Effects of Training on Physiological Correlates of Rowing Ergometry Performance

Before and after a fall training season, 10 male college rowers performed a 2-km time trial on a rowing ergometer. Each rower also undertook an incremental rowing ergometer test to determine rowing velocity and oxygen uptake corresponding to a blood lactate concentration of 4.0 mmol · L^-1, peak rowing velocity, and peak V̇O₂. Both pre and post 2-km times were highly correlated with all parameters measured. After the training season, improvements were observed for 2-km time and velocity associated with 4.0 mmol · L^-1. There were no overall changes in peak parameters after training; however, the 3 subjects who did improve peak velocity also had the most improvement in 2-km time. As a result, change in peak velocity correlated significantly with change in 2-km time (r = -0.77). The increase in peak velocity in these 3 subjects appeared to be associated with an altered V̇O₂-velocity relationship. It is concluded that in highly trained rowers, velocity and V̇O₂ at 4.0 mmol · L^-1 and peak can predict 2-km rowing ergometer time. Furthermore, improvement in 2-km time appears to correlate with changes in peak velocity.