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Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Gathering Self-Initiated Rat Behavioral Data to Characterize Post-Stroke Deficits
Published on: March 15, 2024
Gross efficiency during rowing is not affected by stroke rate.
Mathijs J Hofmijster1, Arthur J Van Soest, Jos J De Koning
1Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, Research Institute MOVE, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. m.hofmijster@fbw.vu.nl
Rowing gross efficiency (e(gross)) is not affected by stroke rate. Internal power losses in rowing are independent of cycle frequency within competitive ranges.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Optimal rowing performance may depend on stroke rate-related internal power losses.
- Gross efficiency (e(gross)) is a key indicator of power loss during rowing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if gross efficiency (e(gross)) is influenced by rowing stroke rate.
- To determine if negative power output (P(negative)) can estimate internal power losses.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen elite female rowers completed trials on a rowing ergometer at 28, 34, and 40 strokes per minute.
- Submaximal intensity exercise was performed with constant power transfer to the flywheel.
- Gross efficiency (e(gross)) was measured at each tested stroke rate.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in gross efficiency (e(gross)) were observed across different stroke rates.
- Negative power output (P(negative)) increased with higher stroke rates but did not correlate with e(gross).
Conclusions:
- Internal power losses in rowing are not affected by stroke rate within the competitive range.
- Negative power output (P(negative)) is not a reliable indicator of internal power losses in rowing.
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