Predicting 2,000-meter rowing ergometer performance with 7-stroke peak power, 20-Second, and 60-Second maximal effort...

Using methods similar to those of Cerasola et al. (2022), we sought to determine if the 20-second (20-s), and 60-second (60-s) maximal effort rowing ergometer tests serve as predictors of 2,000-meter ergometer test (2kerg) performance in a cohort of female university rowers. Secondarily, we also sought to assess if the 7-Stroke Peak Power Test (7SPP) and years of rowing experience improve the strength of prediction models.

40 NCAA DI female rowers performed anaerobic capacity tests (7SPP, 20-s, 60-s) at four different time points during the 2023-2024 academic year. A 2kerg was performed three weeks after the last anaerobic capacity test date. Power (W_7SPP, W₂₀, W₆₀), as well as 2kerg variables of time (T₂₀₀₀), velocity (V₂₀₀₀), power (W₂₀₀₀), and stroke length (SL₂₀₀₀), were included for analysis. An anaerobic profile of each athlete was created based on W_7SPP, W₂₀, W₆₀ and normalized to W₂₀₀₀.

W₆₀ was the best individual predictor of T₂₀₀₀ (R² = 0.611, F = 59.68, p < 0.001) and W₆₀ also had a very large negative correlation with T₂₀₀₀ (r = -0.78, p < 0.001). W₂₀ was the second-best predictor of T₂₀₀₀ (R² = 0.536, F = 43.9, p < 0.001) and it also had a very large negative correlation with T₂₀₀₀ (r = -0.73, p < 0.001). W_7SPP was the weakest predictor of all anaerobic capacity tests (R² = 0.4171, F = 27.19, p < 0.001).

The 60-s maximal effort rowing ergometer test is a time-efficient anaerobic capacity test that can be used to monitor rowing performance, indicate potential improvements in 2kerg performance, and confirm positive adaptations to the training program.