taken at t = −10, 4, 8.5, 13, 17.5, 22, 28.5, 38.5, 48.5 and 58.5 minutes. O2, HR and power output were measured continuously throughout exercise. During 12-weeks training, 80% of weekly hours comprised aerobic work and 20% was a combination of strength training, lactate threshold (LT) training and high intensity efforts. RESULTS: Paired t-tests revealed no significant difference between January and April for peak power, power at LT, O2peak, hGH at LT and hGH at peak exercise. Only the performance measure, distance covered during the sixth 4-minute effort, demonstrated a significant difference (p<0.05), increasing from 1327.05m ± 23.90 in January to 1346.47m ± 30.71 in April (mean ± SD). CONCLUSION: No change was seen in the EIGR. Assuming hGH is involved in the adaptive response then, since there was no change to selected physiological parameters, this result is not surprising. An improvement was seen however, as determined by the distance covered during maximal exercise and arguably this could be attributed to improvement in technique. This finding is consistent with out of season training for elite athletes where ‘maintenance’ of physiological condition is key whilst technical improvements are sought. However, such information on elite individuals is rarely presented in the research literature.

Leptin Responses to a Short-Term Maximal Rowing in College Level Male Rowers

Leptin Responses to a Short-Term Maximal Rowing in College Level Male Rowers

Leptin Responses to a Short-Term Maximal Rowing in College Level Male Rowers

Leptin Responses to a Short-Term Maximal Rowing in College Level Male Rowers

Influence of Strenuous Training on Cardiorespiratory Response Sensitivity and Primary Kinetics in Elite Rowers

1799 It was theorized that fatigue in elite athletes, induced by strenuous training sessions, is associated with a decrease in responsiveness of the cardiorespiratory system (CRS). PURPOSE: This study was conducted to determine the effect of strenuous training workloads on the sensitivity of the CRS in response to carbon dioxide, hypoxia, and changes in primary CRS kinetics in elite rowers. METHODS: 12 elite male rowers, members of the national team of Poland, age 21 +/− 0, 8 participated in this study. Participants were examined in the morning prior to strenuous training and the following day after strenuous trainings sessions (two daily sessions of intermittent types of workload characteristic for this group elite athletes). CO2, normocapnic hypoxia, and CRS sensitivity in rebreathing tests (standard rest) were measures as well as VE, VO2 and HR kinetics (monoexponential function) at 0,7 VO2max (transition from 25 W, on ergometer) All measurements were performed with the use of “Oxycon Alfa” (Jaeger). ANOVA with repeated measures were utilized for comparison between the groups. RESULTS: Significant changes of sensitivity and kinetics of CRS were uncovered after series of intermittent strenuous training sessions. In comparison with initial level ÄVE/ÄPACO2 was significantly decreased from 1.53 (0.11) to 1.34 (0.10) l•min−1per 1 mm Hg (p<0.05). Sensitivity of VE and HR to hypoxia responses were increased markedly (p<0.001). The rapid segments of VE response in 8 of 12 examined athletes was decreased (p<0.05). Half-time (T50) VO2 response significantly increased from 24.1 (1.3) to 29.6 (1.4) s (p<0.05). Also observed was a relationship in the changes in sensitivity to CO2 and kinetics (T50) VE and VO2 (r = −0.62 and −0.54, respectively, (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that during recovery period (12–14 hours) after vigorous intermittent types of training, CRS sensitivity to CO2 and primary kinetics in elite rowers were decreased compared to a full recovery (24 hours). This might represent a specific integral feature of fatigue caused by intermittent training sessions. Such fatigue might limit the responsiveness of CRS to following exercise training session and possibly have modifying effects on training as well.

Peak power output predicts rowing ergometer performance in elite male rowers.

The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that peak power output (Ppeak) sustained during maximal incremental testing would be an overall index of rowing ergometer performance over 2000 m (P2000), and to study the influence of selected physiological variables on Ppeak. A group of 54 highly trained rowers (31 heavyweight [HW] and 23 lightweight [LW] rowers) was studied. Body mass, maximal oxygen uptake ((.-)VO(2max)), oxygen consumption corresponding to a blood lactate of 4 mmol. l (-1) expressed in percentage of (.-)VO(2max) (V.O (2)La4 %), and rowing gross efficiency (RGE) were also determined during the incremental test. In the whole group Ppeak was the best predictor of P2000 (r = 0.92, p < 0.0001). Body mass (r = 0.65, p < 0.0001), V.O (2max) (r = 0.84, p < 0.0001), (.-)VO 2)La4 % (r = 0.49, p < 0.0001) and RGE (r = 0.35, p < 0.01) were significantly correlated with P2000 as well. To take the influence of body mass into account, (.-)VO(2max) was related to kg (0.57). Ppeak was significantly related to body mass (r = 0.56, p < 0.0001), (.-)VO(2max) x kg (-0.57) (r = 0.63, p < 0.0001), (.-)VO(2)La4 % (r = 0.45, p < 0.001) and RGE (r = 0.34, p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis indicated that the above parameters taken together explained 82.8 % of Ppeak variation in the whole group. It was also demonstrated that Ppeak was the best predictor of P2000 when LW and HW groups were considered separately. It was concluded that, by integrating the main physiological factors of performance, Ppeak is an overall index of physiological rowing capacity and rowing efficiency in heterogeneous as well as in homogeneous groups. It presents the further advantage of being easily measured in the field.

Reliable passive ankle range of motion measures correlate to ankle motion achieved during ergometer rowing

Objectives. To determine whether ankle range of motion during ergometer rowing is best approximated by reliable active or passive plantarflexion and dorsiflexion tests. Design. Repeated measures and cross-sectional. Setting. In a laboratory setting, an electrogoniometer was attached to each subjects' left ankle during active, passive and dynamic ankle range of motion tests. Participants. Three adult males and seven adult females participated in part A of the study. Ten junior male rowers took part in Part B of the study. Main outcome measures. Endpoint plantarflexion and dorsiflexion. Results. Mean active and passive endpoint plantarflexion were significantly greater than mean plantarflexion achieved during ergometer rowing. In comparison, endpoint dorsiflexion measured passively and during ergometer rowing were not significantly different ( P=0.40), and moderately correlated ( r=0.60, 95% CI=−0.05–0.89). The active and passive ankle range of motion tests were reliable ( r=0.90–0.95, highest SEM=2.8°, 95% CI=1.9–5.1°). The passive tests produced significantly greater mean endpoint ankle plantarflexion (7.4°±3.7°, 14.9%) and dorsiflexion (6.5°±3.7°, 28.2%) than the active tests. Conclusions. Compared to dynamic measurement, passive plantarflexion and dorsiflexion are the preferred tests to assess rowers’ ankle motion due to the high reliability, validity and easier measurement procedures.

Individual and Crew Level Determinants of Collective Efficacy in Rowing

The purpose of this study was to examine individual (i.e., task self-efficacy, rowing experience, and goal orientations) and group/boat level (perceptions of motivational climate and boat size) determinants of collective efficacy in the sport of rowing. Participants were 154 male and female rowers ages 13 to 18 years (M = 16.19, SD = 1.29). Approximately 24 hours prior to the regional championship regatta, participants completed a demographic measure, the Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire, the Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire-2, and sport-specific individual and collective efficacy measures developed for the current study. Multilevel modeling revealed that task self-efficacy significantly predicted individual perceptions of collective efficacy, while perceptions of a mastery climate significantly predicted average collective efficacy scores at the group level.

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

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

Pain Thresholds and Tolerances of Competitive Rowers and Their Use of Spontaneous Self-Generated Pain-Coping Strategies

Experimental ischaemic pain was induced in 20 male competitive rowers in training and a control group of 20 males not in training. Pain tolerances, but not thresholds, were higher for competitive rowers. The rowers also reported using a range of self-generated pain-coping strategies during testing which, they claimed, they also used during training. Pain tolerances were correlated with the number and quality of coping strategics used during testing.

Rowing performance of female and male rowers.

This study evaluated the rowing performance of female and male rowers with regard to their body size. Body height, body mass, fat-free mass, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and "2000-m" rowing ergometer performance were measured in 71 females (age range 18-24 years, height 153-173 cm, body mass 43-69 kg, fat-free mass 34-55 kg; VO2max 2.1-3.9 L min(-1); 2000-m time 437-556 s) and 120 males (age 18-24 years, height 164-193 cm, body mass 58-95 kg, fat-free mass 50-81 kg; VO2max 3.4-5.6 L min(-1); 2000-m time 378-484 s). Rowing performance was correlated to body height (r=-0.81, P<0.001), body mass (r=-0.85, P<0.001), fat-free mass (r=-0.91, P<0.001), and VO2max (r=-0.90, P<0.001). However, rowing time was slower in the females than in the males with a similar body height (by approximately 10%) and body mass (by approximately 9%), but the sex difference was smaller when the fat-free mass (by approximately 4%) and VO2max (by approximately 4%) were matched. This study suggests that individuals with large body size and aerobic capacity possess an advantage for a 2000-m row on an ergometer. However, among females and males the variation in body size and aerobic capacity cannot explain the entire sex difference in ergometer rowing performance.

Leptin as a marker of training stress in highly trained male rowers?

The purpose of this study was to investigate the potentially important role leptin may play during training monitoring in athletes. Twelve highly trained male rowers underwent a 3-week period of maximally increased training stress followed by a 2-week tapering period. Fasting blood was sampled after a rest day. Subjects also performed a maximal 2000-m rowing ergometer test before and after 3 weeks of heavy training, and after 2 weeks of tapering. Blood samples were obtained before, immediately after and after 30 min of recovery. Leptin concentrations were measured in duplicate by radioimmunoassay. Mean training time was about 100% higher during the heavy training period (17.5 h x week(-1)) compared to the tapering period (8.9 h x week(-1)). The 3-week heavy training period induced a significant reduction ( P<0.05) in the fasting leptin concentration [from 2.5 (0.4) to 1.5 (0.4) ng x ml(-1)]. Fasting plasma leptin was significantly increased by the end of the 2-week tapering period [2.0 (0.4) ng x ml(-1)] but remained significantly lower compared to the pretraining value. Leptin levels were also significantly decreased only after the 2000-m rowing ergometer test performed at the end of the heavy training period. No differences in leptin concentrations were observed after other performance tests compared to their respective baseline values. In addition, fasting leptin concentration was significantly related to the weekly training time ( r=-0.45; P=0.006). In conclusion, it appears that leptin is sensitive to the rapid and pronounced changes in training volume. A greater training time is associated with a lower leptin concentration in highly trained male rowers. It is suggested that it may be possible to direct typical rowing training by monitoring leptin status.

Development of race profiles for the performance of a simulated 2000-m rowing race.

The purpose of this study was to determine the race profile for a 2000-m simulated rowing race as well as the effect of training and gender on the race profile. Nineteen men and 19 women undertook a 2000-m simulated rowing race before and after 10 weeks of a typical off-season training program for rowing. Velocity was calculated every 200 m and the deviation in velocities from the mean race velocity (MRV) was plotted every 200 m to produce race profiles for each gender before and after training. The three fastest male rowers varied approximately 0.02 m.s from the MRV after training and displayed a constant-pace model. The fastest female rowers displayed an all-out strategy after training, producing large deviations from MRV. Average squared deviations from the mean (SDM) determined that all groups except the fastest females had a reduction in MRV deviation after training. These results suggest that the optimal race profile for a simulated 2000-m rowing race may be different between genders. Training reduces SDM and influences both male and female pacing patterns such that both exhibit a pacing strategy that is more similar to that of elite athletes in other events of similar and shorter duration.