A New Submaximal Rowing Test to Predict 2,000-m Rowing Ergometer Performance

Six-minute rowing test: a valid and reliable method for assessing power output in amateur male rowers

Background

Standardized tests are currently available to assess power output in elite rowers. However, there are no valid and reliable tests to assess power output in amateur rowers.

Objective

This study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of a 6-min rowing ergometer test (6-min_RT) as a predictor of power output (PO) in amateur male rowers.

Methods

Twelve male amateur rowers were part of the study. All participants were instructed to perform an incremental test (IT), a 6-min_RT test, and a retest. The validity of the 6-min_RT was determined by comparing maximum oxygen uptake (VO_2max) and power output (PO) between the IT and 6-min_RT. Reliability included the coefficient of variation (CV), intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), and mean standard error between the 6-min_RT test and retest. The significance level was p < 0.05.

Results

There was no significant difference in VO_2max in both IT and 6-min_RT (p = 0.18), while the mean power output (P_mean) generated in the 6-min_RT equaled 91.96% of the maximal aerobic power (MAP) generated in the IT (p = 0.004). Reliability analysis for the 6-min_RT showed a CV = 0.50% and ICC = 0.97 for distance, a CV = 1.85% and ICC = 0.96 for P_mean.

Conclusion

From a ventilatory and mechanical point of view, the 6-min_RT is a maximally valid test for establishing MAP in amateur rowers. Also, the 6-min_RT evidences a high degree of agreement between days. Therefore, the 6-min_RT is a valid and reliable test for assessing PO in amateur male rowers.

Validity and Reliability of New Equations for the Prediction of Maximal Oxygen Uptake in Male and Female Elite Adolescent Rowers

The aim of this study was to develop accurate, reliable, and reproductive equations for the prediction of maximum oxygen uptake (V˙O_2max) in male and female high-level adolescent rowers. This study included two parts. In the first part, V̇O_2max was evaluated in 106 male and 83 female high-level adolescent rowers during an incremental step test (IRT) on a rowing ergometer, and stepwise multiple regression analyses were used for the development of new equations. In the second part, these equations were tested in 26 new high-level adolescent rowers of the same age and anthropometrical characteristics (boys: 15.27 ± 2.70 yrs and 15.34 ± 2.80 yrs; 72.37 ± 10.96 kg and 70.96 ± 10.65 kg; girls: 15.00 ± 2.11 yrs and 15.94 ± 2.71 yrs; 62.50 ± 7.14 kg and 63.41 ± 6.72 kg for parts 1 and 2, respectively; p > 0.05). V̇O_2max was predicted from the combination of lean body mass (LBM) and the distance covered during the last 4 min stage of the IRT (boys: r² = 0.715, F = 68.74, p = 0.001; girls: r² = 0.769, F = 57.81, p = 0.001). In the second part, no significant differences were identified when the new equations were tested against measured V̇O_2max (boys: 3971.15 ± 713.38 mL·min⁻¹ vs. 3915.83 ± 704.43 mL·min⁻¹; girls: 3272.75 ± 551.46 mL·min⁻¹ vs. 3308.94 ± 557.59 mL·min⁻¹ for measured and predicted values, respectively; p > 0.05). In conclusion, V̇O_2max of high-level adolescent rowers can be predicted with high accuracy, reliability, and repeatability using simple and easily evaluated anthropometric and performance variables.

Exercise Stress Testing in Athletes

Exercise stress testing (EST) is indicated for diagnostic and prognostic purposes in the general population. In athletes, stress tests can also be useful to inform the risk of high-intensity training and competition, to assess athletic conditioning, and to refine training regimens. Many specific indications for EST are unique to athletes. Treadmill and cycle ergometer protocols each have their strengths and disadvantages; extensive protocol customization may be necessary to answer the clinical question at hand. A comprehensive understanding of the available tools for exercise testing, their strengths, and their limitations is crucial to providing cardiovascular care to athletic individuals.

A New Fitness Test of Estimating VO2max in Well-Trained Rowing Athletes

Background

This study was designed to investigate the validity of maximal oxygen consumption (VO_2max) estimation through the Firstbeat fitness test (FFT) method when using submaximal rowing and running programs for well-trained athletes.

Methods

Well-trained flatwater rowers (n = 45, 19.8 ± 3.0 years, 184 ± 8.7 cm, 76 ± 12.9 kg, and 58.7 ± 6.0 mL⋅kg^–1⋅min^–1) and paddlers (n = 45, 19.0 ± 2.5 years, 180 ± 7.7 cm, 74 ± 9.4 kg, and 59.9 ± 4.8 mL⋅kg^–1⋅min^–1) completed the FFT and maximal graded exercise test (GXT) programs of rowing and running, respectively. The estimated VO_2max was calculated using the FFT system, and the measured VO_2max was obtained from the GXT programs. Differences between the estimated and measured VO_2max values were analyzed to assess the accuracy and agreement of the predictions. Equations from the previous study were also used to predict the VO_2max in the submaximal programs to compare the accuracy of prediction with the FFT method.

Results

The FFT method was in good agreement with the measured VO_2max in both groups based on the intraclass correlation coefficients (>0.8). Additionally, the FFT method had considerable accuracy in VO_2max estimation as the mean absolute percentage error (≤5.0%) and mean absolute error (<3.0 mL⋅kg^–1⋅min^–1) were fairly low. Furthermore, the FFT method seemed more accurate in the estimation of VO_2max than previously reported equations, especially in the rowing test program.

Conclusion

This study revealed that the FFT method provides a considerably accurate estimation of VO_2max in well-trained athletes.

Moderators of Perceived Effort in Adolescent Rowers During a Graded Exercise Test

Physical activity promotes mental health. A key factor is self-regulation. In the field of sports, self-regulation is related to the psychophysiological competence of rating of perceived effort (RPE). It was reported that adolescents have lower RPE competencies than adults, and it was hypothesized that this effect depends on physiological and cognitive development. The present study investigated in a sample of adolescents whether the RPE is related to basic cognitive competencies. Twelve rowers performed cognitive tests and a graded exercise test on a rowing ergometer, in which they continuously rated their perceived effort. Objective load measures and subjective perceptions were highly correlated (rho = 0.95-0.99). Furthermore, these correlations were inter-individually moderated by measures of mental speed and spontaneous flexibility. The results confirm the significance of basal cognitive competencies for conscious load perception. It is discussed whether regular sport has beneficial effects on the development of RPE competencies by enhancing cognitive regulation.

Comparison of Training Monitoring and Prescription Methods in Sprint Kayaking

Purpose: To compare methods of monitoring and prescribing on-water exercise intensity (heart rate [HR], stroke rate [SR], and power output [PO]) during sprint kayak training. Methods: Twelve well-trained flat-water sprint kayak athletes completed a preliminary on-water 7 × 4-min graded exercise test and a 1000-m time trial to delineate individual training zones for PO, HR, and SR into a 5-zone model (T1–T5). Subsequently, athletes completed 2 repeated trials of an on-water training session, where intensity was prescribed based on individual PO zones. Times quantified for T1–T5 during the training session were then compared between PO, HR, and SR. Results: Total time spent in T1 was higher for HR (P < .01) compared with PO. Time spent in T2 was lower for HR (P < .001) and SR (P < .001) compared with PO. Time spent in T3 was not different between PO, SR, and HR (P > .05). Time spent in T4 was higher for HR (P < .001) and SR (P < .001) compared with PO. Time spent in T5 was higher for SR (P = .03) compared with PO. Differences were found between the prescribed and actual time spent in T1–T5 when using PO (P < .001). Conclusions: The measures of HR and SR misrepresented time quantified for T1–T5 as prescribed by PO. The stochastic nature of PO during on-water training may explain the discrepancies between prescribed and actual time quantified for power across these zones. For optimized prescription and monitoring of athlete training loads, coaches should consider the discrepancies between different measures of intensity and how they may influence intensity distribution.

In-season changes in heart rate recovery are inversely related to time to exhaustion but not aerobic capacity in rowers

To determine if in-season changes in heart rate recovery (HRR) are related to aerobic fitness and performance in collegiate rowers. Twenty-two female collegiate rowers completed testing before and after their competitive season. Body fat percentage (BF%) was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Maximal aerobic capacity (VO_2max ) and time to exhaustion (T_max ) were determined during maximal rowing ergometer testing followed by 1 minute of recovery. HRR was expressed absolutely and as a percentage of maximal HR (HRR%_1 min ). Variables were compared using paired Wilcoxon tests. Multivariable regression models were used to predict in-season changes in HRR using changes in VO_2max and T_max , while accounting for changes in BF%. From preseason to post-season, VO_2max and BF% decreased (3.98±0.42 vs 3.78±0.35 L/min, P=.002 and 23.8±3.4 vs 21.3±3.9%, P<.001, respectively), while T_max increased (11.7±1.3 vs 12.6±1.3 min, P=.002), and HRR%_1 min increased (11.1±2.7 vs 13.8±3.8, P=.001). In-season changes in VO_2max were not associated with HRR%_1 min (P>.05). In-season changes in T_max were related to changes in HRR%_1 min (β=-1.67, P=.006). In-season changes in BF% were not related to changes in HRR (P>.05 for all). HRR_1 min and HRR%_1 min were faster preseason to post-season, although the changes were unrelated to VO_2max . Faster HRR%_1 min post-season was inversely related to changes in T_max . This suggests that HRR should not be used as a measure of aerobic capacity in collegiate rowers, but is a promising measure of training status in this population.

A Submaximal Running Test With Postexercise Cardiac Autonomic and Neuromuscular Function in Monitoring Endurance Training Adaptation

Vesterinen, V, Nummela, A, Laine, T, Hynynen, E, Mikkola, J, and Häkkinen, K. A submaximal running test with postexercise cardiac autonomic and neuromuscular function in monitoring endurance training adaptation. J Strength Cond Res 31(1): 233-243, 2017-The aim of this study was to investigate whether a submaximal running test (SRT) with postexercise heart rate recovery (HRR), heart rate variability (HRV), and countermovement jump (CMJ) measurements could be used to monitor endurance training adaptation. Thirty-five endurance-trained men and women completed an 18-week endurance training. Maximal endurance performance and maximal oxygen uptake were measured every 8 weeks. In addition, SRTs with postexercise HRR, HRV, and CMJ measurements were carried out every 4 weeks. Submaximal running test consisted of two 6-minute stages at 70 and 80% of maximum heart rate (HRmax) and a 3-minute stage at 90% HRmax, followed by a 2-minute recovery stage for measuring postexercise HRR, HRV, and CMJ test. The highest responders according to the change of maximal endurance performance showed a significant improvement in running speeds during stages 2 and 3 in SRT, whereas no changes were observed in the lowest responders. The strongest correlation was found between the change of maximal endurance performance and running speed during stage 3, whereas no significant relationships were found between the change of maximal endurance performance and the changes of postexercise HRR, HRV, and CMJ. Running speed at 90% HRmax intensity was the most sensitive variable to monitor adaptation to endurance training. The present submaximal test showed potential to monitor endurance training adaptation. Furthermore, it may serve as a practical tool for athletes and coaches to evaluate weekly the effectiveness of training program without interfering in the normal training habits.

On-field prediction vs monitoring of aerobic capacity markers using submaximal lactate and heart rate measures

This study aimed to validate the use of a single blood lactate concentration measurement taken following a 5-minute running bout at 10 km·h^-1 (BLC₁₀ ) and the speed associated with 90% of maximal heart rate (S₉₀ ) to predict and monitor fixed blood lactate concentration (FBLC) thresholds in athletes. Three complementary studies were undertaken. Study I: A cross-sectional study examining the associations of BLC₁₀ and S₉₀ with running speeds at FBLC of 3 (S3mM) and 4 mmol·L^-1 (S4mM) in 100 athletes. Study II: A cross-validation study assessing the predictive capacity of BLC₁₀ and S₉₀ to estimate FBLC thresholds in real practice. Study III: A longitudinal study examining whether training-induced changes in FBLC thresholds could be monitored using BLC₁₀ and S₉₀ in 80 athletes tested before and after an intensified training period. Study I: BLC₁₀ (r=-.87 to -.89) and S₉₀ (r=.73-.79) were very largely (P<.001) related to FBLC thresholds. Study II: Predictive models yielded robust correlations between estimated and measured FBLC thresholds (r=.75-.91; P<.001). The limits of agreements, however, revealed that prediction of FBLC thresholds could be biased up to 9%-15%. Study III: BLC₁₀ was very largely related to training-induced changes in FBLC thresholds (r=-.72 to -.76; P<.001). Increases in S₉₀ were associated with improvements in FBLC thresholds, but decreases in S₉₀ led to unclear changes in FBLC thresholds. This study supports the use of BLC₁₀ as a simple, low-cost, non-fatiguing, and time-efficient functional variable to monitor, but not predict, FBLC thresholds in athletes. The present results also question the use of S₉₀ to detect declines in endurance performance.