Reliability and validity of the modified Conconi test on concept II rowing ergometers

The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the modified Conconi test on Concept II rowing ergometers. Twenty-eight oarsmen conducted 3 performance tests on separate days. Reliability was assessed using the break point in heart rate (HR) linearity called the Conconi test (CT) and Conconi retest (CRT) for the noninvasive measurement of anaerobic threshold (AT). Blood lactate measurement was considered the gold standard for the assessment of the AT, and the validity of the CT was assessed by blood samples taken during an incremental load test (ILT) on ergometers. According to the results, the mean power output (PO) scores for the CT, CRT, and ILT were 234.2 +/- 40.3 W, 232.5 +/- 39.7 W, and 229.7 +/- 39.6 W, respectively. The mean HR values at the AT for the CT, CRT, and ILT were 165.4 +/- 11.2 b.min, 160.4 +/- 10.8 b.min, and 158.3 +/- 8.8 b.min, respectively. Interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis indicated a significant correlation between the 3 tests with one another. Also, Bland and Altman plots showed that there was an association between noninvasive tests and the ILT PO scores and HRs (95% confidence interval [CI]). In conclusion, this study showed that the modified CT is a reliable and valid method for determining the AT of elite men rowers.