Physiological and biomechanical aspects of rowing. Implications for training

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Drag force on racing shells escalates with velocity squared, increasing energy expenditure by a 3.2 power function.
• Metabolic cost in rowing, however, rises with approximately a 2.4 power function of shell velocity.
• Elite rowing performance involves significant physiological demands, including high oxygen uptake and anaerobic contribution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the physiological and biomechanical factors influencing rowing performance.
• To quantify the metabolic cost and anaerobic contribution during intense rowing.
• To investigate cardiovascular and respiratory adaptations in oarsmen.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of drag force, energy expenditure, and metabolic cost in relation to rowing velocity.
• Measurement of oxygen uptake, blood variables (adrenaline, noradrenaline, pH, bicarbonate), and blood pressure during maximal effort rowing.
• Echocardiographic assessment of cardiac adaptations and muscle fiber typing (slow-twitch).

Main Results:

• Metabolic cost increases significantly less than drag force with velocity.
• Oxygen uptake ranges from 6.7 to 7.0 L/min, with an estimated 21-30% anaerobic contribution.
• Oarsmen exhibit extreme blood values, elevated blood pressure, cardiac hypertrophy, maximal oxygen uptake up to 6.6 L/min, and possess a high percentage of slow-twitch muscle fibers.

Conclusions:

• Rowing technique and training advancements contribute to performance improvements, evidenced by faster race times.
• Physiological responses during intense rowing are substantial, requiring significant cardiovascular and metabolic adaptations.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for optimizing training and performance in competitive rowing.