Reference values of maximal oxygen uptake for polish rowers

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Rowing Performance Analysis

Background:

• Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) is a key indicator of aerobic fitness in athletes.
• Establishing current reference values for elite rowers is crucial for performance evaluation and training management.
• Previous studies may not fully represent the physiological characteristics of contemporary elite Polish rowers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize long-term changes in maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) in elite Polish rowers.
• To establish current, representative VO2max reference values for different age categories of Polish rowers.
• To analyze the trainability and age-related changes in VO2max within this elite cohort.

Main Methods:

• Recruited 81 female and 159 male rowers from Polish National Teams (sub-junior to senior).
• Administered incremental exercise tests on a rowing ergometer.
• Measured maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) using the BxB method.

Main Results:

• Presented calculated reference values for elite Polish junior and U23 rowers.
• Provided mean VO2max values for top Polish rowers competing internationally.
• Observed a higher growth rate of VO2max in high-level athletes.
• Demonstrated a significant increase in VO2max between ages 19-22 (U23 category).

Conclusions:

• The established reference values aid in evaluating rower fitness and controlling training.
• Elite athletes exhibit enhanced trainability of maximal oxygen uptake.
• VO2max shows significant development during the U23 age period in rowers.