Anaerobic threshold measurements of elite oarsmen

Anaerobic threshold (AT) and Vo2max were determined by automated analysis for 25 members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Rowing Team during a progressive rowing ergometer exercise to exhaustion. Heart rates and power outputs were also measured to gauge severity of the exercise and to compare with metabolic data. Power increments of 27 W each min were achieved by progressively increasing the brake weight resistance on the ergometer while maintaining a stroke rate of 28-32 strokes/min and spinning the ergometer flywheel at 550 rpm. Anaerobic threshold measurements were determined by observing the onset of the non-linear relationship between Vo2 and VE-Vco2; plots of delta FEO2 and FECO2 were also utilized to confirm recorded AT's. A mean AT of 83% of Vo2max attests to the high aerobic capacity of oarsmen and supports previous research conducted with these subjects. Power output data indicated that 72% of total power is generated at AT; this substantiates previous energy cost data recorded during simulated rowing during which work was 70% aerobic and 30% anaerobic. High levels of anaerobic thresholds among oarsmen are attributed to the specific nature of training regimens that increase oxidative capacity of muscle fibers and significantly improve the cardiorespiratory transport system. Measurement of heart rate at AT has provided coaches and athletes an objective method of determining the intensity of training sessions.