Higher Peak Fat Oxidation During Rowing vs. Cycling in Active Men and Women

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Metabolic Research

Background:

• Understanding substrate utilization during different exercise modalities is crucial for optimizing training and performance.
• Previous research has not directly compared fat and carbohydrate oxidation during incremental rowing and cycling at matched intensities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare fat oxidation (FOx) and carbohydrate oxidation (CHOOx) between progressive rowing and cycling in active adults.
• To investigate potential differences in metabolic responses at varying exercise intensities.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-two healthy, active adults (27 ± 8 years) completed incremental rowing and cycling tests to determine maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o2max) and maximal heart rate (HRmax).
• Participants then underwent two randomized sessions of 8-minute rowing or cycling stages at 60-85% HRmax, with power output adjusted to maintain work rate.
• Gas exchange and blood lactate were measured to assess FOx, CHOOx, and metabolic stress.

Main Results:

• Peak fat oxidation was significantly higher during rowing (0.23 ± 0.09 g·min⁻¹) compared to cycling (0.18 ± 0.07 g·min⁻¹).
• Carbohydrate oxidation increased with exercise intensity but showed no significant difference between rowing and cycling.
• Blood lactate concentration was lower at the end of rowing (3.1 ± 1.0 mM) versus cycling (3.9 ± 1.6 mM).

Conclusions:

• Rowing elicits a higher peak fat oxidation rate than cycling at equivalent relative intensities in active individuals.
• The greater recruitment of muscle mass during rowing is a likely contributor to the elevated fat oxidation.
• These findings suggest that rowing may be a more effective modality for enhancing fat utilization during exercise.