A Self-Regulated Submaximal Ergometer Training Session as a Field Test to Assess Performance, Aerobic Fitness, and...

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Rowing Performance

Background:

• Assessing training response in elite athletes can be challenging, particularly during intense preparation.
• A need exists for practical field tests to monitor athlete status.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a self-regulated 6-km submaximal rowing ergometer training session (6SRT) as a field test.
• To determine if 6SRT can estimate performance, aerobic fitness, and recovery in elite rowers.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving 44 elite male rowers.
• Measured 2-km time trial (TT), lactate threshold power output (LT PO), and 6SRT responses (PO:HRex ratio, RPE, HRR).
• Used multiple regression models to predict 2-km TT time and LT PO, cross-validated on a subset of participants.

Main Results:

• The 6SRT, using PO:HRex ratio, RPE, and category, accurately predicted 2-km TT time (R2=0.80) and LT PO (R2=0.79).
• Predicted vs. measured values showed strong correlations (r=0.93 for TT, r=0.85 for LT PO).
• The 6SRT did not effectively predict self-reported total recovery (TR).

Conclusions:

• The 6SRT demonstrates potential as a valuable training test for estimating performance and aerobic fitness in elite rowers.
• While useful for monitoring key physiological markers, the 6SRT's utility for assessing recovery requires further investigation.
• Practitioners can utilize the 6SRT for reasonably accurate estimations of rower capabilities within training programs.