Relationship between Force-Velocity Profiles and 1,500-m Ergometer Performance in Young Rowers

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Rowing demands high force and power output at high velocities.
• Understanding the force-velocity and power-velocity (F-P-V) profiles is crucial for optimizing performance.
• Adolescent rowers undergo specific physiological adaptations to training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the F-P-V profiles of adolescent rowers' upper and lower limbs.
• To investigate the relationship between these F-P-V profiles and 1,500-m rowing performance.
• To assess the influence of body mass on these relationships.

Main Methods:

• Evaluated 1,500-m rowing performance (P1500) in 14 national-level male rowers.
• Assessed F-P-V profiles using bench pull (BP) and squat jump (SJ) exercises.
• Determined theoretical maximal force (F0), velocity (V0), power (Pmax), and F-V slope (SFV), considering body mass via allometry.

Main Results:

• Significant correlations were found between upper and lower limb F0 and Pmax.
• 1,500-m performance (P1500) correlated significantly with multiple BP and SJ F-P-V parameters (r²=0.29 to 0.79).
• Body mass explained over 90% of these performance relationships.

Conclusions:

• Rowers' F-P-V profiles indicate adaptations to consistent rowing training.
• Bench pull and squat jump exercises are valuable tools for assessing the explosive capabilities of young rowers.
• F-P-V profiling can inform training strategies for adolescent rowers.