Relationship between Force-Velocity Profiles and 1,500-m Ergometer Performance in Young Rowers

Reliability of the Maximal Lactate Accumulation Rate in Rowers

The maximal lactate accumulation rate (VLamax) has been linked to lactic anaerobic performance. Hence, accurate and reliable assessment is crucial in sport-specific performance testing. Thus, between-day reliability data of rowing-specific VLamax assessment was examined. Seventeen trained rowers (eight females and nine males; 19.5±5.2 yrs; 1.76±0.08 m; 70.2±8.9 kg; V̇O2max: 54±13 ml/min/kg) performed 20-s sprint tests on two separate days (one week apart) on a rowing ergometer. VLamax, peak lactate concentration, time to peak lactate, and mean rowing power were measured. Good to excellent intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), low standard error of measurement (SEM), and acceptable levels of agreement (LoAs; 90% confidence interval) for VLamax (ICC=0.85; SEM=0.02 mmol/L/s; LoA±0.09 mmol/L/s), peak lactate (ICC=0.88; SEM=0.3 mmol/L; LoA±1.4 mmol/l), time to peak lactate (ICC=0.92; SEM=0.1 min; LoA±0.5 min), and mean rowing power (ICC=0.98; SEM=3 W; LoA±39 W) were observed. In addition, VLamax was highly correlated (r=0.96; p≤0.001) to rowing power. Thus, VLamax and sprint performance parameters can be measured highly reliably using this sport-specific sprint test in rowing.

Interference Effects of Different Resistance-Training Protocols on Rowing Ergometer Performance: A Study on Semiprofessional Rowers

PURPOSE

To evaluate the interference effects of various resistance-training (RT) protocols on rowing ergometer performance.

METHODS

Fourteen semiprofessional male rowers randomly completed 5 protocols in separate sessions: (1) control-no RT session was performed, (2) upper-body high-fatigue-4 sets to failure during the bench pull exercise, (3) upper-body low-fatigue-4 sets of 6 repetitions during the bench pull exercise, (4) lower-body high-fatigue-4 sets to failure during the leg-press exercise, and (5) lower-body low-fatigue-4 sets of 6 repetitions during the leg-press exercise. All sets were performed against the 12-repetition-maximum load with 2 minutes of interset rest. Following the completion of the protocols, subjects performed an all-out 1000-m rowing ergometer test.

RESULTS

Compared with the control condition, rowing ergometer performance was not significantly affected after the low-fatigue RT protocols (upper body: P ≥ .487; Δ = 0.0%-0.2%; lower body: P ≥ .200; Δ = -0.2%-0.5%), while it significantly declined following high-fatigue RT protocols (upper body: P ≤ .001; Δ = 1.0%-2.0%; lower body: P ≤ .002; Δ = 2.1%-2.5%). The average heart rate was significantly lower for the control condition compared with all RT protocols (P ≤ .043; Δ = 1.0%-1.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

To minimize interference on rowing performance, coaches should prioritize the level of effort in RT protocols over specific exercises, specifically avoiding high-fatigue protocols that lead to failure before rowing practice.

Evaluation of the Training Session in Elite Paralympic Powerlifting Athletes Based on Biomechanical and Thermal Indicators

BACKGROUND

Paralympic powerlifting (PP) is performed on a bench press, aiming to lift as much weight as possible in a single repetition.

PURPOSE

To evaluate thermal asymmetry and dynamic force parameters with 45 and 80% 1 Repetition Maximum (1 RM) in PP athletes.

METHODS

Twelve elite PP male athletes were evaluated before and after a training session regarding skin temperature (thermography) and dynamic force indicators (Average Propulsive Velocity-MPV, Maximum Velocity-VMax, and Power). The training consisted of five series of five repetitions (5 × 5) with 80% 1 RM. The force indicators and dynamics before and after (45% 1 RM) were evaluated in series "1" and "5" with 80% 1 RM.

RESULTS

The temperature did not present asymmetry, and there were differences between the moment before and after. In MPV, Vmax, and Power, with 45% 1 RM, there were differences both in asymmetry and in moments (p < 0.005). With 80% 1 RM, asymmetry was observed, but no differences between moments (p < 0.005).

CONCLUSION

No thermal asymmetry was observed. There were reductions in MVP and VMax at 45 and 80% 1 RM but without significant differences between time points (before and after). However, there was asymmetry in the moments before and after within a safety standard, where Paralympic powerlifting was safe in terms of asymmetries.

The effect of confounding variables on the relationship between anthropometric and physiological features in 2000-m rowing ergometer performance

Background: Anthropometric and physiological characteristics are often considered as potential variables that are significantly related with motor performance. Aim: The aim of this study was to identify and weigh the key anthropometric and physiological characteristics that are associated with 2000-m rowing ergometer performance in male and female athletes. Methods: The study involved 70 best female and 130 best male rowers from the seven largest Hungarian rowing clubs, classified into one of the following age categories: juniors (36 women and 55 men, age range: 15-16 years), older juniors (26 women and 52 men, age range: 17-18 years), and seniors (8 women and 23 men, age range: over 18 years). Anthropometric and body composition measurements were determined by the bioelectrical impedance method proposed by Weiner and Lourie (1969), and skin fold measurements were conducted to estimate relative body fat content. The countermovement jump test and the 2000-m maximal rowing ergometer test were used for physiological measurements. Results: An increase in skeletal muscle mass was correlated (r = -.39, p <.001) with a significant decrease in rowing time over a distance of 2000 m, whereas a significant increase in rowing time was noted with an increase in sitting height (only in men, r = .33, p <.001), body mass (in women and men: r = .24, p = .013 and r = .31, p = .009), and body fat percentage (r = .26, p < .030). Rowing time was also bound by a significant correlation with maximal force (r = -.79 and -.90, p <.001) and relative maximal power (r = -.54 and -.78, p <.001) in both sexes, with relative peak power in males (r = -.51, p < .001), and with estimated relative maximal aerobic capacity in females (r = -.43, p <.001). Conclusion: Rowing performance over a distance of 2000 m is significantly negatively correlated with the skeletal muscle mass, maximal force, relative maximal power, relative peak power, and estimated relative maximal aerobic capacity.

A novel equation that incorporates the linear and hyperbolic nature of the force-velocity relationship in lower and upper limb exercises

The purpose of this study is to provide a force-velocity (F-V) equation that combines a linear and a hyperbolic region, and to compare its derived results to those obtained from linear equations. A total of 10 cross-training athletes and 14 recreationally resistance-trained young men were assessed in the unilateral leg press (LP) and bilateral bench press (BP) exercises, respectively. F-V data were recorded using a force plate and a linear encoder. Estimated maximum isometric force (F₀), maximum muscle power (P_max), and maximum unloaded velocity (V₀) were calculated using a hybrid (linear and hyperbolic) equation and three different linear equations: one derived from the hybrid equation (linear_hyb), one applied to data from 0 to 100% of F₀ (linear_0-100), and one applied to data from 45 to 100% of F₀ (linear_45-100). The hybrid equation presented the best fit to the recorded data (R² = 0.996 and 0.998). Compared to the results derived from the hybrid equation in the LP, significant differences were observed in F₀ derived from linear_0-100; V₀ derived from linear_hyb, linear_0-100 and linear_45-100; and P_max derived from linear_hyb and linear_45-100 (all p < 0.05). For the BP, compared to the hybrid equation, significant differences were found in F₀ derived from linear_0-100; and V₀ and P_max derived from linear_hyb, linear_0-100 and linear_45-100 (all p < 0.05). An F-V equation combining a linear and a hyperbolic region showed to fit adequately recorded F-V data from ~ 20 to 100% of F₀, and overcame the limitations shown by linear equations while providing relevant results.

What is the physiological impact of reducing the 2,000 m Olympic distance in rowing to 1,500 m and 1,000 m for French young competitive rowers? Insights from the energy system contribution

French rowing federation reduced the competition distance to 1,500 and 1,000 m in rowers under 16- (U16) and 14-year-old (U14) respectively, to prepare them progressively to the Olympic 2,000 m distance in under 18-year-old (U18). This study aimed to check the hypothesis that relative aerobic (%EAe) and anaerobic (%EAn) energy contributions would be comparable between the competition distances since the more oxidative profile of younger age categories could offset the greater anaerobic contribution induced by shorter rowing races. Thirty-one 12- to 17-year-old competitive rowers performed a race of 2,000, 1,500, or 1,000 m on a rowing ergometer according to their age category. %EAe and %EAn were estimated from oxygen consumption, changes in blood lactate concentration and their energy equivalents. %EAe was lower in U16 than U18 (84.7 vs. 87.0%, p &lt; 0.01), and in U14 than U16 (80.6 vs. 84.7%, p &lt; 0.001). %EAn was higher in U16 than U18 (15.3 vs. 13.0%, p &lt; 0.01), and in U14 than U16 (19.4 vs. 15.3%, p &lt; 0.01). The results did not confirm our initial hypothesis since %EAe and %EAn were significantly different between the race distances, and thus age categories. However, %EAn in U18, U16 and U14 were found to be in the range of values previously found in adult rowers over the 2,000 m Olympic distance (12–30%). Therefore, on a practical level, the strategy implemented by the French rowing federation to reduce the competition distance in the younger age categories could be relevant to progressively prepare them to the physiological requirements encountered over the Olympic distance.

Sex Differences in Anthropometric and Physiological Profiles of Hungarian Rowers of Different Ages

The aim of this study was to determine sexual differentiation in the anthropometric and physiological characteristics of Hungarian rowers in different age categories. These characteristics were measured for 15–16-year-old juniors (55 men and 36 women), 17–18-year-old older juniors (52 men and 26 women), and 19–22-year-old seniors (23 men and 8 women). The degree of sexual dimorphism was expressed in units of measurement as percentages and the dimorphism index. In all age categories, females had significantly higher body fat indices. Body fat percentage was determined by electrical impedance and by the Pařízková formula, BMI, and skinfold thicknesses. Males had significantly higher body mass, body height, skeletal muscle mass, sitting height, arm span, lower limb length, and body surface area. Males also scored significantly higher values for the following physiological characteristics: peak power, relative peak power, ErVO_2max, jump height, speed max, force max, and relative maximal power. Analysis of anthropometric and physiological characteristics in Hungarian rowers revealed that sexual dimorphism tended to increase with age, regardless of whether it was expressed in units of measurement, percentages, or dimorphism index values. The age-related increase in the sexual dimorphism of Hungarian rowers suggests that training methods should be carefully selected to accommodate the needs of various age and gender groups.

Association of the load-velocity relationship variables with 2000-m rowing ergometer performance

AbstractThis study aimed to compare the maximal mechanical variables derived from the load-velocity (L-V) relationship and 2000-meter rowing ergometer performance between rowers of different age categories, and to identify the L-V relationship variables more closely related to 2000-meter rowing ergometer performance. Nineteen competitive rowers (15 males and four females) aged between 15 and 25 years were evaluated during the national 2000-meter rowing ergometer competition organised by the Chilean Rowing Federation. Thereafter, the L-V relationship variables (load-axis intercept [L₀], velocity-axis intercept [v₀], and area under the L-V relationship line [A_line]) were determined on separate occasions during the squat jump and prone bench pull exercises. Rowers were classified according to their chronological age for comparative purposes (under 16 years [U16] vs. over 16 years [O16]). L₀ and A_line were always higher for O16 than for U16 (p ≤ 0.046; ES range = 0.99 to 1.79), while v₀ was generally comparable for both age categories (p ≥ 0.038; ES range = 0.07 to 1.03). Furthermore, the O16 revealed a greater performance (i.e., shorter total time) during the 2000-meter rowing ergometer competition (p = 0.011; ES = -1.31). In general, significant correlations were obtained between rowing performance and the L-V relationship variables obtained during the squat jump (r or ρ range = -0.294 to -0.922) and prone bench pull (r or ρ range = -0.322 to -0.928). These results support the L-V relationship as a sensitive procedure to evaluate the maximal mechanical capacities of lower- and upper-body muscles in competitive rowers.

Force-Velocity Profile of Competitive Kayakers: Evaluation of a Novel Single Kayak Stroke Test

The assessment of the force-velocity (F-V) profile in athletes may have important applications for training prescription, injury management, and fatigue monitoring. This study aimed to assess whether a novel single kayak stroke test (SKST) is able to provide the F-V relationship variables (maximum force, maximum velocity and maximum power) of competitive kayakers with acceptable reliability and external validity. Six female (age: 20.3 ± 3.7 years) and eight male (age: 20.8 ± 2.4 years) elite kayakers performed the SKST, bench press, bench pull, and short Wingate kayak test. The individual F-V relationships were highly linear [median r (range): left stroke = 0.986 (0.897 - 0.998); right stroke = 0.987 (0.971 - 0.999)]. The reliability of the F-V relationship parameters obtained during the SKST was high (within-session: CV ≤ 4.48% and ICC ≥ 0.93; between-session: CV ≤ 8.06% and ICC ≥ 0.65). The validity of the F-V relationship parameters obtained during the SKST was generally very high for maximum power (r range = 0.825 - 0.975), high for maximum force during both the bench press and the bench pull (r range = 0.751 - 0.831), and high or moderate for maximal velocity during the bench pull (r = 0.770 - 0.829) and the bench press (r = 0.355 - 0.471), respectively. The SKST can be considered a feasible procedure for testing the maximal upper-body muscle mechanical capacities of kayakers.

Differences in the Anthropometric and Physiological Profiles of Hungarian Male Rowers of Various Age Categories, Rankings and Career Lengths: Selection Problems

Background: Little is known about the anthropometric and physiological profiles of lower-ranking athletes who aspire to rise to the pinnacle of their profession.

Aim: The aim of this study was to create anthropometric and physiological profiles of Hungarian male rowers of different age categories (15–16, 17–18, and over 18 years), sports rankings and career lengths.

Materials and Methods: Anthropometric and physiological profiles were created for 55 juniors, 52 older juniors and 23 seniors representing seven of the largest Hungarian rowing clubs. One-way independent analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare arithmetic means.

Results: Rowers in older age categories were significantly taller (185.0 ± 5.0 cm vs. 183.0 ± 7.3 cm vs. 178.7 ± 7.2 cm) and heavier (81.1 ± 8.8 kg vs. 73.7 ± 8.4 kg vs. 66.8 ± 12.3 kg) than their younger peers, with significantly higher BMI values and larger body dimensions. Compared to younger athletes, rowers in older age categories also covered 2,000 m significantly faster (6.6 ± 0.3 min vs. 6.9 ± 0.4 min vs. 7.5 ± 0.5 min) while developing significantly more power (372.2 ± 53.0 W vs. 326.8 ± 54.5 W vs. 250.6 ± 44.6 W). Similarly, seniors and older juniors had higher values of maximal oxygen uptake and force max (by 6.2 and 7.0 ml/kg/min, and by 263.4 and 169.8 N). Within the older juniors, internationally ranked rowers had significantly greater body height (+ 5.9 cm), body mass (+ 6.1 kg), sitting height (+ 2.7 cm), arm span (+ 7.9 cm), limb length (+ 3.73 cm) and body surface area (+ 0.21 m²). They also rowed 2,000 m significantly faster (–0.43 min, p < 0.001) and had significantly higher values of power (+ 58.3 W), relative power (+ 0.41 W/kg), jump height (+ 4.5 cm), speed max (+ 0.18 m/s) and force max (+ 163.22 N).

Conclusion: The study demonstrated that potential differences in anthropometric and physiological profiles are more difficult to capture in non-elite rowers, and that the final outcome may be determined by external factors. Therefore, athletes with superior aptitude for rowing are more difficult to select from among lower-ranking rowers, and further research is needed to determine specific training requirements to achieve the maximum rowing performance.

The Effectiveness of Biological Maturation and Lean Mass in Relation to Muscle Strength Performance in Elite Young Athletes

This study aimed to identify the interactional relationships between maturation (biological age (BA)) and lean mass on strength development in young athletes from different sports. Using a cross-sectional study design, a sample of 64 young athletes (rowers, swimmers, jiu-jitsu, volleyball, soccer and tennis players) of both sexes (13.6 ± 1.17 years) were recruited. Body composition was assessed using dual energy bone densitometry with X-ray source (DEXA). Strength of upper limbs (ULS), force hand grip (HG), vertical jump (VJ) and jump against movement (CMJ) were recorded. BA was estimated from anthropometrics. BA relationships were identified with upper limb strength in all athletes, and with the lower limb strength of tennis players, only (p < 0.05). An interaction effect between lean mass and BA was found (η2p = 0.753), as was a local effect within the regression models (ƒ2 ≥ 0.33). Athletes with a higher concentration of lean mass had superior upper and lower limb strength (p < 0.05). Lean mass showed a local effect (ƒ2) greater than that associated with BA. Although maturation is related to strength development, the strength of the relationship is mitigated by the accrual of lean mass. Specifically, the local effect of lean mass on muscle strength is broader than that of maturation, especially for lower limb strength.

On the Shape of the Force-Velocity Relationship in Skeletal Muscles: The Linear, the Hyperbolic, and the Double-Hyperbolic

The shape of the force-velocity (F-V) relationship has important implications for different aspects of muscle physiology, such as muscle efficiency and fatigue, the understanding of the pathophysiology of several myopathies or the mechanisms of muscle contraction per se, and may be of relevance for other fields, such as the development of robotics and prosthetic applications featuring natural muscle-like properties. However, different opinions regarding the shape of the F-V relationship and the underlying mechanisms exist in the literature. In this review, we summarize relevant evidence on the shape of the F-V relationship obtained over the last century. Studies performed at multiple scales ranging from the sarcomere to the organism level have described the concentric F-V relationship as linear, hyperbolic or double-hyperbolic. While the F-V relationship has most frequently been described as a rectangular hyperbola, a large number of studies have found deviations from the hyperbolic function at both ends of the F-V relation. Indeed, current evidence suggests that the F-V relation in skeletal muscles follows a double-hyperbolic pattern, with a breakpoint located at very high forces/low velocities, which may be a direct consequence of the kinetic properties of myofilament cross-bridge formation. Deviations at low forces/high velocities, by contrast, may be related to a recently discovered, calcium-independent regulatory mechanism of muscle contraction, which may also explain the low metabolic cost of very fast muscle shortening contractions. Controversial results have also been reported regarding the eccentric F-V relationship, with studies in prepared muscle specimens suggesting that maximum eccentric force is substantially greater than isometric force, whereas in vivo studies in humans show only a modest increase, no change, or even a decrease in force in lengthening contractions. This review discusses possible reasons reported in the literature for these discrepant findings, including the testing procedures (familiarization, pre-load condition, and temperature) and a potential neural inhibition at higher lengthening velocities. Finally, some unresolved questions and recommendations for F-V testing in humans are reported at the end of this document.