Comparison of step-wise and ramp-wise incremental rowing exercise tests and 2000-m rowing ergometer performance

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Rowing Performance Analysis

Background:

• Assessing rowing performance requires reliable physiological metrics.
• Incremental and ramp tests are common methods to evaluate maximal aerobic capacity and power output.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare parameters derived from incremental step-wise and ramp-wise rowing tests.
• To determine the relationship between these parameters and actual rowing performance.

Main Methods:

• Conducted discontinuous step-wise and continuous ramp-wise incremental rowing tests to exhaustion.
• Measured lactate threshold (LT), ventilatory threshold (VT), maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), and maximum minute power (MMW).
• Correlated test results with maximal 2000-m ergometer time-trial power.

Main Results:

• Maximum minute power (MMW) showed the strongest correlation with 2000-m rowing power (r = .98).
• VO2max measures from both step-wise and ramp-wise tests were similar and highly associated (r = .97).
• Lactate threshold and ventilatory threshold power outputs were not significantly different between test types.

Conclusions:

• Maximum minute power (MMW) is a highly reliable indicator of rowing performance.
• MMW has potential as a valuable tool for monitoring training and performance in rowing athletes.