Simulated Race Research Articles

ANTICIPATORY TESTOSTERONE IN FEMALE COLLEGIATE RUNNERS DURING COMPETITION

The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between competitiveness and the anticipatory total serum testosterone response to athletic competition in female collegiate endurance athletes. Twelve college‐aged female athletes participated in a track relay‐style race. A $10 gift card was awarded to each member of the fastest team. Blood serum was obtained 24 hours prior and 15 minutes prior to a competition. An IMMULITE total serum testosterone competitive chemiluminescent immunoassay was used for analysis. The Revised Competitiveness Index (RCI) was completed. A dependent t‐test was used to calculate differences between the two serum samples and between oral contraceptive groups. A Pearson correlation (α<0.05) assessed the relationship between RCI scores and 15 minute pre‐race serum testosterone levels. No significant differences were found between oral contraceptive groups (p=0.715) or between 24 hour and 15 minute pre‐race serum testosterone levels (p=0.855). There was no correlation between RCI scores and 15 minute pre‐race total serum testosterone level (R=0.05, p=0.915). These results suggest that for this specific population, competitiveness in a simulated race is unaffected by changes in testosterone secretion.

Asymmetry of Quadriceps Muscle Oxygenation during Elite Short-Track Speed Skating

It has been suggested that, because of the low sitting position in short-track speed skating, muscle blood flow is restricted, leading to decreases in tissue oxygenation. Therefore, wearable wireless-enabled near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technology was used to monitor changes in quadriceps muscle blood volume and oxygenation during a 500-m race simulation in short-track speed skaters. Six elite skaters, all of Olympic standard (age = 23 ± 1.8 yr, height = 1.8 ± 0.1 m, mass = 80.1 ± 5.7 kg, midthigh skinfold thickness = 7 ± 2 mm), were studied. Subjects completed a 500-m race simulation time trial (TT). Whole-body oxygen consumption was simultaneously measured with muscle oxygenation in right and left vastus lateralis as measured by NIRS. Mean time for race completion was 44.8 ± 0.4 s. VO2 peaked 20 s into the race. In contrast, muscle tissue oxygen saturation (TSI%) decreased and plateaued after 8 s. Linear regression analysis showed that right leg TSI% remained constant throughout the rest of the TT (slope value = 0.01), whereas left leg TSI% increased steadily (slope value = 0.16), leading to a significant asymmetry (P < 0.05) in the final lap. Total muscle blood volume decreased equally in both legs at the start of the simulation. However, during subsequent laps, there was a strong asymmetry during cornering; when skaters traveled solely on the right leg, there was a decrease in its muscle blood volume, whereas an increase was seen in the left leg. NIRS was shown to be a viable tool for wireless monitoring of muscle oxygenation. The asymmetry in muscle desaturation observed on the two legs in short-track speed skating has implications for training and performance.

The dynamics of elite paddling on a kayak simulator

During kayak paddling, athletes attempt to maximize kayak velocity with the generation of optimal paddle forces. The aim of the current study was to examine ten elite kayakers and identify a number of key biomechanical performance variables during maximal paddling on a custom kayak simulator. These included analysing the effect of side (left and right) and period (beginning, middle, and end of the kayak simulation) on paddle force, paddle angle, mechanical efficiency, and stroke timing data. Paddle kinetics and kinematics were measured with strain gauge force transducers attached to either end of the ergometer paddle and using a 3D motion analysis system respectively. Results indicated a significantly greater mechanical efficiency during the right paddle stroke compared with the left (P < 0.025). In addition, analysing the effect of period, peak paddle force demonstrated a significant reduction when comparing the beginning to the middle and end of the simulated race respectively (P < 0.025). Examination of individual force profiles revealed considerable individuality, with significant variation in the time course of force application. Analysis of the profiles presented may provide meaningful feedback for kayakers and their coaches.

Impact of Iron Depletion Without Anemia on Performance in Trained Endurance Athletes at the Beginning of a Training Season: A Study of Female Collegiate Rowers

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of iron depletion without anemia on performance in a sample of female collegiate rowers at the beginning of a training season (August 2008, January 2009, and September 2009). One hundred sixty-five female collegiate rowers from 5 colleges and universities in central New York State participated in a screening of iron status. Blood hemoglobin (Hgb), serum ferritin (sFer), and soluble transferrin receptor were measured to determine prevalence of iron depletion and anemia. Rowers' habitual moderate and vigorous physical activity, as well as their best time to complete a 2-km simulated race during the previous 3 months, were self-reported. Sixteen rowers (10%) were identified as anemic (Hgb <12.0 g/dl). Using a sFer cutoff of <20.0 μg/L, 30% (n = 44) of the nonanemic rowers were identified as iron depleted without anemia and reported 2-km times ~21 s slower (p < .004) than rowers with normal iron status. Given the high prevalence of iron depletion reported in this and other studies, screening for low iron stores at the start of a training program in female athletes involved in an endurance sport may be clinically useful. In this study, iron-depleted rowers (sFer <20-25 μg/L) reported a decrease in performance time compared with those with normal iron stores.

The influence of exercise and circadian rhythm of haemoglobin concentration associated changes in plasma volume on the biological passport

In the fight against doping in sports, indirect detection methods using Hb and Hct are starting to play a more and more important role. The goal of this investigation was...

Differences in Muscle Activation Between Submaximal and Maximal 6-Minute Rowing Tests

This study aimed to establish the differences in muscle activation between a 6-minute simulated race (all-out test) and a submaximal (blood lactate [LA] concentration 4 mmol·L(-1)) 6-minute effort (submax test) on a rowing ergometer. Eleven healthy, well-trained subjects performed the submax test followed after 1-hour rest by the all-out test. Surface electromyographic (sEMG) signal of muscles gastrocnemius medialis (GC), rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris, gluteus maximus (GM), erector spinae (ES), lower latissimus dorsi (LD_lo), upper latissimus dorsi (LD_up), brachioradialis (BR) and biceps brachii (BB), and other biomechanical, biochemical, and respiratory parameters were monitored during rowing. During the all-out test, the subjects covered a longer distance with larger average power output, higher stroke frequency, LA concentration, and oxygen consumption compared to the submax test (p < 0.05). During the submax test, the average rectified values (ARVs) of sEMG signal increased significantly only in the RF and LD_lo muscles. During the all-out test, the ARVs of the RF, VL, and GM muscles increased (p < 0.05), whereas the MDFs of the RF, ES, and LD_lo muscles decreased (p < 0.05). Compared to the submax test, the ARVs of the GC, RF, VL, LD_lo, LD_up, and BB muscles were significantly higher during the all-out test. However, only for the RF muscle, the all-out test resulted in a significantly lower MDF value compared to the submax test. The most involved muscles that would need special attention in training seem to be the leg and shoulder girdle extensors and arm flexors but not the trunk and hip extensors.

Physiological Effect of Pacing Tactics and Thermal Stress During 10-km Running

When allowed to free choice, runners adopt a U shaped pattern of pacing during middle distance runs. In high level competition, runners may start at an unreasonably fast pace to stay with their competitors. Our understanding of how pace is regulated when the starting strategy is not freely chosen is incomplete. PURPOSE: We tested the hypothesis that running pace would change reciprocally with core temperature and [La-]. METHODS: Well-trained runners performed three experimental 10-km treadmill race simulations, one freely paced, one with increased starting pace and one with increased starting pace + increased heat stress. Gas exchange, core temperature, [La-] & RPE were measured. RESULTS: During the increased starting pace runs, subjects maintained pace for 2-4 km before slowing. During the final 5-km there was no difference in pace. Core temperature increased equally (37.5 ± 0.2 to 39.5 ± 0.5 °C) in all runs, With no differences in the last 5-km. VO2, HR, ventilation & [La-] increased more rapidly during the forced pace runs, but by 7-km was the same. VO2 averaged 85-90% of VO2max, and HR was >95%max during the last 6-km. By 5-km [La-] was constant between runs and was ∼8 mmol l-1 at the end. RPE was greater during the first 5-km of forced pace, but was not different during the last half. CONCLUSION: The hypothesis of reciprocal changes in pace vs core temperature and blood [La-] was supported. The data support the concept that exercise intensity is modulated in an anticipatory way to limit the magnitude of homeostatic disturbances and that slowing during mid-race may be a strategy to prevent a catastrophic collapse rather than a response to a homeostatic catastrophe.

Profiling Forces Experienced by Jockeys During Simulated Race Riding - A Single Case Study

Profiling Forces Experienced by Jockeys During Simulated Race Riding - A Single Case Study

The Effect of Recovery Time on Subsequent 2K Performance in NCAA Division I Competitive Women Collegiate Rowers

INTRODUCTION: Recovery plays a crucial role in athletic success, yet it is one of the least understood and under-researched areas of sport performance. This study examined the impact of recovery duration on subsequent performance over 2000m on a rowing ergometer using a Concept II-D, (Morrisville, VT) ergometer. METHODS: Ten well-trained, collegiate women rowers (age: 19.4+/− 1.2 yrs, ht: 175.1+/− 5.6, body mass: 63.6+/− 8.5 kg) participated in this investigation. In a randomized, crossover design all subjects completed 2 race trials in each of 2 experimental sessions, passively recovering for either 6 or 24 hours in between trials. Data were collected every 500m; including average power, stroke rate, and 500m split time as well as heart rate and rating of perceived exertion. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures was used to analyze these data and to compare the baseline rowing trials with the subsequent recovery trial of either 6 or 24 hours after the first simulated race of the two day sequence. When appropriate a Fishers LSD post-hoc test was used to determine pair wise differences between the means. Significance in this study was set at P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Results showed no statistically significant differences in any of these variables with either the 6 or 24 hour recovery condition or across 500m time points within each race trial. No differences were seen for power changes across the race trials. (see Figure 1). For the RPE values at each 500m segment there were no differences between the recovery time points for any given race segment. However, as might be expected RPE values increased over the course of the race to almost maximal values for the 6-20 scale. The 500m segment RPE values were significantly less than their corresponding values at the end of the 1500m and 2000m race segments. Additionally, the 1000m segment was significantly less than the 2000m race segment, indicating an incremental perceptual strain as the race continued no matter the race trial or recovery time point that was measured. An increased heart rate was observed between the 500m race segment and corresponding values for the 1500m and 2000m race segments. No differences were observed within the race segment for 6 or 24 hour recovery time points. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed between the corresponding race segments of 1000m to 2000m, indicating a relative steady state in physiological function. Interestingly, the heart rate and RPE were not significantly correlated (r = −0.008, P ≤ 0.05). This further supports the separation of physiological strain from psycho-perceptual demands in this 2K race. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the lack of significant physical fatigue, there was evidence of increased perceptual strain during each race trial, as average power was maintained throughout despite increases in ratings of perceived exertion. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: From a practical perspective, it appears that it did not matter if rowers had 6 or 24 hours recovery time between subsequent “all-out” 2000m performances on a rowing ergometer. This seems to demonstrate not only the highly trained nature of collegiate rowers but also their mental toughness and ability to psychologically absorb and tolerate the physical stress of “all out” 2000m rowing performance.

Modelling multiple yacht sailing interactions between upwind sailing yachts

An approach for enhancing the realism of yacht fleet race simulations based on a lifting line method is developed. The wake of an upwind sailing yacht is represented as a single heeled horseshoe vortex and image system. At each time step, changes in vortex strength are convected into the wake as a pair of vortex line elements. These subsequently move in accordance with the local wind, the self-induced velocity and the velocity induced by the presence of the wakes of other yachts. In addition, the lifting line model has a model for the viscous wake due to the drag associated with the yacht and its sails superimposed on it. A synthesis of sail yacht wake representations based on detailed 3D Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes computational fluid dynamics calculations with wind tunnel test results is used to capture the initial strength of the combined main-jib vortex system and its vertical height. The implementation of the lifting line algorithm within Robo-Race, a real-time yacht race strategy analysis tool, is described. Two upwind race interaction case studies are presented, and these show that the newly implemented wake model makes an important contribution to enhancing the realism of the sailing simulation.

Simulated Race for Exam Grades

Simulated Race for Exam Grades

The Effect of Suspense on Enjoyment Following a Desirable Outcome: The Mediating Role of Relief

Although endemic to many forms of media entertainment, suspense represents a paradox for enjoyment because it is experienced as an aversive state. Three studies are presented across two media contexts demonstrating how outcomes to suspenseful episodes affect viewers' relief. Study 1 shows that relief is elicited only when a film's outcome is unambiguously favorable and under such conditions is positively related to enjoyment. No such relationship was found given an ambiguous outcome. Study 1 provides evidence that relief is distinct from other affective responses (i.e., positive and negative affect, surprise) that may be present following suspense. Studies 2 and 3 use competitive contests as a context and provide evidence that relief mediates the effect of suspense on enjoyment. Study 2 shows that the previously positive effects of suspense and expectation disconfirmation on enjoyment are obviated in the presence of relief. Study 3 varies suspense in real time across 14 simulated races. Also manipulated are affective dispositions toward the racers and race outcome. The results reveal that relief mediates the effect of suspense on enjoyment, but only when the outcome favors a preferred competitor. The research enhances our understanding of the intertwining of cognition and affect in the enjoyment of suspense.

Changes in kinematics and trunk electromyography during a 2000 m race simulation in elite female rowers

Achieving excellence in rowing requires optimization of technique to maximize efficiency and force production. Investigation of the kinematics of the trunk, upper and lower extremity, together with muscle activity of the trunk, provides an insight into the motor control strategies utilized over a typical race. Nine elite female rowers performed a 2000 m race simulation. Kinematic data of the trunk and extremities, together with electromyography (EMG) activity of spinal and pelvic extensor and flexor muscles, were compared at 250 and 1500 m. At 1500 m, there was greater dissociation in the timing of leg extension and arm flexion and delayed trunk extension. Also at 1500 m, the spine demonstrated a delayed peak extension angular velocity of the T4-T7 and L3-S1 spinal segments in the early drive along with delayed and increased peak extension angular velocity of T10-L1 and L1-L3 spinal segments during the late drive. Trunk muscle fatigue was not evident; however, the abdominals demonstrated larger EMG burst areas at 1500 m. Alterations in trunk kinematics suggest that the trunk acts as a less stiff lever on which to transfer the forces of the legs to the arms and handle. Increased abdominal activity may reflect increased demand to control the trunk, given the altered coordination between the legs, trunk and arms.

A wearable system for the affective monitoring of car racing drivers during simulated conditions

A real time, wearable system for remote monitoring of car racing drivers’ emotional state is presented. The so-called AUBADE system (standing for AUgmentation system for roBust emotionAl understanding) consists of a wearable device and a centralized unit. The wearable device is responsible to acquire selected biosignals, pre-process them and wirelesses transmit them from the subject-site to the centralized system. The centralized system, which is the main part of the system and carries most of the processing, has a twofold purpose: on the one hand it performs evaluation of the subject’s emotional state and on the other hand it projects a generic 3D face model whereat the facial expression of the subject can be viewed. A two stage classification scheme is used. First a decision tree is implemented in order to classify the subject’s emotional state as high stress, low stress and valence. Then a Tree Augmented Naïve Bayesian classifier (TAN) is used to classify valence as euphoria and dysphoria. The centralized system has been validated using a dataset obtained from ten subjects in simulated racing conditions. The emotional classes identified are high stress, low stress, dysphoria and euphoria. The overall classification rate achieved using tenfold cross-validation is high. AUBADE constitutes the first system which has the feasibility of remote and real time affective assessment in car racing, providing a useful addition to the existing telemetry systems used in the domain.

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

Near Infrared Spectroscopy Measurements Of Muscle Metabolism In Elite Short-track Speed Skaters During On-ice Race Simulation

PURPOSE: To gain real-time information pertaining to the concentration and oxygenation changes of haemoglobin in the vastus lateralis muscle during short track race simulation, by using the wireless capabilities of a recently developed portable NIRS device. METHODS: A dual wavelength NIRS device was placed on both the right and left leg of each subject, positioned midway between the greater trachanter of the femur and the lateral epicondyl. Subjects were 6 male elite short track speed skaters, all of whom were members of the Great Britain Olympic squad (age: 22 ± 3 years, height: 172.6 ± 11.79 cm, mass: 70.75 ± 12.43 kg, mid-thigh skin fold thickness: 6.97 ± 1.3 mm). Each subject completed a race simulation for 2 Olympic race distances: 500m and 1500m. Changes in muscle oxyhaemoglobin, muscle deoxyhaemoglobin, heart rate, global oxygen consumption (VO2) and a video record were analysed for each race. RESULTS: Immediately following the start of 500m race there was an initial drop from baseline in total haemoglobin concentration as a consequence of constriction of the muscle (-5.96 ±1.6 μM). However, by the end of the race simulation, muscle haemoglobin concentration had increased significantly (+9.52 ± 8.69 μM), presumably consequent to a change in vessel diameter and blood flow. Significant differences between the right and left leg were seen at different phases of the lap. Most notably, during the 500m race, when skaters travel around the apex of the bend supported solely on the right leg ('hang' phase), the right leg shows a rapid drop in total blood haemoglobin, -6.7 ±1.06 μM, whereas the left leg shows no such drop, +2.1 ±0.6 μM. During the 1500 m athletes make less use of the hang phase, and this difference between right and left leg is not apparent. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first time that real-time NIRS measurements have been made of elite short track speeds skaters under on-ice race simulation conditions. The wireless capability of the NIRS device used allowed real-time monitoring of muscle oxygenation and blood volume. The difference in skating styles during events of different distances, reflected in changes in oxyhaemoglobin and deoxyhaemoglobin concentrations, is likely to map onto key haemodynamic (blood flow) and metabolic (oxygen consumption) parameters.

Effect of dietary supplements commonly used in Standardbred racing on plasma total carbon dioxide

Ten mature Standardbred mares (9–13 years, ~522 kg) were used to test the hypothesis that pelleted dietary supplementation would alter total plasma bicarbonate (tCO2) concentrations. All the mares used in this study were unconditioned, but were familiarized to the laboratory setting and running on a treadmill. Each of the ten mares was semi-randomly assigned one of four dietary treatments. The four treatments (oats as control and three pelleted feed supplements: Drive, Omolene and Strategy) were administered in a crossover fashion throughout a 4-week testing period. These products were chosen based on the frequency of their use by Standardbred/Thoroughbred owners and trainers in New Jersey. The horses underwent a simulated race test (SRT) on a treadmill (6% grade) at the end of each administration period. During the SRT, horses ran for 2 min at 4 m s− 1, 2 min at the speed previously shown to correspond to VO2max and 2 min at 4 m s− 1. Blood was collected before supplement treatment ( − 4 h), 10 min prior to exercise and at 0, 60 and 90 min post-exercise. Plasma concentrations of bicarbonate, sodium, potassium and chloride were measured using a Beckman ELISE analyser. The major finding of this study indicates that the plasma [tCO2], chloride and sodium concentrations were not altered by the dietary supplements studied (P&gt;0.05). There were differences (P &lt; 0.05) in plasma [tCO2] across sampling intervals ( − 4 h, − 10 min, +0 min, +60 min and +90 min) that were attributable to acute exercise (mean ± SE: 34.4 ± 0.9, 33.2 ± 1.1, 20.2 ± 0.8, 31.5 ± 0.8, 30.3 ± 1.6 mmol l− 1). There was a slight effect of treatment (P &lt; − 0.05) on potassium levels. However, exercise was the main factor that caused substantial changes (P &lt; 0.05) in the plasma tCO2, potassium, haematocrit and total protein concentrations. It was concluded that the pelleted diet supplements examined do not alter plasma [tCO2] in horses.

Right premotor cortex mediates representational transform for remote over egocentric perceptual-motor control of simulated red bull air race

Right premotor cortex mediates representational transform for remote over egocentric perceptual-motor control of simulated red bull air race

Microtechnology for measuring intra-stroke arm and leg timing in swimming

Introduction: The measurement of technique for an athlete has traditionally been performed in the laboratory where the required instrumentation is available and environmental conditions can be easily controlled. In this environment, dynamic characteristics of athletes are assessed using treadmills, rowing and cycling machines and even flumes and tethers for swimmers. In general these machines allow for the monitoring of athletes using instrumentation that cannot be used in the training environment, but instead requires the athlete to remain quasi-static, thus enabling a constant field of view for optical devices and relatively constant proximity for tethered electronic sensors, breath gas analysis etc. The use of accelerometers to measure activity levels for sporting, health and gait analysis is emerging as a popular method of biomechanical quantification of health and sporting activity. Detailed analyses of the fine structure of movements reveal critical performance characteristics, which potentially can shave milliseconds from lap times. The objective of this research was to measure the intra-stroke movement patterns for elite swimmers, specifically the timing of arm-stroke and leg-kick and provide new information to QAS swimming coaches on as the athletes are freely swimming in training and/or race simulation conditions. Methodology: The reliability and validity of the micro-technology was quantified via graduated comparative analysis of the inertial sensor outputs relative to a recognized benchmark. Using a National Sports Science Quality Assurance motion analysis laboratory and Qualisysix camera 500Hz three dimensional motion analysis system a simple, single plane movement task of flexion/extension of the knee joint was measured and compared for validity and reliability. The calibrated inertial sensors were placed on the hand, head, sacrum, and ankle of the swimmer prior to entering the water. The data collection was synchronised on the sensors via a radio frequency and the swimmers completed 100 m freestyle swimming. Results and conclusions: This new monitoring system provides currently unknown feedback on the intra-stroke timing mechanics for swimmers, which is a fundamental factor in enhancing performance. Specifically the timing of the pull and recovery phase in relationship to the kick are identified in free swimming. From this benchmark variations in the pattern of intra-stroke timing due to fatigue or change in velocity can be identified. This critical and real-time information can led in substantial changes in training techniques of the coaches and athletes.

Energy systems contributions in 2,000 m race simulation: a comparison among rowing ergometers and water

This study investigated the energy system contributions of rowers in three different conditions: rowing on an ergometer without and with the slide and rowing in the water. For this purpose, eight rowers were submitted to 2,000 m race simulations in each of the situations defined above. The fractions of the aerobic (W (AER)), anaerobic alactic (W (PCR)) and anaerobic lactic (W ([La-])) systems were calculated based on the oxygen uptake, the fast component of excess post-exercise oxygen uptake and changes in net blood lactate, respectively. In the water, the metabolic work was significantly higher [(851 (82) kJ] than during both ergometer [674 (60) kJ] and ergometer with slide [663 (65) kJ] (P < or = 0.05). The time in the water [515 (11) s] was higher (P < 0.001) than in the ergometers with [398 (10) s] and without the slide [402 (15) s], resulting in no difference when relative energy expenditure was considered: in the water [99 (9) kJ min(-1)], ergometer without the slide [99.6 (9) kJ min(-1)] and ergometer with the slide [100.2 (9.6) kJ min(-1)]. The respective contributions of the W (AER), W (PCR) and W ([La-]) systems were water = 87 (2), 7 (2) and 6 (2)%, ergometer = 84 (2), 7 (2) and 9 (2)%, and ergometer with the slide = 84 (2), 7 (2) and 9 (1)%. VO2, HR and lactate were not different among conditions. These results seem to indicate that the ergometer braking system simulates conditions of a bigger and faster boat and not a single scull. Probably, a 2,500 m test should be used to properly simulate in the water single-scull race.