Does Maximum Strength Predict Rowing Performance in Elite Female Rowers?

PURPOSE

This study aimed to identify dynamic free-weight exercises for strength training and testing that are strong determinants of specific rowing ergometer performance measures in elite female rowers.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study examined the association between 1-repetition-maximum (1RM) power clean (PC1RM), 1RM bench row (BR1RM), 1RM back squat (SQ1RM), 1RM bench press (BP1RM), and 1RM deadlift (DL1RM) with peak stroke power (PSP) and 2000-m (P2000m) and 5000-m time-trial average power (P5000m) in 17 heavyweight elite female rowers.

RESULTS

Significant correlations were found between SQ1RM, DL1RM, and PC1RM with all rowing performance measures (r = .56-.86, all P < .05). BR1RM correlated significantly with PSP and P2000m (r = .52 and .55, P < .01 and .05), and BP1RM with PSP only (r = .55, P < .01). PC1RM and either DL1RM (R2 = 77%, P < .01) or SQ1RM (R2 = 76%, P < .01) were the greatest contributors to PSP. DL1RM and SQ1RM together provided the greatest explained variance for P2000m (R2 = 72%, P < .01) and P5000m (R2 = 60%, P < .05).

CONCLUSION

SQ1RM, DL1RM, and PC1RM were the strongest determinants of rowing ergometer performance in elite female rowers and are recommended for training and testing rowing-specific strength.

The relationship between countermovement jump force-time characteristics and 2,000-m rowing ergometer performance

Background

Rowing is a strength-endurance sport. The Olympic race distance of 2,000-m (2k) requires extensive aerobic and anaerobic energy system contributions, along with sustained high force output.

Aims

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between rowing ergometer (erg) performance and the force-time curve characteristics of a counter-movement jump (CMJ), and to determine if rowing-related low back pain (LBP) affected these relationships.

Methods

Athletes completed a 2k time trial at the 2023 USRowing Atlantic City Indoor National Championships as well as a CMJ on force plates. Data from the 2k (n = 27) time trial was analyzed to determine significant relationships between CMJ force-time characteristics and 2k rowing ergometer performance. Partial correlations were used to determine the effects rowing-related LBP has on the relationship between 2k erg and CMJ force-time curve characteristics.

Results

Positive Take-off Impulse had the strongest correlation with 2k erg performance (r = 0.71, p < 0.001). Jump height was not significantly related to 2k erg performance (r = -0.13, p = 0.518). Current LBP changed the relationship for Concentric Mean Force (r = 0.74, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Positive Take-off Impulse has a strong, positive relationship to 2k erg performance. CMJ variables related to impulse and force should be monitored longitudinally to see if changes in these variables coincide with improved 2k rowing erg performance and the assessment of neuromuscular fatigue. Coaches can utilize these findings to individualize strength and power training for potential 2k erg performance improvements.

Monitoring skeletal muscle oxygen saturation kinetics during graded exercise testing in NCAA division I female rowers

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to analyze changes in skeletal muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) kinetics during exercise in female rowers both acutely and longitudinally in relation to blood lactate (BLa). We also aimed to determine the agreement and statistical equivalence between physiological thresholds derived from SmO2 and BLa kinetics.

Methods

Twenty-three female NCAA Division I rowers were tested throughout the 2023-2024 academic year. Of these, 11 athletes completed at least two near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)-equipped GXTs, with physiological data analyzed for longitudinal changes. A 7x4-min discontinuous GXT protocol was performed by all athletes. First and second SmO2 breakpoints (SmO2BP1 and SmO2BP2) were estimated via piecewise linear regression modeling, and BLa thresholds (LT1 and LT2) were calculated using ADAPT software. Paired-samples t-tests assessed differences, and equivalence was tested using two one-sided tests (TOST). Agreement was determined using Bland-Altman analysis yielding mean differences (MD) and 95% limits of agreement (LoA). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC2,1) were also calculated.

Results

No difference was found between SmO2BP2 and LT2 (MD = -5.76W [95% LoA = -38.52 to 22.25W], p = 0.134), moderate-to-good levels of agreement (ICC2,1 = 0.67 [95% CI: 0.36-0.85], p < 0.001), and no statistical equivalence (p = 0.117). This was not the case for SmO2BP1 and LT1, with NIRS significantly underestimating LT1 (MD = -8.14W [95% LoA = -38.90 to 27.37W], p = 0.026), poor-to-moderate agreement (ICC2,1 = 0.24 [95% CI: -0.13-0.58], p = 0.10), and no statistical equivalence (p = 0.487). Additionally, SmO2 recovery kinetics (SmO2resat) during 1-min rest intervals increased in response to graded increases in exercise intensity (p < 0.001, η2 p = 0.71), with higher intensities appearing to blunt this effect (step 6 - step 7: MD = -0.16%⋅s-1, p = 0.69). No statistically significant changes were observed in LT's or SmO2BP's throughout the 2023-2024 season.

Conclusion

In female collegiate rowers, NIRS may be a tool that compliments BLa testing when determining the second lactate threshold (i.e., LT2). However, significant inter-individual variablility exists between SmO2BP2 and LT2 paired with a lack of statistical equivalence suggest the two are not interchangeable. While not a standalone replacement, if used in combination with traditional BLa testing methods NIRS may be a complimentary tool that helps inform individual athlete training zone prescription.