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The purpose was to assess the intra-trunk and arm coordination of Olympic athletes during rowing on an ergometer. Rowing was performed at three stroke rates (18, 26, and 32 strokes/min). The sagittal plane motions of trunk segments and upper arm were collected for 59 Olympic athletes (32 females and 27 males) from the Chinese National Rowing Team. The coupling angles between the three pairs of segments (lumbar-pelvis, thorax-lumbar, upper arm-thorax) were generated using a vector coding method. The coupling angles were classified: in-phase, anti-phase, superior-phase, and inferior-phase. Three-way, mixed-model ANOVA were used to test the time spent in each coordination pattern. The trunk segments and upper arms demonstrated an in-phase coordination pattern for most of the time. During the drive phase, the time spent in in-phase was increased at higher stroke rates. Athletes are encouraged to use this in-phase pattern, especially between the pelvis and lumbar spine during training with high demands of stroke repetitions or time. During the recovery phase, the trunk segments were rotating mostly in-phase whereas the upper arm was flexing dominantly to maintain stroke length at higher stroke rates. Female and male rowers exhibited similar intra-trunk coordination patterns except for the upper arm-thorax pair.

The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between low back, hamstring, and ankle flexibility with rowing performance. The study included 26 male rowers (mean age: 16.72±0.73 years). All participants were assessed regarding the flexibility of the low back, hamstring, ankle, and rowing performance by sit and reach (Baltaci et al., 2003), weight-bearing lunge (Powden et al., 2015)., and 2000-m rowing ergometer performance time tests (Mikulić et al., 2009), respectively. No correlation was found between sit and reach and 2000-m rowing ergometer performance time test results. However, a negative correlation was found between ankle flexibility and 2000-m rowing ergometer performance time test results (r= -0.39; p <0.05). Additionally, 2000-m rowing ergometer performance time test result was negatively correlated with anthropometric variables and the training frequency of rowers in a week. The stepwise multiple regression analysis results indicated that only training frequency had a significant impact on the outcome variable. Conversely, weight, height, and ankle flexibility were insignificant predictors in the analysis (R2 = .492; R = .39, p<0.05). The training frequency plays a crucial role in influencing the outcome variable. Other factors, such as weight, height, and ankle flexibility, did not demonstrate significant associations. However, it is essential to note that the regression model only takes into account a medium level of variance. Future studies may examine the potential impact of other risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores in-depth interviews with elite and Olympic rowers to examine transformative value, dimensions of value creation that generate uplifting change and greater well-being, and the resources integrated to cocreate or destroy these benefits. This study is the first to demonstrate transformative value in a sport setting, extending theorizing on value in sport studies and demonstrating the utility of the multidimensional frameworks with five dimensions: emotional, social, functional, epistemic, and community value. The authors also uncover the cocreative "social support" and "restorative" resources, the cocreative and codestructive resource of "coperformance," and the codestructive resources of "interpersonal misbehavior" and "sport misbehavior." This study provides greater understanding of transformative value by concurrently examining resource integration from both a cocreation and codestruction perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigating the relationship between the movement patterns of multiple limb segments during the rowing stroke on the resulting force production in elite rowers can provide foundational insight into optimal technique. It can also highlight potential mechanisms of injury and performance improvement. The purpose of this study was to conduct a kinematic analysis of the rowing stroke together with force production during a step test in elite national-team heavyweight men to evaluate the fundamental patterns that contribute to expert performance. Twelve elite heavyweight male rowers performed a step test on a row-perfect sliding ergometer [5 × 1 min with 1 min rest at set stroke rates (20, 24, 28, 32, 36)]. Joint angle displacement and velocity of the hip, knee and elbow were measured with electrogoniometers, and force was measured with a tension/compression force transducer in line with the handle. To explore interactions between kinematic patterns and stroke performance variables, joint angular velocities of the hip, knee and elbow were entered into principal component analysis (PCA) and separate ANCOVAs were run for each performance variable (peak force, impulse, split time) with dependent variables, and the kinematic loading scores (Kpc,ls) as covariates with athlete/stroke rate as fixed factors. The results suggested that rowers' kinematic patterns respond differently across varying stroke rates. The first seven PCs accounted for 79.5% (PC1 [26.4%], PC2 [14.6%], PC3 [11.3%], PC4 [8.4%], PC5 [7.5%], PC6 [6.5%], PC7 [4.8%]) of the variances in the signal. The PCs contributing significantly (p ≤ 0.05) to performance metrics based on PC loading scores from an ANCOVA were (PC1, PC2, PC6) for split time, (PC3, PC4, PC5, PC6) for impulse, and (PC1, PC6, PC7) for peak force. The significant PCs for each performance measure were used to reconstruct the kinematic patterns for split time, impulse and peak force separately. Overall, PCA was able to differentiate between rowers and stroke rates, and revealed features of the rowing-stroke technique correlated with measures of performance that may highlight meaningful technique-optimization strategies. PCA could be used to provide insight into differences in kinematic strategies that could result in suboptimal performance, potential asymmetries or to determine how well a desired technique change has been accomplished by group and/or individual athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is very little research on the anthropometric and physiological profiles of lower-ranked young female athletes, even though, in most rowing clubs, such rowers constitute the vast majority. Therefore, this study investigated the anthropometric and physiological profiles of young Hungarian female rowers of different age categories and sports rankings (international vs. club). Anthropometric and physiological profiles were created for 36 junior (15–16 years), 26 older-junior (17–18 years), and 8 senior (19–21 years) female rowers who were club and international ranked members of seven of the largest Hungarian rowing clubs. Rowers >17-years-old with international rankings significantly outperformed their age-group peers with club rankings in terms of power, absolute VO2 max, and time to cover 2000 m, among other differences, but such differences were not observed with junior rowers. In all age groups, the length of the athletes' sports career was not significantly associated with differences in anthropometric and physiological characteristics. This study suggests that ranking is not associated with differences in the anthropometric and physiological characteristics of juniors. Thus, with non-elite juniors, it can be more difficult to predict competition outcomes based on differences in anthropometric and physiological profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Athletes in sports with weight requirements may be especially vulnerable to eating disorders (EDs), yet there is limited research regarding collegiate rowers. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine prevalence rates of ED symptoms in 133 male and female competitive collegiate rowers in lightweight and open weight programs. This is the first study to examine eating pathology in rowers using a diagnostic tool based on DSM-IV criteria, the Q-EDD; and examining ED symptoms using the EDI-2 (drive for thinness [DT] and body dissatisfaction [BD]). The majority of rowers were classified as symptomatic (n = 65; 49%) or clinical (n = 5; 4%). Lightweight rowers had a significantly higher prevalence of eating pathology and a significantly greater DT and BD than open weight rowers. Males had considerably higher prevalence of eating pathology than females, but females had significantly greater BD. Ongoing monitoring of rowers' eating behaviors is highly encouraged. Implications for counseling and prevention are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The physical activity is essential for the normal functioning of the musculoskeletal system. Both deficiency and excess of motion can be harmfull. This issue mostly concern all kinds of sport players. The rowing, as a sport discipline, is physicly demanding so that activates most of human muscles. An inadequate training can lead to serious disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Demages can be caused by the nature of particular sport discipline or training loads. Aim of the thesis: The main goal is to examin and present differences in force level and flexibility factor among sportsman according to used oar. Take hypothesis that bigger inequality in strenght and flexibility have rowers of oar. Material and methodology: Research covered rowers of left and right oar and also symmetric paddle in age between 15 to 28 years old with at least 3 years training experience. From all contestants measurement of weight and height were taken. Another examined factors were range of corps movement and strenght in moves: a corps flexion forward, hyperextension of the corps, rotation into left and right and lateral flexion on the left and right side. Material was analized by normal distribution and comparison of inner group. Results of rowers were compered by groups used various rowing equipment. Results: It is said, that symmetric rowing supports steady muscle strenght development in players corpses. Other noticed issue concerning rowers using oars is possesion of bigger force for corps rotation towards hand used for rowing. It is also observed for both symmetric and asymmetric rowers that they have better strenght of corps rotation on whatever side of the body. Conclusions: Research confirms sygnificant influence of morphology on sport results but with no visible difference in used rowing tools or in force inequality of oar players and their lack of flexibility The introducion of symmetric excercises can be beneficial for athletes especially in intesive training period by decreasing risk ijury and improvement of sport achievements.

Intermittent altitude exposure leads to improvements in aerobic performance and blood parameters of athletes. The variety of hypoxic devices and simulated altitude training models requires a detailed study of their effects to achieve the best results. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a four-week training camp at sea level conditions, combined with normobaric hypoxia, provided by hypoxicators during the night's sleep of the athletes. Sixteen rowers of the Bulgarian national team (17.13±0.83 years old) were divided into a control group (n=8) and an experimental group (n=8) subjected to hypoxia for a period of four weeks. At the beginning and end of the training camp, anthropometric and hematological data were measured. A submaximal test on the Concept II rowing ergometer was performed, and the physical work capacity and anaerobic threshold were determined. The results showed: 1) a lack of significant changes in the aerobic performance after training camp, both within and between groups; 2) at the end of the training camp in the experimental group a statistically significant increase in hemoglobin concentration (156.25±4.11 vs 162.75±4.11 g/L, p

This paper uses a Foucauldian framework for understanding how human experience is shaped by relations of power to explore the weight management practices of members of a women's lightweight rowing team, Like other forms of disciplinary power, making weight involves implementing a regimen governed by normalizing assumptions, maintained through self-monitoring, and supported by discourse. The practices of making weight also are examined as a technology of the self that the rowers used to create and understand themselves. The position of women's sport at the intersection of sports and gender discourse offered the rowers opportunities to oppose relations of power while reinforcing their limits within the confines of a disciplinary matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of the study was to designate changes in the expression of HSPA1A, HSPB1 and LDHb in elite rowers after completing a test “till exhaustion” on a rowing ergometer. Finally, we searched for the answer whether there are significant correlations between the expression of the genes and anaerobic threshold (AnT) or the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max).

The study of somatic construction was carried out in a group of 15 year old school students (53 athletes), with the help of trainers. Youth, the students and schoolgirls II middle-school classes in the secondary schools in Bydgoszcz. Measurements included: body weight and height, and the field length, width and circuits athletes. Body rowers and canoeists and rowers and canoeists at the age of 15 are close to each other, which does not mean that such differences do not exist.

Purpose: develop an experimental training program for lightweight rowers in academic rowing. Material: the study involved 27 qualified athletes who are engaged in academic rowing over 6 years, age 19-22 years, with sports qualifications KMS and MS. To better design the training program was conducted to study this physical condition of athletes also took into account the opinion of the leading coaches in academic rowing that are engaged with lightweight rowers. Results: as a result of an experimental study was designed training program in academic rowing. Conclusions: Experimental training program rowing provided its use for a year and was designed in the form of blocks and aims to developing and improving endurance (speed and power), strength and maximum strength. The experimental technique that was used in the training process, was designed with the preparation phase and plan on mesocycles and microcycle.

Angiotensin converting enzyme gene (ACE) is the most frequently investigated genetic marker in the context of genetic conditioning of athletic predispositions. The product of the gene is a key component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and the kallikrein-kinin system (KKS), mainly responsible for the regulation of blood pressure. The main aim of the study was to determine the possible interaction between the ACE I/D polymorphism and endurance athlete status in a group of Polish rowers in comparison with sedentary individuals. 121 male Polish rowers, members of academic sports clubs, and 115 unrelated volunteers, were recruited for the study. The PCR amplification of the insertion (I) or deletion (D) fragment of the ACE gene was performed. Compared with control group, the frequency of the I allele differ significantly from that found in rowers (57.4% vs. 44.3%; P=0.013) and the ACE genotype frequency amongst the whole cohort of rowers (30.6% II, 53.7% ID, 15.7% DD) was also different from expected values (control group 19.1% II, 50.4% ID, 30.4% DD; P=0.017). Our investigation confirms a positive association of the I allele of the ACE gene with endurance athlete status in a group of Polish rowers

Background/aims There is a paucity of prospective cohort studies investigating the incidence of low back pain (LBP) in rowing. We investigated (1) the prevalence and incidence of LBP among international-level rowers in New Zealand, (2) the relationship between training volume and LBP and (3) the effect of LBP on rowers' ability to train and compete. Methods This was a prospective cohort study of 76 New Zealand representative rowers, including 46 men (mean age 22, SD=4) and 30 women (mean age 21, SD=4). Data were collected using an online questionnaire repeated monthly for 12 months. Results The prevalence of LBP ranged from 6% to 25% throughout the year. The incidence of episodes of LBP was 1.67 per 1000 exposure-hours. A total of 72 episodes of LBP were reported by 40 rowers (53%) during 12 months. Of these, 45% had an incidental effect on training. 29% minor, 18% moderate and 9% had a major effect as determined by the length of time the training was interrupted. There was a high correlation between new LBP and total training hours per month (r=0.83, p<0.01). A previous history of LBP was a risk factor in developing new LBP (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.22 to 3.48, p=0.01). Age was also a risk factor, with the likelihood of developing LBP increasing for every year (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.15, p=0.02). Conclusions LBP is common among New Zealand representative rowers. There is a high correlation between training load and the development of LBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to quantify the effect of power output on muscle coordination during rowing. Surface electromyographic (EMG) activity of 23 muscles and mechanical variables were recorded in eight untrained subjects and seven experienced rowers. Each subject was asked to perform three 2-min constant-load exercises performed at 60, 90 and 120% of the mean power output over a maximal 2,000-m event (denoted as P60, P90, and P120, respectively). A decomposition algorithm (nonnegative matrix factorization) was used to extract the muscle synergies that represent the global temporal and spatial organization of the motor output. The results showed a main effect of power output for 22 of 23 muscles (p values ranged from <0.0001 to 0.004) indicating a significant increase in EMG activity level with power output for both untrained and experienced subjects. However, for the two populations, no dramatic modification in the shape of individual EMG patterns (mean r (max) value = 0.93 ± 0.09) or in their timing of activation (maximum lag time = -4.3 ± 3.8% of the rowing cycle) was found. The results also showed a large consistency of the three extracted muscle synergies, for both synergy activation coefficients (mean r (max) values range from 0.87 to 0.97) and muscle synergy vectors (mean r values range from 0.70 to 0.76) across the three power outputs. In conclusion, despite significant changes in the level of muscle activity, the global temporal and spatial organization of the motor output is very little affected by power output on a rowing ergometer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rowers regularly undertake rowing training within 24 h of performing bouts of strength training; however, the effect of this practice has not been investigated. This study evaluated the impact of a bout of high-intensity strength training on 2,000 m rowing ergometer performance and rowing-specific maximal power. Eight highly trained male club rowers performed baseline measures of five separate, static squat jumps (SSJ) and countermovement jumps (CMJ), maximal rowing ergometer power strokes (PS) and a single 2,000 m rowing ergometer test (2,000 m). Subsequently, participants performed a high-intensity strength training session consisting of various multi-joint barbell exercises. The 2,000 m test was repeated at 24 and 48 h post-ST, in addition SSJ, CMJ and PS tests were performed at these time points and also at 2 h post-ST. Muscle soreness, serum creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were assessed pre-ST and 2, 24 and 48 h post-ST. Following the ST, there were significant elevations in muscle soreness (2 and 24 h, P < 0.01), CK (2, 24 and 48 h, P < 0.01), and LDH (2 h, P < 0.05) in comparison to baseline values. There were significant decrements across all time points for SSJ, CMJ and PS, which ranged between 3 and 10% (P < 0.05). However, 2,000 m performance and related measurements of heart rate and blood lactate were not significantly affected by ST. In summary, a bout of high-intensity strength training resulted in symptoms of muscle damage and decrements in rowing-specific maximal power, but this did not affect 2,000 m rowing ergometer performance in highly trained rowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case study reports the results of a 6-year (2005-2010) follow-up study of a world-class rowing crew, the current world champions. The rowers were 15-16 years old and prospective competitors at the junior level when the study began in 2005, and we monitored their physical, physiological, and rowing ergometer performance data annually. Our findings indicated that over the 6-year period gains in stature, averaged across rowers, amounted to only +2 cm (+1%). In contrast, body mass increased by +9 kg (+10%) and fat-free mass by +11 kg (+15%). A significant linear trend (R (2) = 0.998, P < 0.001) and a +26% increase in maximal oxygen uptake (in L min(-1)) was evident from 2005 to 2009, resulting in a leveling-off and a crew average of ~6.6 L min(-1) (~70 mL kg(-1) min(-1)) during the last 2 years of assessment. Power output at anaerobic threshold increased by +23%, subsequently amounting to a crew average of 359 W in 2010. Oxygen uptake at anaerobic threshold, expressed as a percentage of maximal oxygen uptake, changed little and ranged between 82 and 85%. A curvilinear regression provided the best fit to describe the 6-year improvement (+7%) in 2000 m (R (2) = 0.984, P < 0.001) and 6000 m (R (2) = 0.989, P < 0.001) rowing ergometer performance times. Performance-related physical and physiological parameters seem to level-off at about 20 years of age, which may partly explain the corresponding stabilization in ergometer performance times over the last years of assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate whether regularly performed rowing exercise affects the trunk muscles size and function, and to examine the effect of rowing exercise on thigh muscle size and function in elderly rowers, we compared the cross-sectional area (CSA) and strength of these muscles in elderly male rowers and in age-matched untrained men. Participants were 16 elderly rowing-trained men (ROW age, 67.8 +/- 2.3 years) and 18 elderly untrained men (CON 66.2 +/- 3.0 years). CSA was measured by MRI in the trunk and thigh muscles. Isometric trunk flexion force and leg extension power were measured. ROW had a 20% larger total trunk muscle CSA than CON (P < 0.01); rectus abdominis was 27% larger, psoas major 64% larger, and erector spinae 14% larger in ROW than in CON (P < 0.05-0.001). Isometric trunk flexion force was related to the CSA of the rectus abdominis (r = 0.777, P < 0.001) and psoas major (r = 0.694, P < 0.001), and was 42% larger in ROW than in CON (P < 0.001). However, force adjusted for the CSA of the muscles did not differ significantly between CON and ROW. In ROW, the CSA was 13% larger in the total thigh muscles (P < 0.01), and leg extension power was 43% higher than in CON (P < 0.001). These results suggest that rowing exercise is a favorable training modality for the trunk muscles, especially psoas major and that it improves thigh muscle size and function in elderly men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a guideline for the diagnosis and management of rib stress injuries acquired by rowing athletes, listed by the Great Britain rowing team. The guideline focuses on the diagnostic features of rib stress injuries, the classification of the injury into mild, moderate and severe and the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for bone scanning. It also notes the intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to the development of rib stress injuries among rowing athletes.

The effect of anthropometric differences in shank to thigh length ratio upon timing and magnitude of joint power production during the drive phase of the rowing stroke was investigated in 14 elite male rowers. Rowers were tested on the RowPerfect ergometer which was instrumented at the handle and foot stretcher to measure force generation, and a nine segment inverse dynamics model used to calculate the rower's joint and overall power production. Rowers were divided into two groups according to relative shank thigh ratio. Time to half lumbar power generation was significantly earlier in shorter shank rowers (p = 0.028) compared to longer shank rowers, who showed no lumbar power generation during the same period of the drive phase. Rowers with a relatively shorter shank demonstrated earlier lumbar power generation during the drive phase resulting from restricted rotation of the pelvic segment requiring increased lumbar extension in these rowers. Earlier lumbar power generation and extension did not appear to directly affect performance measures of the short shank group, and so can be attributed to a technical adaptation developed to maximise rowing performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report describes the changes in physiological capacity of a heavy-weight rower who obtained seven medals in World Championships and Olympic Games. The investigation was carried out over the last 6 years of the rower's international competition career in comparison with peer champions, and the following 4 years. Over the first period, maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2max)) remained above 6 l min(-1) which is an outstanding value. The training load measured over the last 18 months of the period increased from 119 to 142 km wk(-1) of rowing. Four years after the international competition period, VO(2max) had only declined by 3.6% although the training load had declined by 35%. These data suggest that the ability of this rower to compete at top level for years was related to ability to maintain an outstanding VO(2max). Gross efficiency and ability to rely on anaerobic glycolysis did not emerge as relevant factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the effect of 6-month volume-extended training on bone metabolism in elite male rowers. Twelve elite male rowers (20.8+/-3.0 years; 192.9+/-4.7 cm; 91.9+/-5.3 kg; body fat 10.1+/-2.3%; VO2max 6.2+/-0.5 l min(-1)) participated in this study. Bone biochemical markers, hormones, bone mineral content (BMC), and bone mineral density (BMD) were assessed before and after training. Average weekly training volume was significantly higher (P<0.05) during the 6 months of heavy training compared to relative rest (11.6+/-0.4 h week(-1) vs. 16.8+/-0.6 h week(-1)), while intensity remained the same. At the end of training, only arm BMD was significantly increased by 5.7%. Osteocalcin (16.6%), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) (20.2%) and the bioavailability IGF-1 index (17.9%) were significantly increased. Before heavy training, relationships were observed between the whole body BMD and growth hormone (r=0.64; P< or =0.02), lumbar spine BMD and 1.25(OH)2 vitamin D (r=0.69; P< or =0.04), arm BMD and testosterone (r=0.59; P< or =0.05), and arm BMD and adiponectin (r=0.59; P< or =0.05). No relationship was found between BMC or BMD and blood biochemical measures 6 months later (r=0.56; P> or =0.05). In addition, osteocalcin was related to IGF-1 (r>0.58; P<0.048) and bioavailability IGF-1 index (r>0.59; P< or =0.055) before and after training. In summary, heavy training had a moderately favorable effect on BMD. Bone tissue at specific skeleton sites is sensitive to changes in training volume even in athletes with already high BMD values. Changes in BMD and bone formation may be caused by changes in specific hormones such as IGF-1 and adiponectin in male athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Intermittent hypoxic training and discontinuous exposure to altitude were used to improve performance at sea level in elite rowers. Altitude was simulated with a newly patented device which allowed athletes to experience altitude by re-breathing oxygen-depleted expired air. Seven elite rowers (five females, two males) used inhalers for a 90-min supervised daily session (alternating 6min on and 4min off) for 3 weeks, while four female elite rowers used placebo devices in the same sessions. The inhalers were adjusted to produce a progressive decrease in oxygen saturation over the 3 weeks (initially 90%; finally 80%). Immediately before and 7–10 days after altitude exposure, the rowers performed an incremental lactate test to determine power output equivalent to 4mM [BLa], a 500-m time trial and a 5000-m time trial, all on a rowing ergometer. Relative to the control group, the altitude group showed a slight improvement in mean power for the 5000-m time trial (0.6%, 90% likely limits ±3.7%), and a substantial impairment in mean power for the 500-m trial (2.2%, ±4.1%). Power at 4-mM lactate declined in both groups, but overall the altitude group improved by 0.4% (±3.5%) relative to control. The device represents a practical way to simulate altitude exposure, but it is unlikely to have major effects on performance of elite rowers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Exercise training is a known stimulus for arteriogenesis, but it is unclear whether elite athletes, who exhibit increased conduit vessel diameter at rest, experience further structural vascular adaptations as a result of intense exercise training. Methods: Cross-sectional comparisons were performed between elite rowers (N = 17), following a respite from training, and eight untrained age- and gender-matched controls to assess the effects of long-term exercise on vessel structure. To determine the impact of the resumption of intensive exercise training on conduit artery structure, measures were repeated following 3 and 6 months of training in the athletes; the controls remained inactive. Conduit vessel structure was assessed, using high-resolution B-mode ultrasound, as brachial artery diameter at rest (BADr) and in response to 5-mm (BAD5) and 10-mm (BAD10) periods of forearm cuff ischemia. Shear rate profiles were also analyzed following cuff deflation at all time points. Results: At entry, all measures of BAD were greater (all P < 0.05) in the athletes relative to controls (athletes vs controls; BADr 4A7 ± 0.10 vs 3.84 ± 0.22 mm; BAD5 4.70 ± 0.10 vs 4.05 ± 0.36 mm, and BAD10 4.93 ± 0.10 vs 4.07 ± 0.25 mm). Resumption of exercise training caused a further increase in brachial artery diameters in the athletes at 3 months (BADr, 4.71 ± 0.10 mm, P < 0.01; BAD5 4.94 ± 0.10 mm, P < 0.05; BAD10 5.12 ± 0.10 mm, P < 0.001), which were maintained, but not further increased, after 6 months of training. Conclusions: Athletes exhibit enhanced conduit artery diameters at rest and in response to vasodilator stimuli. Despite this long-term training effect on arterial structure, resumption of training further enhances diameter, an effect that occurs within 3 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the pacing strategies adopted by elite rowers in championship 2000 m races. Methods: Split times were obtained for each boat in every heavyweight race of the Olympic Games in 2000 and World Championships in 2001 and 2002, and the top 170 competitors in the British Indoor Rowing Championships in 2001 and 2002. Data were only included in subsequent analysis if there was good evidence that the athlete or crew completed the race in the fastest possible time. The remaining data were grouped to determine if there were different strategies adopted for on-water versus ergometer trials, "winners" versus "losers", and men versus women. Results: of the 1612 on-water race profiles considered, 948 fined the inclusion criteria. There were no differences in pacing profile between winners and losers, and men and women, although on-water and ergometry trials showed a competitively meaningful significant difference over the first 500 m sector. The average profile showed that rowers performed the first 500 m of the race faster than subsequent sectors- that is, at a speed of 103.3% of the average speed for the whole race, with subsequent sectors rowed at 99.0%, 98.3%, and 99.7% of average speed for on-water rowing, and 101.5%, 99.8%, 99.0%, and 99.7% for ergometry. Conclusions: These data indicate that all athletes or crews adopted a similar fast start strategy regardless of finishing position or sex, although the exact pace profile was dependent on rowing mode. This strategy should be considered by participants in 2000 m rowing competitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of present study was to investigate plasma adiponectin response to acute exercise in highly trained male rowers. Ten rowers performed a maximal 6,000-m rowing ergometer test [mean performance time approximately 20 min; 1,200.8 (29.9) s], and venous blood samples were obtained before, immediately after and after 30 min of recovery. In addition to adiponectin concentration, leptin, insulin, growth hormone and glucose values were measured. Adiponectin was not changed immediately after the exercise when uncorrected for plasma volume changes (-8.1%; P>0.05). However, adiponectin was decreased immediately after the exercise when adjusted for plasma volume changes (-11.3%; P<0.05). Adiponectin was significantly increased above the resting value after the first 30 min of recovery (uncorrected for plasma volume, +19.3%; corrected for plasma volume, +20.0%). No changes occurred in plasma leptin and insulin concentrations with exercise (uncorrected for plasma volume changes). While growth hormone and glucose values were significantly increased and decreased to the pre-exercise level immediately after the exercise and after the first 30 min of recovery, respectively (uncorrected for plasma volume changes), no differences in the responses to exercise were observed in these measured blood parameters when adjusting for plasma volume changes. There were no relationships between plasma adiponectin and other measured blood parameters before and after the exercise, nor were changes in adiponectin related to changes in other measured blood biochemical values after the exercise. These results suggest that plasma adiponectin is altered as a result of maximal acute exercise in highly trained athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]