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Published on: February 5, 2020
Rowing skill affects power loss on a modified rowing ergometer.
Mathijs J Hofmijster1, A J VAN Soest, Jos J DE Koning
1Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, Research Institute MOVE, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands. m.hofmijster@fbw.vu.nl
Velocity efficiency significantly impacts rowing performance, alongside maximum oxygen uptake and gross efficiency. Optimizing force timing in rowing movements can minimize power loss and enhance overall performance.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Rowing performance depends on maximizing power output and minimizing energy losses.
- Velocity efficiency (evelocity) quantifies mechanical power not lost to velocity fluctuations.
- Understanding evelocity's contribution relative to V[spacing dot above]O2max and gross efficiency is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the contribution of velocity efficiency to rowing performance.
- To compare evelocity's impact with maximum oxygen uptake (V[spacing dot above]O2max) and gross efficiency (egross).
- To determine the relationship between evelocity and rowing movement execution.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-two well-trained female rowers completed a 2000-m time trial on a modified ergometer.
- V[spacing dot above]O2max, evelocity, and rower-induced impulse fluctuations (RIIF) were measured during the time trial.
- Gross efficiency (egross) was determined during a separate submaximal intensity session.
Main Results:
- V[spacing dot above]O2max explained the largest variance in 2000-m time (53%), followed by evelocity (14%) and egross (11%).
- Negative correlations were observed between evelocity and RIIF, indicating movement execution impacts efficiency.
- Optimal force timing in rowing movements appears to minimize power loss.
Conclusions:
- A significant relationship exists between rowing performance and velocity efficiency.
- Velocity efficiency is linked to movement execution, specifically the timing of forces applied.
- Improving force application timing can enhance rowing performance by increasing evelocity.
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