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Purpose: To investigate changes in physiology, performance, and training practices of elite Australian rowers over 6 mo. Methods: Twenty-one elite rowers (14 male, 7 female) were monitored throughout 2 phases: phase 1 (specific preparation) and phase 2 (domestic competition). Incremental tests and rowing-ergometer time trials over 100, 500, 2000, and 6000 m were conducted at the start of the season, midseason, and late season. Weekly external (frequency, duration, distance rowed) and internal (T2minute method) loads are reported. Results: Heavyweight male rowers achieved moderate improvements in VO2max and power at VO2max. Most other changes in physiology and performance were small or unclear. External loads decreased from phase 1 to phase 2 (duration 19.3 to 18.0 h/wk, distance rowed 140 to 125 km/wk, respectively). Conversely, internal loads increased (phase 1 = 19.0 T2hours, phase 2 = 20.3 T2hours). Low-intensity training predominated (~80% of training hours at T1 and T2), and high-intensity training was greater in phase 2. Training was rowing-focused (68% of training duration), although 32% of training time was spent in nonspecific modes. The distribution of specificity was not different between phases. Conclusion: Physiology and performance results were stable over the 6-mo period. Training-load patterns differed depending on the measure, highlighting the importance of monitoring both external and internal loads. The distribution of intensity was somewhat polarized, and substantial volumes of nonspecific training were undertaken. Experimental studies should investigate the effects of different distributions of intensity and specificity on rowing performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Beetroot juice is a naturally rich source of inorganic nitrate (NO3-), a compound hypothesized to enhance endurance performance by improving exercise efficiency. Purpose: To investigate the effect of different doses of beetroot juice on 2000-m ergometer-rowing performance in highly trained athletes. Methods: Ten highly trained male rowers volunteered to participate in a placebo-controlled, double-blinded crossover study. Two hours before undertaking a 2000-m rowing-ergometer test, subjects consumed beetroot juice containing 0 mmol (placebo), 4.2 mmol (SINGLE), or 8.4 mmol (DOUBLE) NO3-. Blood samples were taken before supplement ingestion and immediately before the rowing test for analysis of plasma [NO3-] and [nitrite (NO2-)]. Results: The SINGLE dose demonstrated a trivial effect on time to complete 2000 m compared with placebo (mean difference: 0.2 ± 2.5 s). A possibly beneficial effect was found with DOUBLE compared with SINGLE (mean difference -1.8 ± 2.1 s) and with placebo (-1.6 ± 1.6 s). Plasma [NO2-] and [NO3-] demonstrated a dose-response effect, with greater amounts of ingested nitrate leading to substantially higher concentrations (DOUBLE > SINGLE > placebo). There was a moderate but insignificant correlation (r = -.593, P = .055) between change in plasma [NO3-] and performance time. Conclusion: Compared with nitratedepleted beetroot juice, a high (8.4 mmol NO3-) but not moderate (4.2 mmol NO3-) dose of NO3- in beetroot juice, consumed 2 h before exercise, may improve 2000-m rowing performance in highly trained athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study evaluated the validity of ergometer tests against the criterion of on-water rowing and determined the reliability of field measurements by comparing results between ergometer (ERG) and on-water (OW) tests. Methods: Seven male rowers completed incremental tests on a Concept2 rowing ergometer and in a single scull. Average power output, oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration (BLa) and distance completed were measured during each ERG and OW workload. Data treatment: Linear regression between power output and HR, BLa, VO2 and distance allowed submaximal results to be compared between ERG and OW tests at equivalent intensities based on five standard power outputs. Submaximal results were analyzed using repeated measure factorial ANOVAs and maximal data used dependent t tests (P < .05), the magnitude of differences were also classified using effect size analyses. The reliability of repeated measurements was established using Typical Error. Results: Differences between ERG and OW submaximal results were not statistically significant for power output, HR, BLa, and VO2, but distance completed (P < .001) was higher during the ERG test. However, the magnitude of physiological response differences between the ERG and OW tests varied between individuals. Mean HR at anaerobic threshold showed good agreement between both tests (r = .81), but the standard error of the estimate was 9 beats per minute. Conclusions: Individual variation in physiological response differences between ERG and OW tests meant that training intensity recommendations from the ERG test were not applicable to on-water training for some rowers, but provided appropriate prescriptions for most athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The Concept II model C (IIC) rowing ergometer was replaced by the Concept II model D (IID), but the design modifications of the updated ergometer might alter resistance characteristics and rowing technique, thereby potentially influencing ergometer test results. This study evaluated the physiological response to rowing on the IIC and IID ergometers during a submaximal progressive incremental test and maximal-performance time trial. Methods: Eight national-level rowers completed submaximal and maximal tests on the IIC and IID ergometers separated by 48 to 72 h. Physiological responses and calculated blood lactate thresholds (LT1 and LT2) were compared between ergometer models (IIC vs IID) using standardized drag-factor settings. Results: Power output, oxygen consumption, rowing economy (mL O2 · min-1 · W-1), heart rate, blood lactate concentration, stroke rate, and rating of perceived exertion all displayed similar responses regardless of ergometer model. Calculated physiological values equivalent to LT1 and LT2 were also similar between models, except for blood lactate concentration at LT1, which displayed a small but statistically significant difference (P = .02) of 0.2 mmol/L. Conclusions: The physiological response when rowing on IIC and IID ergometers is nearly identical, and testing can therefore be carried out on either ergometer and the results directly compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cycle training is an important training modality of elite rowers. Cycling is the preferred alternative to on-water and ergometer rowing as it provides a reduction in compressive forces on the thoracic cage and upper extremities while still creating a local and central acclimation to endurance training. It is hypothesised, however, that there will be differences in physiological characteristics between Concept II (CII) rowing and WattBike (WB) cycling due to the principle regarding the specificity of training that elite rowers undertake. Understanding these differences will ensure more accurate training prescription when cycling. Twenty international level male rowers, [ V ˙ O2PEAK 5.85 ± 0.58 L.min−1 (CI ± 0.26 L.min−1)] participated in two identical discontinuous incremental exercise tests on a CII rowing and WB cycle ergometer. Ergometer modalities were randomised and counterbalanced among the group and tests occurred 7 days apart. V ˙ O2, V ˙ CO2, V ˙ E(STPD) and HR were significantly higher for every submaximal power output on the CII compared with the WB. Maximal power output on the WB was higher than on the CII [42 ± 33 W (CI ± 14 W) p < 0.000] but V ˙ O2PEAK was similar between modalities. Minute ventilation at maximal exercise was 11 L.min−1 lower on CII than on WB. When data were expressed relative to modality specific V ˙ O2PEAK, power output was consistently lower on the CII as was submaximal V ˙ CO2, RER, RPE, mechanical efficiency and BLa concentration at 75% V ˙ O2PEAK. Across all power outputs and exercise modalities, 77% of the variance in RPE could be explained by the variance in BLa. These results demonstrate that elite rowers can attain similar V ˙ O2PEAK scores regardless of modality. Substantial physiological and metabolic differences are evident between CII rowing and WB cycling when power output is the independent variable with the latter being over 40 W higher. The difference in displayed power output between the ergometer modalities is attributed to differences in mechanical efficiency and a degree of power output not being accounted for on the CII ergometer. Given the lack of consistency between CII and WB power output, other physiological measures, such as HR, are better suited to prescribe WB ergometer sessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elite rowers complete rowing-specific and non-specific training, incorporating continuous and interval-like efforts spanning the intensity spectrum. However, established training load measures are unsuitable for use in some modes and intensities. Consequently, a new measure known as the T2minute method was created. The method quantifies load as the time spent in a range of training zones (time-in-zone), multiplied by intensity- and mode-specific weighting factors that scale the relative stress of different intensities and modes to the demands of on-water rowing. The purpose of this study was to examine the convergent validity of the T2minute method with Banister’s training impulse (TRIMP), Lucia’s TRIMP and Session-RPE when quantifying elite rowing training. Fourteen elite rowers (12 males, 2 females) were monitored during four weeks of routine training. Unadjusted T2minute loads (using coaches’ estimates of time-in-zone) demonstrated moderate-to-strong correlations with Banister’s TRIMP, Lucia’s TRIMP and Session-RPE (rho: 0.58, 0.55 and 0.42, respectively). Adjusting T2minute loads by using actual time-in-zone data resulted in stronger correlations between the T2minute method and Banister’s TRIMP and Lucia’s TRIMP (rho: 0.85 and 0.81, respectively). The T2minute method is an appropriate in-field measure of elite rowing training loads, particularly when actual time-in-zone values are used to quantify load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on research which was conducted to develop and evaluate a new measure for quantifying training loads in rowing (the T2minute method). Researchers were able to successfully implement the T2minute method to support national training strategies for high performance rowing and found that the method was effective in quantifying training loads.

The article reports on research which was conducted to investigate the effect including a series of isometric contractions to a rowing warm-up had on rowing ergometer time trial performance. Researchers evaluated 10 national level rowers from Australia with an ergometer. They found that the inclusion of isometric conditioning contractions to the rowing warm-up enhanced short-term rowing ergometer performance more than a rowing warm-up alone.

The article presents sports medicine research that describes the physiological effect of nutrient consumption after weigh-in on lightweight 2,000-meter rowing ergometer performance among oarsmen undertaking weight loss before competition. Athletes were given one of three nutritional recovery strategies, fluid, carbohydrate/sodium, and carbohydrate/sodium with water. Results indicate fluid consumption has the greatest influence on rowing performance, although carbohydrate and sodium consumption are important in the recovery period.

Purpose: 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. Methods: Competitive rowers (N = 16) were assigned to either a control (CON), partial recovery (RECpartial), or complete recovery (RECcomplete) group. Volunteers completed four trials, each separated by 48 h. No weight restrictions were imposed for the first trial. Thereafter, athletes in RECpartial and RECcomplete 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 RECcomplete with the aim of restoring at least three quarters of the original 4% body mass loss. Postrace recovery strategies were less aggressive in RECcomplete volunteers were encouraged to restore no more than half of their initial 4% body mass loss. Results: 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. Conclusion: 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]