On-water Rowing Research Articles

Powering Toward Los Angeles: Comparing Power Output and Pacing Approach Between Maximal 2000- and 1500-m On-Water Racing in Elite Rowers.

To compare power output and pacing between maximal 1500- and 2000-m on-water rowing performances. Twenty-six (female n = 4, male n = 22) international rowers, across 6 boat classes, completed maximal 1500- and 2000-m on-water races, separated by 24 to 48hours. Crew combinations and seat orders remained consistent between races. Peach PowerLine instrumentation measured power output and stroke rate. Differences in completion time, mean power output (MPO), percentage prognostic velocity (PPV;percentage of world record velocity in each boat class), stroke rate, and pacing variance were assessed using linear mixed modeling. Compared with 2000-m, completion times were 90.4 (6.1) seconds shorter over 1500m (-24.7% [0.7%]). Both MPO (P = .255, ηp2=.06) and PPV (P = .340, ηp2=.18) were not different between distances. Broadly, crews adopted a reverse-J-shaped pacing across both distances, demonstrating a reduced variance over 1500m (P = .035, ηp2=.62). Percentage change in MPO from 2000 to 1500m demonstrated a strong negative association with pacing variance over 1500m (R2 = .74, P = .027). International rowing crews did not increase MPO or PPV when racing maximally over 1500m compared to 2000m. Comparable strategies were adopted over both distances, with less variance in pacing observed over 1500m. The crews that demonstrated greater increases in MPO over the shorter race employed a flatter pacing strategy. To improve 1500-m on-water performance, rowers may need to adopt a more even pacing approach.

The Determination of On-Water Rowing Stroke Kinematics Using an Undecimated Wavelet Transform of a Rowing Hull-Mounted Accelerometer Signal.

Boat acceleration profiles can provide valuable information for coaches and practitioners to make meaningful technical interventions and monitor the determinants of success in rowing. Previous studies have used simple feature detection methods to identify key phases within individual strokes, such as drive onset, drive time, drive offset and stroke time. However, based on skill level, technique or boat class, the hull acceleration profile can differ, making robust feature detection more challenging. The current study's purpose is to employ the undecimated wavelet transform (UWT) technique to detect individual features in the stroke acceleration profile from a single rowing hull-mounted accelerometer. In this investigation, the temporal and kinematic values obtained using the AdMosTM sensor in conjunction with the UWT processing approach were strongly correlated with the comparative measures of the Peach™ instrumented oarlock system. The measures for stroke time displayed very strong agreeability between the systems for all boat classes, with ICC values of 0.993, 0.963 and 0.954 for the W8+, W4- and W1x boats, respectively. Similarly, the drive time was also very consistent, with strong to very strong agreeability, producing ICC values of 0.937, 0.901 and 0.881 for the W8+, W4- and W1x boat classes. Further, a Bland-Altman analysis displayed little to no bias between the AdMosTM-derived and Peach™ measures, indicating that there were no systematic discrepancies between signals. This single-sensor solution could form the basis for a simple, cost-effective and accessible alternative to multi-sensor instrumented systems for the determination of sub-stroke kinematic phases.

Physical and technical attributes associated with on-water rowing performance in junior and elite rowers

ABSTRACT On-water rowing performance consists of the integration of physical and technical attributes. This exploratory study aimed to describe key physical and technical variables for elite and junior rowers and examine the associations and predictive capacity of these variables with on-water rowing performance outcomes. Twenty-eight junior (16 females, 16 ± 0.8 years and 12 males, 17 ± 0.7 years) and 24 elite rowers (12 females, 24 ± 2.7 years and 12 males, 27 ± 2.6 years) completed an on-water, single sculling biomechanics assessment combined with a series of physical, strength and power tests. Elite men and women were superior in mean gate force, distance per stroke and recovery distance compared to junior groups as determined by independent t-tests and effect size appraisal (p < 0.017, d > 1.2). Large associations (p < 0.01) were evident between anthropometry, strength and power assessments with the on-water measures of catch angle, mean gate force, recovery distance and boat speed. Differences in ROM and flexibility attributes did not distinguish between elite and junior rowers. Linear discriminant analysis revealed that individual rowers can be appropriately categorised by sex and performance level based on their physical and technical attributes. This battery of testing with world-class athletes represents an excellent level of ecological validity for the assessment of rowers pertinent to on-water performance.

Assessment of Angular and Straight Linear Rowing Ergometers at Different Intensities of Exercise.

We aimed to conduct a biophysical comparison of angular (Biorower) and linear (Concept2) rowing ergometers across a wide spectrum of exercise intensities. Sixteen (eleven male) skilled rowers, aged 29.8 ± 8.6 and 23.6 ± 1.5 years, with international competitive experience, performed 7 × 3 min bouts with 30 W increments and 60 s intervals, plus 1 min of all-out rowing on both machines with 48 h in between. The ventilatory and kinematical variables were measured breath-by-breath using a telemetric portable gas analyzer and determined using a full-body markerless system, respectively. Similar values of oxygen uptake were observed between ergometers across all intensity domains (e.g., 60.36 ± 8.40 vs. 58.14 ± 7.55 mL/min/kg for the Biorower and Concept2 at severe intensity). The rowing rate was higher on the Biorower vs. Concept2 at heavy and severe intensities (27.88 ± 3.22 vs. 25.69 ± 1.99 and 30.63 ± 3.18 vs. 28.94 ± 2.29). Other differences in kinematics were observed across all intensity domains, particularly in the thorax angle at the finish (e.g., 19.44 ± 4.49 vs. 27.51 ± 7.59° for the Biorower compared to Concep2 at heavy intensity), likely due to closer alignment of the Biorower with an on-water rowing technique. The overall perceived effort was lower on the Biorower when compared to the Concept2 (14.38 ± 1.76 vs. 15.88 ± 1.88). Rowers presented similar cardiorespiratory function on both rowing ergometers, while important biomechanical differences were observed, possibly due to the Biorower's closer alignment with an on-water rowing technique.

Using IMU sensors to compare rowing ergometers with rowing on the water

Indoor rowing ergometers serve as tools to refine stroke technique, improve stamina, and allow training regardless of weather conditions. Currently, the most widely utilized models are the Concept 2 (C2) and the Rowperfect 3 (RP3) static and dynamic ergometers. The timing and magnitude of acceleration during different phases of the rowing stroke have been shown to play a crucial role in performance. Current methods used to extract individual rowing strokes are difficult to apply and utilize complicated measurements, such as oar angle, filters, or machine learning. This paper compares the rowing acceleration profile across three rowing training devices. The C2 and RP3 ergometer handle and seat accelerations are compared to those of a single scull shell using a peak detection signal processing technique. This technique easily identifies peaks during a rowing session so that individual strokes can be extracted. Inertial measurement units (IMU) were attached to the oar handle and the ergometer seat/cage and the scull to measure the acceleration profile of individual strokes. The ergometer drag factor was adjusted to match the boat’s drag factor. One Division I male athlete rowed for 90 s, with 60 s of steady state rowing at 20 strokes/min (spm). The mean difference in acceleration between each ergometer and the boat was calculated. Findings suggest the RP3 ergometer acceleration profile more closely matches that of on-water rowing. Our analysis illuminates key differences between ergometers and on-water rowing, which can help rowers understand how their ergometer training translates to on-water rowing.

PHYSICAL AND TECHNICAL ATTRIBUTES ASSOCIATED ON-WATER ROWING PERFORMANCE IN JUNIOR AND ELITE ROWERS

INTRODUCTION &amp; AIMS On-water rowing performance consists of the integration of both physical and technical attributes. The aims of this exploratory study were to describe key physical and technical variables for elite and junior rowers and to examine the associations and predictive capacity of these variables with on-water rowing performance outcomes. METHODS Twenty-eight junior (16 females, 16 ± 0.8 years and 12 males, 17 ± 0.7 years) and 24 elite rowers (12 females, 24 ± 2.7 years and 12 males, 27 ± 2.6 years) volunteered to participate in the study. Participants completed an on-water single sculling biomechanics assessment combined with a series of physical, strength and power tests conducted in a high-performance training facility. RESULTS Descriptive analysis identified differences between junior and elite rowers separated by sex in several physical and on-water characteristics. Elite men and women were superior in mean gate force, distance per stroke and recovery distance compared to junior groups (P&amp;lt;0.0.17). Large correlations (P&amp;lt;0.01) were found between anthropometry, strength and power assessments with the on-water measures of catch angle, mean gate force, recovery distance and boat speed. Differences in ROM and flexibility attributes did not distinguish between elite and junior rowers, with other factors potentially involved. CONCLUSION This unique exploratory study combined a comprehensive physical assessment with an on-water single sculling biomechanical assessment to explore the interaction of physical attributes with on-water rowing technical variables. This battery of testing with world class athletes represents an excellent level of ecological validity for the assessment of rowers pertinent to on-water performance. The results provide a descriptive dataset of physical and technical characteristics for elite and junior rowers, of both sexes, which may be useful when evaluating the status of development rowers and to gauge the possibility of achieving further success in the sport.

Effect of Randall foils on the rowing propulsive cycle

ABSTRACT Rowing performance depends on the design and building materials used for competition. Recently, attempting to improve rowing performance, the Randall foil has been attached to the top edge of a rowing Big blade, making it spoon shaped. The current study aimed to analyse the differences between Big blades with and without Randall foils in force-related variables. Nineteen rowers performed two bouts of 90 s at maximal effort tethered rowing and differences were found in cycle average peak force (4.33 ± 1.46 vs. 5.26 ± 1.57 N/kg), propulsive cycle average time (1.79 ± 0.38 vs. 1.52 ± 0.24 N/kg.s) and rate of force development (8.79 ± 4.75 vs. 12.07 ± 4.60 N/kg/s) for Big blades with and without foils (respectively). Differences were also observed between the middle (4.79 ± 1.21 vs. 4.08 ± 1.48 N/kg) and final phases (4.86 ± 1.45 vs. 4.04 ± 1.47 N/kg) of the rowing effort for the cycle average peak force of Big blades with and without Randall foils. Data suggest a positive effect of these foils on the force–time curve profile. Future studies should focus on testing its influence on free on-water rowing.

Insights from expert coaches on technical performance evaluation in rowing: a pilot study.

Since rowing became an Olympic sport in 1900, rowers have made significant performance gains, partly attributed to increased research, training, and competition knowledge. Rowing technique and biomechanics play an essential role in rowing performance. While some aspects can be quantified with modern tools, coaches' expertise remains essential for technical performance evaluation. Coaches often play a pivotal role in identifying and correcting technical faws; however, novice and intermediate coaches may struggle. This study examines how expert-level rowing coaches assess the technical performance of athletes during on-water rowing. Four current and former national team coaches were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. The repertory grid technique was employed to explore their initial foci when assessing the rowing technique. The acquired data were content-analysed and listed in a summarising table. We have detailed both the positive and negative aspects of rowing technique identified by these coaches. Three overarching themes were identified: perceived force application, perceived movement precision, and perceived rhythm and timing. Examining the categories revealed that the coaches with a shared federation background exhibited a relatively high level of similarity in their initial foci. However, looking into their subjective aspects revealed considerable differences. This leads to the hypothesis that a broad spectrum of unique coaches' criteria can lead to the same or similar technique executions from their athletes.

Heart rate variability of elite female rowers in preparation for and during the national selection regattas: a pilot study on the relation to on water performance.

To comprehensively analyze elite female rowers, evaluating acute changes in HRV and subjective psychometrics during the NSR. Five elite female rowers (26 ± 2 years, 180 ± 8 cm, 82 ± 8 kg, 19 ± 6%fat) were recruited and tracked prior to and during NSR I and II. Morning HRV measures were completed using photoplethysmography (HRV4training) along with self-reported levels of fatigue, soreness, rating of perceived exertion, mentally energy and physical condition. Significant decreases were observed in log transformed root-mean square of successive differences (LnRMSSD; p = 0.0014) and fatigue (p = 0.01) from pre-to-during NSR, while mental energy (p = 0.01), physical condition (p = 0.01), and motivation (p = 0.006) significantly increased. These psychometric measures returned to pre-NSR levels, at post-NSR (all p < 0.05), though HRV remained slightly suppressed. NSR on-water performance was not correlated to LnRMSSD or the change in LnRMSSD (p > 0.05). HRV and psychometric measures are sensitive to the stress of elite rowing competition in females. However, HRV was not associated with on-water rowing performance during an elite rowing competition.

A Rigorous and Integrated On-Water Monitoring System for Performance and Technique Improvement in Rowing.

This paper presents a prototype, on-water rowing monitoring system and its testing results for a single scull boat. The proposed system aims at recording critical kinetic (athlete biomechanics and oar/seat movements) and kinematic (boat position, velocity, acceleration, and attitude) parameters for sport performance evaluation and rowing technique improvement. The data acquisition unit is organized in two parts: the first part aims at logging boat kinematics based on GNSS/INS filtering, while the second one facilitates kinetics data recording using a series of analog sensors (potentiometers, strain gauges) installed on the athlete's body and the boat seat and oars. Both parts are connected to a central unit featuring analog voltage digitizers and a micro-PC for device handling and data storing. In order to test the performance of the system a series of field trials were undertaken featuring different observation scenarios as well as intentionally induced errors in the rowing technique. Analysis revealed the high performance of the system in terms of sensor completeness and setup procedures as well as operational efficiency. Moreover, system performance evaluation exercised through studying raw data recordings and resultant parameters at stroke cycle and average (standardized) stroke cycle level confirmed the fruitfulness of the proposed approach and system and its potential for implementation on a broad scale. Finally, the data acquired from the proposed system were used to compute the adopted input parameters and performance indicators to characterize the system in terms of functionality and operational efficiency.

Quantifying on-water performance in rowing: A perspective on current challenges and future directions.

Winning times at benchmark international rowing competitions (Olympic Games and World Championships) are known to vary greatly between venues, based on environmental conditions and the strength of the field. Further variability in boat speed for any given effort is found in the training environment, with less controlled conditions (i.e., water flow, non-buoyed courses), fewer world class competitors, and the implementation of non-race specific effort distances and intensities. This combination of external factors makes it difficult for coaches and practitioners to contextualise the performance underpinning boat speed or race results on any given day. Currently, a variety of approaches are referenced in the literature and used in practice to quantify this underpinning performance time or boat speed, however, no clear consensus exists. The use of relative performance (i.e., time compared to other competitors), accounting for influence of the weather (i.e., wind and water temperature), and the novel application of instrumented boats (with power instrumentation) have been suggested as potential methods to improve our understanding of on-water rowing speeds. Accordingly, this perspective article will discuss some of these approaches from recent literature, whilst also sharing experience from current practice in the elite environment, to further stimulate discussion and help guide future research.

Investigation of muscle fatigue during on-water rowing using surface EMG.

In this work, four different algorithms (fast Fourier transform FFT, short-time Fourier transform STFT, continuous wavelet transform CWT, and instantaneous frequency IF) for calculating median frequency (MDF) from surface EMG signals were investigated for studying muscle fatigue during a on-water rowing training. The study protocol included 5 consecutive parts with increasing stroke rate. Six athletes participated in the study aged 36.6+-14.6 years and a rowing experience of 6 to 35 years. We considered eight muscles: biceps brachii right, biceps brachii left, latissimus dorsi right, latissimus dorsi left, erector spinae right, erector spinae left, rectus femoris and biceps femoris. By applying Friedmann test, we found a significant difference in MDF behavior between algorithms in assessing muscle fatigue . Correlation analyses showed significant correlations between muscle activity duration tact and MDF, which differs for the four considered algorithms and should be taken into account in further experiments. With CWT showing the smallest correlation to tact it might be more robust against time window variations. Our study provides a basis for the development of improved methods for more robust, non-invasive, and continuous detection of muscle fatigue in experiments with dynamic on-water rowing study designs.

Concurrent Validity of Power From Three On-Water Rowing Instrumentation Systems and a Concept2 Ergometer.

Purpose: Instrumentation systems are increasingly used in rowing to measure training intensity and performance but have not been validated for measures of power. In this study, the concurrent validity of Peach PowerLine (six units), Nielsen-Kellerman EmPower (five units), Weba OarPowerMeter (three units), Concept2 model D ergometer (one unit), and a custom-built reference instrumentation system (Reference System; one unit) were investigated.Methods: Eight female and seven male rowers [age, 21 ± 2.5 years; rowing experience, 7.1 ± 2.6 years, mean ± standard deviation (SD)] performed a 30-s maximal test and a 7 × 4-min incremental test once per week for 5 weeks. Power per stroke was extracted concurrently from the Reference System (via chain force and velocity), the Concept2 itself, Weba (oar shaft-based), and either Peach or EmPower (oarlock-based). Differences from the Reference System in the mean (representing potential error) and the stroke-to-stroke variability (represented by its SD) of power per stroke for each stage and device, and between-unit differences, were estimated using general linear mixed modeling and interpreted using rejection of non-substantial and substantial hypotheses.Results: Potential error in mean power was decisively substantial for all devices (Concept2, –11 to –15%; Peach, −7.9 to −17%; EmPower, −32 to −48%; and Weba, −7.9 to −16%). Between-unit differences (as SD) in mean power lacked statistical precision but were substantial and consistent across stages (Peach, ∼5%; EmPower, ∼7%; and Weba, ∼2%). Most differences from the Reference System in stroke-to-stroke variability of power were possibly or likely trivial or small for Peach (−3.0 to −16%), and likely or decisively substantial for EmPower (9.7–57%), and mostly decisively substantial for Weba (61–139%) and the Concept2 (−28 to 177%).Conclusion: Potential negative error in mean power was evident for all devices and units, particularly EmPower. Stroke-to-stroke variation in power showed a lack of measurement sensitivity (apparent smoothing) that was minor for Peach but larger for the Concept2, whereas EmPower and Weba added random error. Peach is therefore recommended for measurement of mean and stroke power.

Technical Determinants of On-Water Rowing Performance.

Purpose: Research establishing relationships between measures of rowing technique and velocity is limited. In this study, measures of technique and their effect on rowing velocity were investigated.Methods: Ten male singles, eight female singles, three male pairs, and six female pairs participated. Data from each stroke for forty-seven 2,000 m races were collected using Peach PowerLine and OptimEye S5 GPS units. General linear mixed modeling established modifying effects on velocity of two within-crew SD of predictor variables for each boat class, with subsequent adjustment for power, and for power and stroke rate in separate analyses. Twenty-two predictor variables were analyzed, including measures of boat velocity, gate force, and gate angle. Results were interpreted using superiority and inferiority testing with a smallest important change in velocity of 0.3%.Results: Substantial relationships with velocity were found between most variables assessed before adjustment for power, and for power and stroke rate. Effect magnitudes were reduced for most variables after adjustment for power and further reduced after adjustment for stroke rate and power, with precision becoming inadequate in many effects. The greatest modifying effects were found for stroke rate, mean and peak force, and power output before adjustment, and for catch angle after adjustment for stroke rate and power. Substantial between-crew differences in effects were evident for most predictors in some boat classes before adjustment and in some predictors and some boat classes after adjustment for stroke rate and power.Conclusion: The results presented reveal variables associated with improvements in rowing performance and can be used to guide technical analysis and feedback by practitioners. Higher stroke rates and greater catch angles should be targeted to improve rowing performance, and rower force development for the improvement of power output. Relationships between rowing technique and velocity can be crew-dependent and are best assessed on an individual basis for some variables.

Epidemiology of injury and illness in 153 Australian international-level rowers over eight international seasons

AimTo report the epidemiology of injury and illness in elite rowers over eight seasons (two Olympiads).MethodsAll athletes selected to the Australian Rowing Team between 2009 and 2016 were monitored prospectively...

Changes in Loaded Countermovement Jumps During Precompetition and Competition Training Mesocycles in Elite Rowers.

Everett, KLA, Chapman, DW, Mitchell, JA, and Ball, N. Changes in loaded countermovement jumps during precompetition and competition training mesocycles in elite rowers. J Strength Cond Res 36(9): 2622-2627, 2022-To assess changes in velocity, displacement, and power as an indicator of neuromuscular fatigue (NMF) within and between precompetition and competition mesocycles in elite male rowers using loaded countermovement jumps (CMJs). Twenty highly trained rowers completed regular training (on-water rowing, rowing ergometer, and resistance training sessions) in 2 consecutive mesocycles. Athletes completed a single set of 6 loaded (20 kg) CMJs in the first and final week of each mesocycle. Countermovement jumps were assessed for jump height (JH), eccentric displacement, mean velocity (MV), eccentric MV (EMV), and mean power. Changes between time points were reported as Cohen's d effect sizes (95% confidence interval [CI]). The magnitude of the differences was also considered based on their relative strength levels using a linear mixed model. Within the precompetition mesocycle, trivial-to-small reductions for all variables (0.5-4.1%) were observed. During the competition mesocycle, trivial-to-small increases were shown for EMV (1.4%) and eccentric displacement (2.0%) with no change in JH and small reductions in MV (0.5%) and mean power (2.8%). No differences between the precompetition and competition mesocycles were shown. Only mean power showed a significant reduction in weaker athletes (3.2%) compared with stronger athletes (2.3%). Training completed during a precompetition and competitive mesocycle did not result in significant decreases in athlete's loaded CMJ performance, indicating that NMF was minimized. Alternatively, use of a loaded CMJ may not be sensitive enough to observe NMF in elite rowers during the mesocycle immediately leading into and during a competition mesocycle.

The Effects of Caffeine Ingestion on Measures of Rowing Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The purpose of this paper was to conduct a systematic review and a meta-analysis of studies examining the acute effects of caffeine ingestion on measures of rowing performance. Crossover and placebo-controlled experiments that investigated the effects of caffeine ingestion on measures of rowing performance were included. The PEDro checklist was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. Seven studies of good and excellent methodological quality were included. None of the included studies examined on-water rowing. The majority of studies that were included in the meta-analysis used a 2000m rowing distance with only one using 1000m distance. Results of the main meta-analysis indicated that caffeine enhances performance on a rowing ergometer compared to placebo with a mean difference of −4.1 s (95% confidence interval (CI): −6.4, −1.8 s). These values remained consistent in the analysis in which the study that used a 1000m distance was excluded (mean difference: −4.3 s; 95% CI: −6.9, −1.8 s). We also found a significant increase in mean power (mean difference: 5.7 W; 95% CI: 2.1, 9.3 W) and minute ventilation (mean difference: 3.4 L/min; 95% CI: 1.7, 5.1 L/min) following caffeine ingestion. No significant differences between caffeine and placebo were found for the rating of perceived exertion, oxygen consumption, respiratory exchange ratio, and heart rate. This meta-analysis found that acute caffeine ingestion improves 2000m rowing ergometer performance by ~4 s. Our results support the use of caffeine pre-exercise as an ergogenic aid for rowing performance.

Validity of testing and training using the kayak ergometer

Background and Study Aim. The paper is dedicated to the problem of the strength testing and training using the ergometer rowing performance in the flat water kayak sport. The aim of the research was to create a model of validity based on the relationship between the ergometer and on-water performance competition rowing. Material and Methods. Nineteen 15-17 years old male kayak rowers during the off-season were randomly divided into two groups. An experimental group trained according the same program as the control group, but two times a week a part of the common strength training exercises was substituted with a high-intensity strength training using the ergometer rowing. A whole amount of strength loading on all the rowers of the two groups was equal. Validity of testing and training of the ergometer rowing in the kayak sport was evaluated using interclass correlation between competition performance on 500 m on-water kayak and ergometer rowing. Results. Strong significant correlation is revealed between competition performance of on-water kayak and ergometer rowing before and after the off-season (| r | = 0.892, 0.902, p &lt;0.001), that shows rather good validity. Other result of the correlation analysis shows good prognostic ability of the ergometer performance regarding competition performance of on-water kayaking (| r | = 0.913). Conclusions. The proposed model based on the relationship between the ergometer and on-water performance competition rowing shows rather good validity of the strength testing and training in the on-water kayak sport.

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

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

Training Intensity Distribution In A Chinese Top-level Women's Single Sculls Rower Preparing For 2008 Olympic Games Season

PURPOSE: This study was to report seasonal training intensity distribution characteristics in a Chinese top-level Women’s Single rower during 2007-2008, while season preparing for 2008 Olympic Games. METHODS: A Chinese top-level (33 y, height 177 cm, weight 71 kg) World Rowing Cup champion Women's Single Sculls rower participated in this case study. The season’s training load included overall duration (calculated in hours and km), frequency (calculated by overall sessions), and training intensity (measured by blood lactate and estimated by heart rate), Her performances at World Cup and Olympic competitions during the seasons, and 2000m ergometer test were also collected and analyzed. RESULTS: A training program of 46 weeks (33 weeks of pre-season and 13 weeks of in-season) was analyzed. 193 training days was performed during the season. Total training hours were 737 hours. Total training time consisted of 48.9% on-water rowing (362 hours), 9.18% ergometer rowing (68 hours), 15.2% condition training (112 hours), and 18.4% warm-up and recovery programs (136 hours). All training sessions were quantified using continuous heart rate monitoring, a subset of 117 training sessions was quantified using blood lactate measurements. Intensity distribution across rowing and ergometer training hours (n=489 hours) based on heart rate analysis and blood lactate analysis was 91.12% in zone 1 (74.5% ≤2.0 mM blood lactate, 16.8% between 2.1 and 3.5 mM blood lactate), and 4.13% in zone 2 (>3.5 and 5 mM blood lactate) and 4.75% in zone 3 (over 5mM blood lactate). 2000m ergometer trials performed in weeks 2, 12 and 24 was in times 6 minutes 57 seconds, 6 minutes 55 seconds and 6 minutes 46 seconds, respectively. Maximal power test was 309 W, 313 W and 334 W, respectively. Rowing performance improved 1.29% and 6.27% during the period. She finished the season in 3rd place in the World Cup and fourth place in the 2008 Olympic Games. CONCLUSION: Training-intensity distribution with an emphasis on low-intensity polarized training model led to the success in top Chinese top-level Women's Single Sculls rower in the 2007-08 season. Possible mechanisms underlying the association between intensity distribution and performance success require further investigation.