Endocrine and neuromodulatory regulation during prolonged maximal 6000-m rowing in male athletes

The 6000-m rowing ergometer test represents a prolonged maximal effort commonly used in elite rowing; however, its physiological responses are less well characterized than those observed during the standard 2000-m race-distance format. This study aimed to examine acute endocrine and neuromodulatory responses to a maximal 6000-m rowing test in elite male rowers.

Nineteen elite male rowers performed a maximal 6000-m rowing ergometer test. Venous blood samples were collected before exercise (PRE), immediately after exercise (POST), and after 1 h of recovery (1-h REC). Serum concentrations of cortisol, testosterone, serotonin, dopamine, β-endorphin, anandamide, and 2-arachidonoylglycerol were determined. Testosterone-to-cortisol and serotonin-to-dopamine ratios were calculated. Achievement motivation was assessed before exercise to describe task engagement.

Cortisol concentrations did not change across time points. Testosterone decreased at POST and increased above baseline at 1-h REC, resulting in corresponding changes in the testosterone-to-cortisol ratio. Serotonin concentrations decreased after exercise and remained reduced during recovery, whereas dopamine increased at POST and remained elevated at 1-h REC, leading to a reduced serotonin-to-dopamine ratio. β-Endorphin increased after exercise and remained elevated during recovery. Anandamide concentrations did not change significantly, while 2-arachidonoylglycerol showed a transient post-exercise decrease. Achievement motivation was not associated with acute physiological responses.

Prolonged maximal rowing induced a physiological response characterized by distinct temporal patterns of endocrine and peripheral neuromodulatory markers during early recovery. These responses differ from those typically observed during race-distance testing and may contribute to the characterization of early post-exercise responses following prolonged maximal rowing exercise.