Rowing Performance Research Articles

Mastering Energy Management During Rowing Using Virtual Reality

This study focused on one of the most important factors in rowing performance which is the ability demonstrated by elite rowers to regulate their effort during a 2000m race in order to produce their best performance. Experts are known to adopt a particular pacing strategy with a fast-start profile. The purpose of our study was to test by using virtual reality whether novice rowers were able to acquire this energy management skill during a 2000m race, with positive consequences for their rowing performance. Participants from the Avatar group were instructed to track a virtual boat, which velocity was previously calibrated to follow the appropriate to-be-learned velocity profile. This group was contrasted with a control group, which followed a classic training procedure. Our results indicate that the avatar group improved its performance (decrease in race duration), learned and maintained the expert profile. These effects were absent in the control group. Together, these results indicate that virtual reality can be used to accelerate the learning of energy-related skills.

Sodium citrate ingestion increases glycolytic activity but does not enhance 2000 m rowing performance

Martins AN, Artoli GG, Franchini E. Sodium citrate ingestion increases glycolytic activity but does not enhance 2000m rowing performance. J. Hum. Sport Exerc. Vol. 5, No. 3, pp. 411-417, 2010. Sodium citrate-induced alkalosis is an ergogenic strategy that has been proven to enhance physical performance in high-intensity exercises by increasing muscle buffer capacity and reducing the influence of H + on energy production and contractile processes. The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether acute sodium citrate ingestion may contribute to rowing performance in a 2000-m race simulation. Six well-trained competitive rowers took part in the study, but five of them have completed the whole experimental protocol. They were assessed twice for performance and lactate 2.5 h after the ingestion of a 750-mL natural mango juice containing sodium citrate (0.5 g·kg -1 ) or no substance added (placebo). The two experiments occurred 7-15 days apart. The study was conducted in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over fashion. Performance was assessed in a rower ergometer and blood lactate was determined in both conditions at rest and after exercise. Heart-rate and oxygen consumption were monitored throughout the tests. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon’s signed rank test. Sodium citrate yielded a significantly higher lactate response to exercise than placebo (p<0.05), but no significant differences were found between treatments for performance, heart-rate and oxygen consumption. In conclusion, sodium citrate promoted a favorable metabolic environment for exercise performance but did not exert any influence on simulated rowing

High-fidelity device for online recording of foot-stretcher forces during rowing

Foot-stretcher forces have been identified as key variables determining rowing performance. The aim of this study was to develop an instrumented foot-stretcher. Under each forefoot, a six degrees of freedom sensor was mounted on an adjustable frame. Under each rearfoot, a one degree of freedom sensor was placed. Validation resulted in an accuracy of vertical forces of about 1% full scale. Sensor’s crosstalk was up to 11% of vertical load. The instrumented foot-stretcher was integrated into a high-level rowing simulator. Propulsive foot-stretcher forces were displayed online and could be used as concurrent feedback about rowing performance.

Scaling concept II rowing ergometer performance for differences in body mass to better reflect rowing in water

We investigated whether the concept II indoor rowing ergometer accurately reflects rowing on water. Forty-nine junior elite male rowers from a Great Britain training camp completed a 2000 m concept II model C indoor rowing ergometer test and a water-based 2000 m single-scull rowing test. Rowing speed in water (3.66 m/s) was significantly slower than laboratory-based rowing performance (4.96 m/s). The relationship between the two rowing performances was found to be R2=28.9% (r=0.538). We identified that body mass (m) made a positive contribution to concept II rowing ergometer performance (r=0.68, P<0.001) but only a small, non-significant contribution to single-scull water rowing performance (r=0.039, P=0.79). The contribution that m made to single-scull rowing in addition to ergometer rowing speed (using allometric modeling) was found to be negative (P<0.001), confirming that m has a significant drag effect on water rowing speed. The optimal allometric model to predict single-scull rowing speed was the ratio (ergometer speed xm(-0.23))1.87 that increased R2 from 28.2% to 59.2%. Simply by dividing the concept II rowing ergometer speed by body mass (m0.23), the resulting "power-to-weight" ratio (ergometer speed xm(-0.23)) improves the ability of the concept II rowing performance to reflect rowing on water.

Significant influence of the design of the rowing ergometer on elite athlete kinematics

Rowing injuries and performance have been attributed to the kinematics and kinetics of ergometer rowing. The aim of this study was to investigate these parameters on two commonly used rowing ergometers: one with a fixed-head design and one with a floating-head design. Using electromagnetic motion sensors and load cells, the kinematics and kinetics of ten elite male athletes (mean age, 22.8±3.5 years) rowing on the two different ergometers were assessed. This revealed that the floating-head design produced a greater stroke length ( p&lt;0.05) but higher stroke rate ( p&lt;0.01) for the same rowing intensity. This was combined with significantly different rowing kinematics in which the fixed head had greater anterior pelvic rotation ( p&lt;0.05) and greater femoral flexion ( p&lt;0.05). The implications of these changes with respect to injury require further interpretation through a mathematical model. Since a full analysis comparing rowing kinematics on water with rowing ergometers has not been made here, no conclusions regarding which ergometer simulates rowing on water can be made.

Antrhopometric determinants of elite rowing performance

Introduction: While previous research has identified a number of physically measured anthropometric characteristics associated with rowing performance, no previous study has examined the effect of digitally measured anthropometric characteristics on rowing performance. Using three-dimensional (3D) anthropometry, the aim of this study was to determine the best anthropometric predictors of elite rowing performance.

Physiological factors to predict on traditional rowing performance

The purpose of this study was to determine the best prediction factors of traditional rowing performance in traditional elite (ER) and amateur (AR) rowers. Average power during the 20-min all-out test (W(20 min)), average power output which elicited a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol l(-1) (W(4 mmol l(-1))), power output in 10 maximal strokes (W(10 strokes)), maximal strength and muscle power output during a bench pull (BP) and anthropometric values were all measured for 46 trained male rowers aged 21-30 with 8-15 years of rowing training experience. The ER group showed greater body mass (5%, p < 0.05), greater fat free body mass (5%, p < 0.05), greater 1RM(BP) (13%, p < 0.001), longer training experience (43%, p < 0.001), and a shorter time in the 2,000 m test (4%, p < 0.05) than the AR group. The ER group showed higher power output values in W(10 strokes) (9%, p < 0.01), W(20 min) (15.4%, p < 0.01) and (W(4 mmol l(-1))) (17.8%, p < 0.01) compared with the AR group. Significant relationships were observed between (W(4 mmol l(-1))) and W(20 min) (r = 0.65 and 0.80; p < 0.01 in ER and AR, respectively). The indices for rowing performance suggested that W(20 min), (W(4 mmol l(-1))), W(10 strokes) and 1RM(BP) were the most important predictors of traditional rowing performance in elite and amateur rowers.

REMOTE, a Wireless Sensor Network Based System to Monitor Rowing Performance

In this paper, we take a hard look at the performance of REMOTE, a sensor network based application that provides a detailed picture of a boat movement, individual rower performance, or his/her performance compared with other crew members. The application analyzes data gathered with a WSN strategically deployed over a boat to obtain information on the boat and oar movements. Functionalities of REMOTE are compared to those of RowX [1] outdoor instrument, a commercial wired sensor instrument designed for similar purposes. This study demonstrates that with smart geometrical configuration of the sensors, rotation and translation of the oars and boat can be obtained. Three different tests are performed: laboratory calibration allows us to become familiar with the accelerometer readings and validate the theory, ergometer tests which help us to set the acquisition parameters, and on boat tests shows the application potential of this technologies in sports.

The Effect of Two Carbohydrate-Elektrolyte Drinks on Gastrointestinal Complaints and Physical Performance in Rowers

The aim of study: The aims of the studies were to evaluate the incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) complaints and blood glucose and lactate concentrations after consumption of two different electrolyte–carbohydrate beverages in rowers. Material and methods: A total of 18 male professional rowers (aged 20 ± 2.0 years, body weight: 82.6 ± 10.2 kg, height: 186.0 ± 7.3 cm, ¦O 2 max: 60.4 ± 5.0 ml/kg b.w./min) participated in a two-way randomized crossover design experiment. The exercise test was performed at 70% ¦O 2 max (2 x 25 min with a 5-minute break). During the test athletes on separate days (with a 1-week washout period) received either P” or “I” (“P” was first then “I”). The athletes consumed the test drinks as follows: twice 0.5 dm 3 of each drink, 60 min before and immediately after the exercise test, and twice 0.15 dm 3 of each drink immediately before the start of the test, and after the first 25 min of exercise (during a 5-minute break). The incidence and intensity of GI complaints during and after the exercise test were scored on a standardized questionnaire. Blood samples were collected before and after the exercise test, with glucose and lactate levels determined. Results: Significant (p<0.05) changes were observed in post-exercise blood lactate levels in athletes supplemented with both electrolyte–carbohydrate drinks (“I”: 26%, “P”: 25%). A significantly (p<0.05) higher blood glucose level was noted only when athletes received “P” (on average by 12%). The consumption of the “P” drink (“P”: 83%, 1.9 ± 0.9 points) led to a more serious gastroesophageal reflux compared to “I” (“I”: 22% 0.2 ± 0.4 points). Significant differences were observed for sweet taste in mouth (“P”: 83% and I: 28%, p<0.001) and the sensation of an overfilled stomach (“P”: 89% and “I”: 39%, p<0.01). The use of both tested carbohydrate-electrolyte drinks did not protect athletes against the occurrence of typical problems appearing after exercise (general exhaustion, muscle cramp, hand trembling, tachycardia). Conclusion: Serious discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract caused by reflux after the consumption of the “P” drink results in “I” being a more advisable drink for rowers.

Increased Oxidative Stress Blood Markers in Well-Trained Rowers Following Two Thousand-Meter Rowing Ergometer Race

High-intensity exercise is associated with increased oxidative stress. Rowing is very demanding requiring maintenance of high power mostly produced from aerobic metabolism. The present study aimed at investigating selective blood oxidative stress markers in response to a rowing race simulation test, consisting of 2,000 m maximal effort on a rowing ergometer, in well-trained male rowers during the preseason preparatory training period. Mean time for the 2,000-m trial was 409.4 +/- 4.0 seconds, and heart rate at 2,000 m was 198 +/- 1 b x min (mean +/- SEM). Blood lactate concentration was 11.2 +/- 0.6 mmol x L. Postexercise whole blood lysate oxidized glutathione (GSSG) concentration significantly increased (19%), whereas reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration remained unchanged, resulting in an overall decreased postexercise GSH:GSSG ratio (20%). Postexercise serum thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance concentration and protein carbonyls increased by 45 and 70%, respectively, as compared with the pre-exercise levels. Likewise, postexercise catalase activity (105%) and total antioxidant capacity (9%) significantly increased. In agreement with other studies, our data illustrate that a 2,000-m rowing ergometer race induces significant blood oxidative stress despite the rowers' high training status. In scheduling an evaluation rowing test or a competition, coaches should allow sufficient recovery time elapsed between the test and the last intensive training session. The 2,000-m rowing performance appears to be a suitable test to assess oxidative stress in rowers and could potentially serve as a model to study oxidative damage in sports science.

Shorter Oars Are More Effective

The purpose of this investigation was to clarify the effects of blade design and oar length on performance in rowing. Biomechanical models and equations of motion were developed to identify the main forces that affect rowing performance. In addition, the mechanical connection between the propelling blade force and the force that the rower applies on the handle was established. On this basis it was found that the blade design and oar dimensions play a significant role on the rowing performance. While rowers have found empirically that larger and/or hydrodynamically more efficient blade shapes need to be rowed with shorter oars, this article explains this tendency from a biomechanical point of view. Based on the presented evidence, it can be concluded that shorter oars will allow rowers to improve the propelling forces without increasing the handle forces. These findings explain tendencies that started with the introduction of new blade shapes in 1991. A 2 x 2 factorial ANOVA was used to test the significance of the oar shortenings that occurred with the introduction of larger blade surfaces while international record times improved during all those years. Consequently, the findings of this investigation encourage coaches to further experiment with shorter oars and oar manufacturers to continue their blade development that would lead to even shorter oars, with the goal of continuous rowing performance improvements.

Effect of Hydration Status on High-Intensity Rowing Performance and Immune Function

This study determined the effect of dehydration and rehydration (DR) on performance, immune cell response, and tympanic temperature after high-intensity rowing exercise. Seven oarswomen completed two simulated 2000-m rowing race trials separated by 72 h in a random, cross-over design. One trial was completed in a euhydrated (E) condition and the other using a DR protocol. The DR condition resulted in a 3.33+/-0.14% reduction in body mass (P<.05) over a 24-h period followed by a 2-h rehydration period immediately before the simulated rowing race. There was a greater change in tympanic temperature observed in the DR trial (P<.05). There were increases in the blood concentration of leukocytes, lymphocytes, lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD3+/4+, CD3+/8+, CD3-/16+, CD4+/25+; P<.05) and decreases in lymphocyte proliferation and neutrophil oxidative burst activity immediately following the simulated race (P<.05) in both trials. Blood leukocyte and neutrophil concentrations were greater after exercise in the DR trial (P<.05). Whereas most immune measures returned to resting values after 60 min of recovery in both trials, lymphocyte proliferation and the concentrations of CD3+/4+ and CD4+/25+ cells were significantly lower than before exercise. Blood leukocyte and neutrophil concentrations were significantly higher before and after exercise in the E trial. The effects of dehydration/rehydration did not negatively influence simulated 2000-m rowing race performance in lightweight oarswomen but did produce a higher tympanic temperature and had a differential effect on blood leukocyte, neutrophil, and natural killer (CD3-/16+) cell concentrations after exercise compared with the euhydrated state.

복근 및 배근 운동이 조정선수들의 체간 근력과 경기력에 미치는 영향

복근 및 배근 운동이 조정선수들의 체간 근력과 경기력에 미치는 영향

The effect of menstrual cycle on 2000-m rowing ergometry performance

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of menstrual cycle phase on 2000-m rowing ergometry performance. Since high concentrations of oestrogen, indicative of the mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, tend to decrease glycogen utilization and reduce blood lactate concentration, it was predicted that time taken to complete a 2000-m rowing trial would be shorter in the mid-luteal phase. Ten eumenorrhoeic, recreationally trained, female volunteers (mean age 33.0 years, s=7.1) completed 2000-m time trials on a Concept 2 rowing ergometer, in both the mid-follicular and mid-luteal phases of their menstrual cycle. In each phase, a 3-min incremental rowing protocol was used to determine a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol · l−1 (T lac-4mM) and maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max); a five-stroke maximal test was used to establish maximal power. Order of testing was randomized for menstrual cycle phase. Variables (T lac-4mM, VO2max, maximal power) were correlated with speed in the 2000-m time trials, and the effect of menstrual cycle phase on these variables was examined. A blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol · l−1 occurred at a significantly higher mean exercise intensity (mid-luteal vs. mid-follicular: 169.1 W, s=39.1 vs. 159.0 W, s=38.3; P=0.033), heart rate (179 beats · min−1, s=9 vs. 173 beats · min−1, s=11; P=0.0047), and oxygen consumption (2.64 litres · min−1, s=0.66 vs. 2.42 litres · min−1, s=0.62; P=0.04) in the mid-luteal phase than in the mid-follicular phase. There was no significant difference (P=0.11) in 2000-m time trial speed according to menstrual cycle phase. In conclusion, although T lac-4mM differed due to menstrual cycle phase, 2000-m rowing performance was unaffected. Further research into the effects of menstrual cycle on rowing performance of a longer duration, among a more homogenous group of females, is recommended.

Collegiate Rowing Crew Performance Varies by Morningness-Eveningness

During adolescence and early adulthood, most humans are predisposed developmentally, both biologically and socially, toward evening/night activity. The morningness-eveningness (M-E) tendency to be an evening-preferring (E-type) rather than a morning-preferring (M-type) or intermediate/neither (N-type) "chronotype" may affect athletic performance at various times of day. This study evaluated M-E effects on rowing performance of an intact, experienced, university club crew with near-daily early morning (0500-0700 hours) and late afternoon (1630-1800 hours) training schedules. The hypothesis tested was that chronotype would modify circadian effects during morning and afternoon performances. Eight men and eight women (mean age 19.6 +/- 1.5 years) were tested in a randomized, counterbalanced design. A standard qualifying 2000-m ergometer rowing sprint and a nonroutine standing broad jump task were measured during early morning and late afternoon, separated by 3 days of rest. Each subject's chronotype was determined using two standard self-rating M-E scales, resulting in eight E-type (three women/five men), four M-type (two women/two men), and four N-type (three women/one man) subjects. The rowing results show that E-type and N-type subjects did not differ between morning and afternoon rowing performances, whereas M-type subjects rowed significantly faster in the morning. In contrast, the standing broad jump showed no consistent time-of-day or chronotype effect. These findings suggest that basic performance timing in young athletes is determined to some extent by naturally occurring M-E predispositions. Further, modification of time-of-day influences may be possible by routine practice at the same time each day, as was suggested here by the absence of evening superiority in performances. Understanding their personal M-E tendencies could allow young athletes to arrange training schedules at specific times of day to help counteract any natural circadian influences that might work against their performance.

Psychomotor speed is related to perceived performance in rowers

The goal of the present study was to determine if psychomotor speed is related to perceived performance. It was hypothesized that lower perceived performance was related to longer reaction times. A total of 85 measurements were taken in 26 varsity rowers (mean age 21.3 years, s=1.6) on five occasions over the course of the season. Perceived performance was measured with the “Reduced Sense of Accomplishment” scale of the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire. Reaction times were measured with the finger pre-cueing task and with the action and reaction modes of the determination test. The complex structured data were analysed with multi-level modelling. Random intercept linear models showed that perceived performance was not related to reaction times on the finger pre-cueing task. Perceived performance significantly predicted reaction times on the action and reaction modes of the determination test. In rowers who were not selected for the team after completing two measurement sessions, this relationship did not exist in the action mode; deselection was a moderator. Thus, a significant relationship between reaction times on the determination test and perceived performance was observed. It was concluded that the determination test could be a useful tool to monitor rowers’ responses to training, although several issues should be resolved before it can be used in practice.

Polymorphism of the vascular endothelial growth factor gene (VEGF) and aerobic performance in athletes

The subject of this study is the frequency distribution of alleles of the vascular endothelial growth factor gene (VEGF; the G-634C polymorphism) in athletes (n = 670) and in a control group (n = 1073) and the relationships of genotypes with aerobic performance in rowers (n = 90). Genetic typing was performed using the analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphism. The frequency of the VEGF C allele in the group of endurance athletes (n = 294) was significantly higher than in the control group and increased together with increasing sports qualification. In addition, a correlation of the VEGF C allele with a high aerobic performance of athletes (according to data on the maximal power and maximal oxygen consumption) and with a substantial contribution to the energy supply of aerobic metabolism (according to the values of maximal lactate content) has been found. It is inferred that the G-634C polymorphism of the VEGF gene is associated with physical performance of athletes and plays a key role in sports selection.

Influence of Nutrient Intake after Weigh-In on Lightweight Rowing Performance

The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of different nutritional recovery strategies between weigh-in and racing on 2000-m rowing ergometer performance among oarsmen undertaking short-term weight loss before competition. Competitive rowers (N = 12) completed four ergometer trials, each separated by 48 h. No weight restrictions were imposed for the first trial (TR1). Thereafter, athletes were required to reduce their body mass by 5.2% in the 24 h before trial 2 (TR2), again reaching this body mass before the final two trials (TR3 and TR4). Athletes were provided with one of three nutritional recovery strategies in the 2 h between weigh-in and racing in a counterbalanced fashion according to a Latin square design: fluid (2.8 kJ.kg(-1), 0.0 g.kg(-1) carbohydrate, 0.6 mg.kg(-1) sodium, 28.5 mL.kg(-1) fluid; FLU), carbohydrate/sodium (45.3 kJ.kg(-1), 2.2 g.kg(-1) carbohydrate, 32.9 mg.kg(-1) sodium, 7.2 mL.kg(-1) fluid; CHO), and a combination of water and carbohydrate/sodium (44.8 kJ.kg(-1), 2.3 g.kg(-1) carbohydrate, 33 mg.kg(-1) sodium, 28.5 mL.kg(-1) fluid; COM). Performance was slower for CHO compared with both COM (mean difference, 4.13; 95% CI, 1.37-6.88 s; P = 0.003) and FLU (2.88; 95% CI, 0.13-5.63 s; P = 0.039). However, FLU was not significantly slower than COM (1.24; 95% CI, -1.41 to 3.90 s; P = 0.474). The present investigation has shown that although carbohydrate and sodium intake may be important in the recovery period between weigh-in and 2000-m rowing ergometer performance, fluid intake has a greater influence on performance among lightweight male rowers who undertake short-term weight loss to achieve specified body-mass limits.

Ribose Versus Dextrose Supplementation, Association With Rowing Performance

It has been hypothesized that ribose supplementation rapidly replenishes adenosine triphosphate stores and thereby improves exercise performance. We compared the effects of ribose versus dextrose on rowing performance. Double-blind randomized trial. Rowing team training area of large midwestern university. Thirty-one women collegiate rowers. We studied the effects of ribose versus dextrose supplementation (10 g each in 8 oz water) for 8 weeks before and after practice and 2000-m time trials. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: In the time trials, the dextrose group showed significantly more improvement at 8 weeks than the ribose group (median, 15.2 vs. 5.2 s; P = 0.031). We doubt ribose impaired, and hypothesize dextrose enhanced, rowing performance. Further research is needed to define what role, if any, dextrose and ribose play as athletic supplements.

Impact of Two Different Body Mass Management Strategies on Repeat Rowing Performance

The present study was conducted to examine the impact of acute weight loss on repeat 2000-m rowing ergometer performance during a simulated multiday regatta, and to compare two different body mass management strategies between races. Competitive rowers (N = 16) were assigned to either a control (CON), partial recovery (REC(partial)), or complete recovery (REC(complete)) group. Volunteers completed four trials, each separated by 48 h. No weight restrictions were imposed for the first trial. Thereafter, athletes in REC(partial) and REC(complete) were required to reduce their body mass by 4% in the 24 h before trial 2, again reaching this body mass before the final two trials. No weight restrictions were imposed on CON. Aggressive nutritional recovery strategies were used in the 2 h following weigh-in for all athletes. These strategies were maintained for the 12-16 h following racing for REC(complete) with the aim of restoring at least three quarters of the original 4% body mass loss. Postrace recovery strategies were less aggressive in REC(partial); volunteers were encouraged to restore no more than half of their initial 4% body mass loss. Acute weight loss increased time to complete the first "at-weight" performance trial by a small margin (mean 3.0, 95% CI -0.3 to 6.3 s, P = 0.07) when compared with the CON response. This effect decreased when sustained for several days. Aggressive postrace recovery strategies tended to eliminate the effect of acute weight loss on subsequent performance. Acute weight loss resulted in a small performance compromise that was reduced or eliminated when repeated over several days. Athletes should be encouraged to maximize recovery in the 12-16 h following racing when attempting to optimize subsequent performance.