Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026

A Rapidly Incremented Tethered-Swimming Maximal Protocol for Cardiorespiratory Assessment of Swimmers
Published on: January 28, 2020
Training-Intensity Distribution, Volume, Periodization, and Performance in Elite Rowers: A Systematic Review
Yuming Zhong1, Anthony Weldon2,3, Arturo Casado4
1School of Athletic Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.
Elite rowers commonly use a pyramidal training-intensity distribution (TID) model with variable volume. Specific TID percentages may influence training adaptations, though no single model shows a significant advantage.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Rowing Performance
Background:
- Understanding elite rowers' training load is crucial for optimizing performance.
- Training-intensity distribution (TID), volume, and periodization are key components of athletic training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the literature on elite rowers' training-intensity distribution (TID), volume, periodization, physiological determinants, and performance.
- To identify common training patterns and their association with performance outcomes in elite rowers.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases.
- Inclusion of studies detailing training load (TID, volume, periodization) and physiological/performance data in elite rowers.
- Analysis of data from 9 studies involving 82 elite rowers.
Main Results:
- Training volume typically ranged from 14 to 20 h·wk-1.
- A pyramidal TID pattern (more low-intensity, less high-intensity training) was most common.
- Flexible TIDs, with >50% in zone 1 and >20% in zones 2 & 3, were linked to better physiological and performance improvements.
- Traditional periodization models were employed, shifting from pyramidal to polarized TID towards competition.
Conclusions:
- Elite rowers predominantly use a seasonal pyramidal model with adaptable volume.
- No specific TID or periodization model demonstrated a significant performance advantage.
- While TID models may not universally differentiate adaptations, specific intensity percentages could be influential.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Blood Flow
Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Pathophysiology of Cardiac Performance
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Cardiac Output II: Effect of Stroke Volume on Cardiac Output
Preload
Preload refers to the initial elongation of the cardiac myocytes before contraction and is related to the volume of blood filling the heart at the end of diastole, or end-diastolic volume. The...

