A new approach to rowing ergometry: establishing exercise intensity relative to maximum force output

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Biomechanics
• Sports Science

Background:

• Traditional exercise intensity is often set by increasing workload.
• Hydraulic rowing ergometry offers controllable rowing speed and resistance.
• Establishing consistent exercise intensity is crucial for accurate physiological assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a new method for establishing exercise intensity during hydraulic rowing.
• To compare physiological responses between the new rowing protocol and traditional treadmill running.

Main Methods:

• Ten college females performed two hydraulic rowing protocols at a cadence of 30 c.min-1, maintaining 50% of maximum force output.
• Protocol 1: 17-minute incremental continuous row (Settings 1-6).
• Protocol 2: Similar to Protocol 1, with a final 2-minute all-out effort at a reduced setting.
• Maximal physiological responses (VO2max, HRmax, VEmax) were compared to treadmill running.

Main Results:

• Both rowing protocols elicited significantly lower maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) compared to treadmill running (Row 1: -29.0%, Row 2: -12.9%).
• Maximum heart rate (HRmax) was also significantly lower during rowing (Row 1: -12.9%, Row 2: -6.7%) versus treadmill.
• Maximum ventilation (VEmax) was significantly lower during Protocol 1 (-30.4%) compared to treadmill running.

Conclusions:

• The new hydraulic rowing protocol, based on a constant percentage of maximum force output, elicits different physiological responses than treadmill running.
• This method may provide a distinct way to assess cardiorespiratory fitness, potentially targeting different physiological systems or limiting factors.
• Further research is needed to understand the full implications and applications of this intensity control method in rowing ergometry.