Effects of drag factor on physiological aspects of rowing

This study examined the effects of two resistances, or "drag factors" on selected physiological variables during incremental progressive rowing tests (seven 3-min stages) on a Concept2 ergometer. Subjects were seven male and seven female university club rowers. Their mean age, body mass and height were 19.6 +/- 1.5 years, 72.7 +/- 8.0 kg, and 172.2 +/- 7.5 cm, respectively. Progressive tests were conducted using drag factors 100 (D100) and 150 (D150) before the spring racing season. Values were determined for the following physiological variables: ventilation (V.E), oxygen uptake (V.O2), heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration (BLC), respiratory exchange ratio (R) and rowing economy (W/V.O2). Comparisons across all six submaximal stages showed no significant difference between D(100) and D(150) for any of the variables measured (p > .05). Maximal V.E(max) was significantly greater at D100 than D150 (p < .02). Maximal V.O(2), HR, BLC, R, stroke rate (SR) and W/V.O2 were greater at D100 than at D150, though not significantly so. The mean D100-D150 differences in V.E and SR for each stage were significantly correlated (r = 0.76, p < .01), suggesting drag factor may affect V.E via SR.