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Physiologic changes in rowing performance associated with training in collegiate women rowers
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|August 1, 1985
Summary
This study tracked physiological changes in collegiate women rowers over a 6-month training season. Key findings show improvements in maximal oxygen consumption and peak power, highlighting the effectiveness of specific training regimens.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
- Cardiorespiratory Fitness
Background:
- Rowing performance is influenced by cardiorespiratory variables.
- Understanding physiological adaptations during a training season is crucial for optimizing performance.
- Collegiate athletes provide a valuable cohort for studying training effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the physiological changes in rowing performance during a 6-month training season.
- To assess cardiorespiratory adaptations in collegiate women rowers.
- To correlate physiological changes with specific training types.
Main Methods:
- Seven collegiate women rowers were monitored over a 6-month period.
- Cardiorespiratory variables were measured three times at 3-month intervals.
- Incremental exercise testing was performed on a rowing ergometer.
Main Results:
- Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) increased by 14% and peak power by 18%.
- Oxygen-pulse showed a significant increase (+14%), while maximal heart rate remained unchanged.
- Heart rate at the anaerobic threshold (AT) varied with training phase, decreasing initially then increasing with anaerobic conditioning.
Conclusions:
- Physiological testing demonstrated adaptations corresponding to training emphasis (aerobic vs. anaerobic).
- Serial measurements of VO2 max and AT are effective for assessing training benefits.
- Heart rate response at AT can inform individualized aerobic and anaerobic conditioning guidelines.