A New Submaximal Rowing Test to Predict 2,000-m Rowing Ergometer Performance.

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Rowing Performance

Background:

• Accurate prediction of rowing performance is crucial for effective training.
• Submaximal tests offer a less fatiguing alternative to maximal efforts for assessment.
• The reliability and predictive validity of new testing protocols require rigorous evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the predictive capability of a novel submaximal rowing test (SmRT) for 2,000-m ergometer performance.
• To determine the reliability of the SmRT in competitive male rowers.
• To explore the relationship between heart rate recovery and rowing performance.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-four competitive male rowers underwent an SmRT protocol after individual maximal heart rate (HRmax) determination.
• The SmRT involved three 6-minute stages at 70%, 80%, and 90% HRmax, capturing power output.
• Sixty-second heart rate recovery (HRR60s) was measured post-SmRT; reliability was assessed via repeated SmRTs.

Main Results:

• Power output during the SmRT stages demonstrated increasing predictive value for 2,000-m time (Pearson correlations: -0.73 to -0.93).
• The SmRT exhibited high reliability for power measurements across stages (Intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC] up to 0.99).
• HRR60s showed excellent reliability (ICC = 0.93) but no significant relationship with 2,000-m rowing time.

Conclusions:

• The submaximal rowing test (SmRT) is a reliable and valid tool for predicting 2,000-m ergometer performance in competitive rowers.
• The SmRT provides valuable data for monitoring and optimizing training prescription.
• Further research could explore the application of SmRT in different athlete populations.