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The purpose of this study was to propose a systematic method for the identification of training strategies and team selection using isoperformance curves. Rowing is a sport that relies on both aerobic and anaerobic energy contributions during a standard 2,000 m competition. The critical velocity model combines both aerobic (critical velocity, CV) and anaerobic (anaerobic rowing capacity, ARC) parameters in a single two-dimensional graphic display. The concept of isoperformance curves, a series of linear equations corresponding to minimum performance standards, allows for an objective overview of a large group of athletes of varying talent. The purpose of this study was to develop physiological profiles from the CV test, and to evaluate results with isoperformance curves to identify training strategies for collegiate rowers. Thirty-five female collegiate rowers completed four time trials over various distances (400, 600, 800, and 1,000 m). CV and ARC were calculated and compared between novice and varsity athletes. CV values for the varsity group were significantly higher than the novice group (P = 0.016). No significant differences were found between groups for ARC (P = 0.068). Mean and individual CV and ARC values were plotted on the x- and y-axes, respectively, and junior, collegiate, and elite isoperformance curves were developed using 2,000 m times from recent indoor rowing competitions. Stratification of athletes through isoperformance curves was used to identify specific training interventions (anaerobic and/or aerobic) needed to improve their 2,000 m performance. The information drawn from isoperformance curves and the parameters of the CV test can be used to provide an objective view of physiological capabilities and training needs on both an individual and team basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine whether a multi-dimensional intervention programme was effective in reducing the incidence of low back pain (LBP) and the associated levels of pain and disability in schoolgirl rowers. This non-randomised controlled trial involved an intervention (INT) group consisting of 90 schoolgirl rowers from one school and a control (CTRL) group consisting of 131 participants from three other schools. All participants in the INT group underwent a multi-dimensional programme that consisted of an individualised exercise programme based on an individual musculoskeletal screening (Week 1) and a LBP education session conducted by a physiotherapist (Week 2) and performed an off-water-conditioning programme conducted by a Physical Education teacher. All exercises were undertaken during the season. Primary outcome variables collected at Start-season, Mid-season, End-season and Post-season included the incidence of LBP and related levels of pain and disability. Secondary outcome variables from the bio-psycho-social domain were measured at Start-season and End-season in the INT group only. The INT group had a lower incidence of LBP at Mid-season and End-season and displayed significantly better results than the CTRL group for improvers and non-improvers with respect to the levels of pain and disability. The INT group following the intervention also displayed improved physical fitness levels, sat with significantly less anterior tilt of the pelvis and lumbar kyphosis when in their usual sitting posture and demonstrated positive changes in their behaviour. The multi-dimensional approach to reducing the incidence of LBP, pain and disability in schoolgirl rowers in this study was effective. Several secondary outcome variables measured in the INT group considered to be of importance in LBP significantly improved. These included physical fitness (aerobic conditioning, lower limb and back muscle endurance and sit and reach flexibility) and seated posture (usual and slump sitting). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saliva immunoglobulins (sIgA, sIgG, and sIgM) and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) rates were evaluated in 20 elite female rowers and 19 nonathletes. Also, the influence of carbohydrate versus placebo beverage consumption on saliva immunoglobulin responses to rowing training sessions was measured in 15 rowers and in 5 non-exercising rowers. Saliva samples were collected 1 day before, and 5–10 min and 1.5 h after rowing or rest. Pre-exercise sIgA (but not sIgG or sIgM) concentration was 77% higher in the rowers compared to nonathletes (P < 0.001). Health records kept over 2 months revealed mean 5.2 (SEM 1.2) and 3.3 (SEM 1.1) days with URTI symptoms for the rowers and controls, respectively. For all 39 subjects, and for the 20 rowers separately, no significant correlation was found between URTI symptoms or insulin, cortisol, and growth hormone concentrations and pre-exercise or exercise-related changes in saliva immunoglobulin concentrations or secretion rates. The patterns of change in saliva immunoglobulin concentration and secretion rate did not differ between the carbohydrate and placebo rowing trials, or between exercised and rested athletes. These data indicated an increased sIgA concentration in the female elite rowers compared to the nonathletes, no association between saliva immunoglobulins and URTI, and no effect of a normal 2-hour training session or carbohydrate ingestion on saliva immunoglobulin concentrations or secretion rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]