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Objective: To determine the magnitude and range of increases in peak aerobic capacity with hybrid–functional electrical stimulation (FES) rowing versus arms-only rowing in persons with spinal cord injury. Design: Comparison of graded exercise tests for peak responses during FES rowing and arms-only rowing. Preliminary data on adaptations to FES row training were gathered in a subset of individuals. Setting: Outpatient cardiovascular research laboratory. Participants: Six male patients with spinal cord injury (T4-T9, American Spinal Injury Association class A). Methods or Intervention: Arms-only rowing was compared with FES rowing, in which the person who is exercising synchronizes the voluntarily controlled upper body movement with the FES-controlled leg movement via stimulation to the paralyzed leg muscles. A subgroup (n = 3) completed at least 6 months of a progressive FES row training exercise program with graded exercise tests every 6 months. Main Outcome Measurements: Peak oxygen consumption, peak ventilation, peak respiratory exchange ratio, peak heart rate, and peak oxygen pulse. Results: Peak oxygen consumption was greater during FES rowing than during arms-only rowing (20.0 ± 1.9 mL/kg/min versus 15.7 ± 1.5 mL/kg/min, P = .01). Peak ventilation was similar, whereas peak respiratory exchange ratio and peak heart rate tended to be lower (P = .14 and P = .19, respectively). As a result, oxygen pulse was greater by 35% during FES rowing. Two of the three persons who completed at least 6 months of FES row training demonstrated increases in aerobic capacity greater than those previously observed in able-bodied individuals. Conclusions: FES rowing may provide a more robust exercise stimulus for persons with spinal cord injury than most options currently available because of the greater aerobic demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on understanding the required performance levels in each section of rowing races for the completion of certain positions. It considers the ranking and time in each sector as predictor attributes or factors necessary for planning the strategic pacing in standard rowing races. A novel hybrid data mining measure based on combinatorial optimization and probabilistic modeling is also developed.

The issue related to the optimization of the training load is centrally placed in the theory and methodology of sports training. The purpose is to apply such a working regime under which high levels of the general and specific workability of the organism and the rational use of the motor potential in a concrete competition are achieved. The present article presents some basic fragments of the preparation of R. Neykova, the Olympic champion in rowing (skiff) in Beijing 2008, the silver medalist in Sidney 2000, the bronze medalist in Athens, 2004, and the world champion in 2001 and 2003. The structure and the contents of the more important stages and mezzo cycles of the preparation are presented in a logical sequence. Some basic principles, means and methods for increasing the power, capacity and effectiveness of the various body systems are exposed. Concrete results from the systematic studies related to evaluation, control and optimization of the training load are presented. Several types of training sessions and load patterns which are of key importance for the management of the training process within the year cycle are proposed. The authors think that striving towards unification of the means and methods of training in elite sports leads to scholastics and limits the heuristic approach in the experts' practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Available data finds that for schoolboy rowers the 2000 m on-water or laboratory rowing distance causes fatigue and depresses their ability to train during the following days. Thus, looking for a less demanding test we evaluated the relationships between 500 m and 2000 m laboratory performance in schoolboy rowers. Basic procedures. A total of 10 boys participated in the study. All of the subjects simulated rowing "all-out" in either the 500 m or 2000 m rowing distance using a Concept II ergometer (Morsville, VT, USA). The tests were performed in November (transition phase), in January (general preparation phase), in March (specific preparation phase) and in June (competitive phase) throughout three successive years of training. Main findings. The mean power output during the 2000 m row gradually increased in the second year of training vs. the first one, and in the third year of training vs. the second one ( p < 0.001). The times markedly improved in each year of training ( p < 0.001). The mean power output and the time of the 500 m distance improved significantly in each year of training. In each training phase during the three years of training there were significant correlations between the rowing times in the 500 m and 2000 m distances. The coefficients of determination (r2 ×100) in the first year varied from 66.9 to 85.6%, in the second year - from 62.0% to 92.3%, and in the third year - from 76.4 to 89.5%. Conclusions. The relationship between the times measured in the of the 500 m and that of 2000 m one is affected by both the annual training phase and training experience. Thus, the 500 m laboratory rowing test may be useful in assessing the ability of schoolboy rowers to perform a competitive distance, but the results require careful interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article presents the results of a study which investigated the strength and conditioning exercise programs taught by coaches of competitive rowing athletes in Great Britain. 32 coaches were surveyed. Over 80 percent used a periodized schedule and Olympic weightlifting exercises, such as the clean. Roughly half used plyometrics.

The consumption of carbohydrate and protein after exercise improves muscle glycogen synthesis and attenuates the decrease in immune function seen with endurance-type exercise. However, the impact of consuming commercially available beverages on glycaemic, insulinaemic, and immune responses during recovery from rowing training has not been investigated. Twenty-one male and female rowers completed four trials in a randomized order. Commercially available beverages were consumed in volumes providing 1.2 g carbohydrate · kg-1 body mass, upon completion of ~90 min of rowing at 60-70% maximum oxygen uptake, interspersed with up to five 5-min intervals at or above race pace. Blood samples were taken before and 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min after consumption of the beverages for analysis of insulin and glucose and at 90 and 360 min for the analysis of cortisol and interleukin-6 (IL-6). The high-carbohydrate sports beverage and the meal replacement beverage produced a significantly larger (P<0.05) glucose incremental area under the curve than the sports-specific meal replacement beverage or the flavoured milk beverage. The high-carbohydrate sports beverage and the sports-specific meal replacement beverage produced a significantly lower (P<0.05) insulin incremental area under the curve than the meal replacement beverage or the flavoured milk beverage. The meal replacement beverage produced both a high glycaemic and insulinaemic response, suggesting that it may produce a higher rate of muscle glycogen resynthesis. There was a significant interaction between time and beverage for IL-6 (P=0.001), but not for cortisol (P=0.779). These results indicate that the impact of post-exercise nutrition on immune response may not be exclusively mediated by an attenuation of the cortisol response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of a study which investigated the effect of weight training on competitive rowing ability. An overview of related previous research is provided, along with details of the experimental protocol, which involved comparing two types of weight training with one type of aerobic training. It was found that all three programs produced improvements.

It has been purported that inflammatory cytokines may be responsible for the aetiology of overtraining. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between self-reported measures of overtraining and inflammatory cytokines. Eight elite male rowers were monitored in their natural training environment for 8 weeks prior to the 2007 Rowing World Championships. During this period of intense endurance training, self-report measures of overtraining and inflammatory cytokines (Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α) were assessed fortnightly. Consistent with previous findings, proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly associated (p ≤ 0.05) with measures of depressed mood, sleep disturbances, and stress. Similarly, IL-6 was significantly associated (p ≤ 0.01) with measures of depressed mood, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. These results are consistent with previous hypotheses describing how overtraining may be caused by excessive cytokine release, and lend further support for a cytokine hypothesis of overtraining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on research conducted to examine the anthropometric and metabolic determinants of performance during 6,000 meters of rowing on an ergometer. Researchers evaluated 25 internationally successful male heavyweight rowers. They found that rowers competing over a 6,000 m distance on a rowing ergometer should devote their training time to the improvement of lean body mass and to the improvement of power output corresponding to ventilatory threshold.

Investigation of a novel loading unit in rowing training facility which simulates real load on the oar during the rowing stroke, has been carried out. The work environment has been simulated by software SolidWorks and CosmosFloWorks. The load force and unit geometry, and loading velocity relationships have been defined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of a study which investigated a method of testing cortisol and testosterone in men performing high-volume endurance training. An overview of related previous research is provided, along with details of the experimental protocol, which involved a task-specific rowing exercise. It was found that accurate tests could be performed without disrupting an athlete's training cycle.

The article presents the results of a study which investigated the impact of three types of rowing exercises on the spine and the muscles of the back. Details of the experimental protocol are provided, which involved electromyographic results from young adult males. The physiological responses produced varied by exercise. The differences are analyzed in terms of their suitability for various training or therapeutic applications.

The article presents a study on the effects of sustained training session on plasma visfatin and ghrelin concentrations in trained male rowers. The study involves nine national level male rowers who have undergone two hours training followed by a 30-minute break. Venous blood samples were gathered from the male rowers before and after the training. The control trial of the investigation is comprised of rest and blood collection synonymous to the exercise trial. It determined that plasma visfatin and leptin concentrations were decreased while the ghrelin concentration was increased after the 30-minute break. The study suggests that plasma visfatin, ghrelin and leptin concentrations were affected by prolonged exercises and may be regarded as metabolic reaction signals.

High volume low intensity training sessions such as one hour rowing ergometer sessions are frequently used to improve the fitness of elite rowers. Early work has suggested that technique may decline over this time period. This study sought to test the hypothesis that "elite rowers can maintain technique over a one hour rowing ergometer session". An electromagnetic device, in conjunction with a load cell, was used to assess rowing technique in terms of force generation and spinal kinematics in six male elite sweep oarsmen (two competed internationally and the remainder at a club senior level). All subjects performed one hour of rowing on a Concept II indoor rowing ergometer using a stroke rate of 18-20 strokes per minute and a heart rate ranging between 130-150 beats per minute, following a brief 5 minute warm-up. Recordings of rowing technique and force were made every 10 minutes. The elite group of rowers were able to sustain their rowing technique and force parameters over the hour session. Subtle changes in certain parameters were observed including a fall in force output of approximately 10N after the first seven minutes of rowing, and a change in leg compression of three degrees at the end of the one hour rowing piece which corresponded with a small increase in anterior rotation of the pelvis. However, it is unclear if such changes reflect a "warmup" effect or if they are indicative of early signs of fatigue. These findings suggest that low intensity high volume ergometer rowing sessions do not have a detrimental effect on the technique of a group of experienced and highly trained rowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article looks at a study which evaluated the effects of the time of day on the performance of an experienced collegiate rowing crew. The circadian rhythm of crew members is taken into consideration, as their performance was evaluated during morning and evening hours. Results indicate that knowing personal tendencies of athletes can help them arrange their training schedule to counteract circadian influences.

This study builds upon existing socio-cultural work into sports coaching by probing the meanings and varieties of the shared coach-athlete experience. Specifically, the paper utilises an autoethnographic approach in an attempt to chart the complex and dynamic relationship that existed between me, the principal author, as a rowing coxswain and my coach during the preparation for a national rowing championship. Data were drawn from a training diary, emails (both sent and received) and memories during the six months I spent with Coach. The data are presented through three separate yet inter-related stories. Here, the plot of the tale hinges on the tension between my personal perceptions of effective coaching and those employed by Coach. The findings are principally theorised through Nyberg's and Giddens' concepts of power and resistance, as a fruitful relationship between Coach and me (and the crew) soon turned into a dysfunctional one. The conclusion emphasises the importance of recognising the power-ridden nature of coaching and the value of the autoethnographic genre in exploring it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The study presents a comparative analysis of the threshold power and exercise-induced changes in the blood antioxidative stress parameters in a standard rowing test between two measurements (terms of the study). Basic procedures. The study comprised 15 subjects aged between 20 and 23 years, members of the Polish National Youth Rowing Team at the end of preparatory phase of the annual training cycle in 2003 (Term I) and in 2004 (Term II). At both terms selected indices of antioxidative stress and the threshold power (AT4) induced by physical exercise with graded intensity were analyzed. Main findings. At the second term of the study, as compared with the first term, a higher activity of superoxide dismutase in blood samples at rest was found. At the same time a decreased activity of glutathione peroxidase in blood samples after exercise was observed. The level of lipid peroxidation products in red cells (TBARS) regarded as the marker of free radical-induced damage was also significantly lower. The results indicated that at the second term of the study the rate of anaerobic metabolism measured with the blood lactate level was lower than at the first term despite the fact that the threshold power values between both terms of the study did not reveal any significant differences. Conclusions. The annual training cycle in young rowers, although not contributing significantly to the increase of the threshold power, induced positive changes in their antioxidant defense systems; namely, the lower level of TBARS after exercise and the higher SOD activity at rest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examines the impact of low-intensity and a mixture of low and high-intensity training on physiological and performance responses in rowing training. The subjects of the study were eighteen experienced rowers that undertook a 12-week program of lactate threshold (LT) training (LOW) in which the responses were assessed by a progressive exercise test to exhaustion. Results indicate that LOW training programs improved performance and attenuated the blood lactate response to a given exercise intensity.

The purpose of the study was to assess whether postural stability in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) could be affected by training. Ten post-rehabilitated persons with thoracic SCI performed 30 sessions of kayak ergometer training during a 10-week period. The ergometer was modified with a balance module adjustable in the medio-lateral direction. Before and after the training period, horizontal support-surface translations were presented randomly, either in the forward or backward direction, or to the side, while subjects sat in their own wheelchairs. The platform perturbation consisted of an unpredictable initial acceleration, followed by a constant-velocity phase and a predictable deceleration. Markers were applied on the trunk and movement data were recorded in 3D. Four kinematic responses of trunk angular and linear displacement were investigated. In general, postural stability was improved after training with smaller rotational and linear displacements of the trunk observed during both predictable and unpredictable translations in all directions. Thus, the training was able to improve the ability of persons with long-standing SCI to maintain an upright sitting posture in response to externally generated balance perturbations, which should imply an increased capacity to master similar challenges to balance in everyday life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examined possible hormonal and psychological changes in elite male rowers during a 24-week preparatory period. Eleven elite male rowers were tested on seven occasions over the 6-month training season. Fasting testosterone, growth hormone, cortisol, and creatine kinase activity, together with perceived recovery-stress state were evaluated after a day of rest. Maximal oxygen consumption ([Vdot]O2max) was determined before and after the training period. Training was mainly organized as low-intensity prolonged training sessions. Significant increases in [Vdot]O2max (from 6.2 ± 0.5 to 6.4 ± 0.6 l · min−1) were observed as a result of training. The overall perceived recovery-stress index did not change during the preparatory period. Standardized recovery and stress scores changed during the course of training in comparison with pre-training values. When basal hormone concentrations were compared with the first measurement, significant changes in testosterone and cortisol were observed together with changes in mean weekly training volume. Basal testosterone (r = 0.416; P = 0.010) and cortisol (r = 0.527; P = 0.001) were related to mean weekly training volume. Basal growth hormone did not change during the training. Changes in creatine kinase activity demonstrated similar pattern with changes in mean weekly training volume. The overall perceived recovery-stress index was related to testosterone, cortisol, growth hormone, and creatine kinase activity (r > 0.299; P < 0.015). Our findings indicate that testosterone and cortisol are more sensitive to changes in training volume than either growth hormone or perceived recovery-stress state in elite rowing training. Increases in these stress hormone concentrations represent a positive adaptation to current training load. Significant relationships between hormonal and perceived recovery-stress state suggest that metabolic and psychological changes should be carefully monitored to avoid a negative effect on the training status of elite rowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of short-term overreaching on the circulatory responses and mood state parameters were investigated in male rowers. Fourteen national team level rowers (18.6 ± 2.0 yrs; 186.9 ± 5.7 cm; 82.4 ± 6.9 kg) were monitored during a six-day training camp. The training regimen consisted mainly of low-intensity on-water rowing and resistance training, for 19.2 ± 3.9 h, corresponding to an approximate 100% increase in the training load. The 2,000 m rowing ergometer performance time increased from 395.9 ± 10.8 to 404.2 ± 11.9 s corresponding to a mean power of 361.9 ± 28.5 and 349.0 ± 32.8 W, respectively. Blood lactate concentration measured five minutes after the test (from 19.2 ± 2.9 to 16.2 ± 2.3 mmol-1) and mean heart rate (from 184.6 ± 7.5 to 179.2 ± 7.4 beats.min-1) decreased. Maximal oxygen consumption remained unchanged. The subjective ratings of fatigue and muscle soreness increased and were related to the training volume (r>0.52). The blood parameters of the red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit were decreased, while blood and plasma volumes were increased after the training period. The blood variables were not correlated with the training volume (r<-0.44; p>0.05). The change between tests in the corresponding heart rate demonstrated correlation to the changes in blood (r=-0.48) and plasma (r=-0.55) volumes. It is concluded that the most appropriate and simple tool for monitoring a short-term overload training period is the self-reported ratings of well-being on a daily basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the acute responses of serum growth hormone, testosterone, and cortisol to three training protocols in rowing. Six young rowers, members of the national team, carried out three frequently used protocols in rowing, i.e., an endurance, a moderate interval, and a resistance protocol, on separate days in a counterbalanced design. Blood samples were collected before, immediately after, and 4 h after exercise for the determination of growth hormone, testosterone, cortisol, and creatine kinase. All three protocols caused marked increases in growth hormone, the most spectacular being that immediately after the endurance protocol. The change in testosterone concentration immediately after the endurance protocol was significantly higher than the changes after the other two protocols. Cortisol concentration was significantly higher immediately after the endurance protocol than after the other two protocols, but remained relatively low in all cases, suggesting that these protocols did not considerably promote catabolism in muscle tissue. Based on these data, endurance training caused greater responses of the three hormones studied compared to interval or resistance training. In fact, resistance training (at intensities above 85% of 1RM) did not cause any significant changes in the three hormones. We therefore propose that evaluation of training programmes designed for elite athletes should include measurements of hormonal changes in order to ascertain that the programmes do cause the expected adaptations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mentally imaged but unexecuted physical activity has been reported to induce a cardiorespiratory change. In order to test whether the previous experience of the performed exercise was a prerequisite to observe these changes, ventilation and heart rate were recorded during mental imagination of a rowing race in four groups of volunteers: 12 competitive rowers, 10 non-rower athletes, 12 students (22–30 years old) and 12 senior subjects (50–60 years old). Recordings were performed at rest, during the viewing of a rowing race and during mental imagination of this race. Analysis of variance revealed significant condition effect for all cardiorespiratory variables. All subjects increased their breathing rate (mean increase: 16 breaths·min-1 in rowers, 8 breaths·min-1 in athletes, 8 breaths·min-1 in students, and 6 breaths·min-1 in seniors), 29 decreased their tidal volume (mean decrease: 100 ml in rowers, 102 ml in athletes, 120 ml in students and 26 ml in seniors), with an increase in the resulting ventilation in 38 subjects (mean increase: 14 l·min-1 in rowers, 3.6 l·min-1 in athletes, 2.8 l·min-1 in students, 2.6 l·min-1 in seniors). Heart rate was increased in 34 subjects (mean increase: 12 beats·min-1 in rowers, 5 beats·min-1 in athletes, 6 beats·min-1 in students and 5 beats·min-1 in seniors). The number of subjects who exhibited changes was evenly distributed among the four groups. However, mean values of the changes were higher in rowers than in the three other groups, mainly due to three rowers who exhibited extremely large increases in cardioventilatory variables. Analysis of variance showed no significant group effect for heart rate and breathing rate. These results suggest that rowing experience may not be necessary for changes in heart rate and ventilation to be elicited by mentally imagining a rowing race. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and a combination of MICT and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on rowing performance and VO2peak were investigated in young athletes. Seventeen well-trained rowers (aged 15 ± 1.3 years) were randomly allocated to an intervention (IG) (n = 10) and control group (CG) (n = 7). During 8 weeks, both groups took part in the regular rowing training (3×/week MICT, 70–90 min, 65–70% of HRpeak + 2×/week resistance training). The IG completed an additional high-intensity interval training twice weekly (2 × 4 × 2 min at ≈95% of HRpeak, 60 s rest). Instead of the HIIT, the CG completed two more MICT sessions (70–90 min, 65–70% of HRpeak). Before and after the intervention, a 2000 m time trial and an exercise test were performed. The IG showed a significant improvement (p = 0.001) regarding the absolute rowing time in the graded exercise test. Furthermore, the intervention group showed a significant increase in relative VO2peak (p = 0.023), a significant increase in absolute VO2peak (p = 0.036), and a significant improvement in the 2000 m time trail (p = 0.003). No significant changes could be detected in the CG. The interaction effects were not significant. A mixed-intensity training, including HIIT, was beneficial on rowing performance and VO2peak in highly trained athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine whether a rowing training program could improve cardiac function in women (n = 28) with the mean age of 52.30 ± 3.78 years who survived breast cancer (stage 1: 4.55%; 2: 36.36%; 3: 54.54%; and 4: 4.55%) diagnosed 4.68 ± 3.00 years previously and underwent subsequent surgery (preservation: 56.52%; total mastectomy: 39.13%; and double mastectomy: 4.35%). Participants completed a 12-week training program consisting of three weekly sessions lasting 60–90 min with a progressive intensity increase according to the Börg scale. The assessments performed were blood pressure and pulse measurements both at rest and after performing the six-minute walk test to collect data on cardiac behavior and aerobic performance. The results showed statistically significant differences in cardiovascular system efficiency measured on the basis of heart rate both before (−12.63 ± 14.68 bpm) and after the six-minute walk test (−11.46 ± 28.39 bpm), increase in the distance achieved in the aerobic endurance test (51.56 ± 48.26 m) as well as decrease in diastolic (−13.6 ± 7.85 mm Hg) and systolic (−6.60 ± 9.10 mm Hg) blood pressure. These results suggest that rowing training programs could be a strategy to consider in this population for the benefits observed in heart rate, blood pressure and aerobic performance, which would lead to improved general health and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses how to create a high performance team. It features the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) High Performance Teams course as of March 2014, which employs the development of a rowing team of eight as the platform to learn a research backed step-by-step process. Among the step-by-step process are choosing the right people, establishing an environment of trust, and engaging in constructive conflict.

The article discusses the influence of long-term and short-term rowing training for increasing efficiency of rowing stroke. Topics discussed include the calaverage power and performance of stroke cycle, the efficiency of conversion of work carried on paddle with horizontal movement of boat and the effectiveness of conversion of mechanical work for improvement of diagnostics in rowing.