Differences in Physiological Responses During Rowing and Cycle Ergometry in Elite Male Rowers

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Cycle training is a key modality for elite rowers, offering reduced impact compared to rowing.
• Understanding physiological differences between rowing and cycling ergometers is crucial for accurate training prescription.
• The principle of training specificity suggests potential physiological variations between modalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare physiological characteristics between Concept II (CII) rowing and WattBike (WB) cycling in elite rowers.
• To determine if differences in physiological responses necessitate adjustments in training prescription for cycling.

Main Methods:

• Twenty international male rowers performed two randomized, counterbalanced discontinuous incremental exercise tests on CII and WB ergometers.
• Tests were separated by seven days, measuring oxygen uptake (O2), carbon dioxide output (CO2), ventilation (VE), and heart rate (HR).
• Physiological variables were analyzed relative to modality-specific peak oxygen uptake (O2PEAK).

Main Results:

• Peak oxygen uptake (O2PEAK) was similar between CII rowing and WB cycling.
• WattBike cycling demonstrated significantly higher maximal power output (over 40W) and submaximal physiological responses (O2, CO2, VE, HR) compared to CII rowing.
• Relative to O2PEAK, power output, metabolic markers (CO2, RER, BLa), and mechanical efficiency were lower on the CII ergometer.

Conclusions:

• Elite rowers can achieve comparable O2PEAK levels on both CII rowing and WB cycling ergometers.
• Significant physiological and metabolic differences exist between the two modalities, particularly in power output and efficiency.
• Due to inconsistencies in displayed power output, heart rate is recommended as a more reliable physiological measure for prescribing WattBike ergometer training sessions.