Predicting the 1000m rowing ergometer performance in 12-13-year-old rowers: the basis for selection process?

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Pediatric Sports Performance

Background:

• Established performance-predictive parameters for rowers exist across various demographics but are lacking for very young athletes (under 14 years old).
• Talent identification and selection in junior rowing require scientifically validated parameters specific to this age group.

Purpose of the Study:

• To predict 1000-m rowing ergometer performance in male rowers aged 12-13 years.
• To identify key anthropometric and physiological variables for predicting performance in this age group.
• To provide a scientific basis for talent identification and selection in youth rowing.

Main Methods:

• Study involved 48 male rowers aged 12.0-13.9 years.
• Collected 12 anthropometric and six physiological variables.
• Subjects underwent an incremental maximal treadmill test.
• Performance was measured using a 1000-m rowing ergometer test.

Main Results:

• Significant correlations found between 1000-m rowing time and variables including body height, body mass, lean body mass, leg length, arm length, skeletal diameters, girths, maximal oxygen uptake (L/min), maximal ventilation, and oxygen uptake at ventilatory anaerobic threshold.
• Age was also a significant factor influencing performance.
• A combined model of anthropometric and physiological variables best predicted performance (R²=0.85), followed by physiological (R²=0.80) and anthropometric (R²=0.76) models alone.

Conclusions:

• For 12-13 year old male rowers, greater aerobic capacity (maximal oxygen uptake in L/min) and larger body size are beneficial for 1000-m ergometer performance.
• These findings support the use of specific anthropometric and physiological measures for talent identification in young rowers.