Comparison of Step-Wise and Ramp-Wise Incremental Rowing Exercise Tests and 2000-m Rowing Ergometer Performance.

Purpose: This study examined parameters derived from both an incremental step-wise and a ramp-wise graded rowing exercise test in relation to rowing performance. Methods: Discontinuous step-wise incremental rowing to exhaustion established lactate threshold (LT), maximum oxygen consumption (VO_2maxSTEP) and power associated with VO_2max (W VO_2max)- A further continuous ramp-wise test was undertaken to derive ventilatory threshold (VT), maximum oxygen consumption (VO_2maxRAMP)> and maximum minute power (MMW). Results were compared with maximal 2000-m ergometer time-trial power. Results: The strongest correlation with 2000-m power was observed for MMW (r = .98, P < .001), followed by W VO_2max (r = .96; P < .001). The difference between MMW and W VO2max compared with the mean of MMW/W VO_2max showed a widening bias with a greater difference coincident with greater power. However, this bias was reduced when expressed as a ratio term and when a baseline VO2 was accounted for. There were no differences (P = .85) between measures of VO_2maxSTEP an<i VO_2maxRAMP; rather, the measures showed strong association (r = .97, P < .001, limits of agreement = -0.43 to 0.33 L/min). The power at LT and VT did not differ (P = .6), and a significant association was observed (r= .73, P= .001, limits of agreement = -54.3 to 20.2 W, SEE = 26.1 ). Conclusions: This study indicates that MMW demonstrates a strong association with ergometer rowing performance and thus may have potential as an influential monitoring tool for rowing athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]