Scaling concept II rowing ergometer performance for differences in body mass to better reflect rowing in water

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Human Performance

Background:

• The Concept II indoor rowing ergometer is widely used for training and performance assessment.
• Its direct correlation to on-water rowing performance, particularly considering physiological factors, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the accuracy of the Concept II indoor rowing ergometer in reflecting on-water rowing performance.
• To identify factors influencing the discrepancy between ergometer and water-based rowing metrics.

Main Methods:

• Forty-nine junior elite male rowers performed 2000m tests on both a Concept II ergometer and in a single-scull on water.
• Statistical analysis, including correlation and allometric modeling, was used to compare performances and assess the influence of body mass.

Main Results:

• On-water rowing speed (3.66 m/s) was significantly slower than ergometer speed (4.96 m/s), with a low initial correlation (R²=28.9%).
• Body mass positively impacted ergometer performance but had a non-significant effect on water rowing, indicating a drag effect on water.
• An allometric model incorporating body mass (ergometer speed x m(-0.23)) improved the prediction of water rowing speed (R²=59.2%).

Conclusions:

• The Concept II ergometer alone does not fully replicate on-water rowing conditions due to factors like body mass-induced drag.
• A modified "power-to-weight" ratio using ergometer speed adjusted by body mass (m0.23) enhances the ergometer's ability to predict on-water rowing performance.