Predicting the 2000-m Rowing Ergometer Performance from Anthropometric, Maximal Oxygen Uptake and 60-s Mean Power...

Many studies reported various relationships between 2000-m rowing performance and anthropometric as well as metabolic variables, however, little is known about 60-s mean power in elite youth athletes. The aim of this study was to develop different regression models to predict 2000-m rowing indoor performance time (t₂₀₀₀) using anthropometric variables, maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max) and mean power established during a 60-s all-out test (W₆₀) in national elite youth rowers. Fifteen youth male Italian rowers (age: 15.7 ± 2.0 years; body height: 176.0 ± 8.0 cm; body mass: 71.2 ± 10.0 kg) performed an incremental maximal test, a 60-s all-out test and a 2000-m race simulation using a Concept2 rowing ergometer to assess VO_2max, W₆₀ and t₂₀₀₀, respectively. The relationships of all variables with t₂₀₀₀ were investigated through Pearson's correlation. Multiple regression analyses were used to verify the best prediction model of 2000-m indoor rowing performance. The reliability of these models was expressed by R² and the standard error of estimate. The results showed that t2000 was significantly correlated with all the examined variables, except for VO_2max/body mass and age, and exhibited the significantly highest relationship with W₆₀ (r = -0.943). The combination of anthropometric, VO_2max and W₆₀ variables was found to be the most reliable equation to predict t₂₀₀₀ (R2 = 0.94, SEE = 6.4). W₆₀ measure should be considered when monitoring the rower's capability to perform high-intensity phases, important during the race's fast start and end. Not requiring expensive equipment and long duration, a 60-s all-out test could be considered a valuable tool for predicting 2000-m performance of elite youth rowers.