Predictors of rowing performance in collegiate female rowers

Author

Amy Jo Fletcher

Date of Award

8-1996

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Human Performance and Sport Studies

Major Professor

Dixie L. Thompson

Committee Members

Edward Howley, David Bassett

Abstract

Successful performance in rowing is dependent upon many factors. Physiological variables such as VO₂max, muscular strength, and lean body mass have been identified as being correlated with 2000 m ergometer time; however, the relationship between lactate concentrations and performance has not been thoroughly investigated. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the relationship between various physiological variables and performance in collegiate female rowers. Performance was evaluated by the time taken to row 2000 m on a Concept II rowing ergometer. Nineteen collegiate female rowers served as subjects. Rowing experience varied from 3 years to 3 months. Subject's average age, height, weight and body fat percentage were 19.89 (± 1.34) years, 167.11 (± 6.65) cm, 67.11 (± 5.82) kg, and 20.95 (± 4.62) percent, respectively. A discontinuous incremental ergometer test was completed to determine oxygen consumption at the lactate threshold (VO₂@LT), VO₂ at 2.5 mM lactate (VO₂@2.5), VO₂@4.0 mM and VO₂peak. Subjects performed 1-RM lifts on the hip sled and seated rows to determine strength. Hydrostatic weighing was performed to determine percentage body fat and fat-free mass. Performance was evaluated by "all-out" 2000 m and 500 m distances on the rowing ergometer. The rowers had low VO₂peak values (2.87 ± 0.31 L/min or 42.91 ml/kg/min) in comparison with elite female competitors but were similar to other collegiate rowers. Pearson correlation coefficients reveal that 2000 m ergometer time was significantly correlated with: 500 m (r = 0.951), seated rows (r = -0.573), hip sled (r = - 0.468), VO₂peak (r = -0.489), FFM (r = -0.774), height (r = -0.522), weight (r = - 0.589) and VO₂@4.0 mM (r = -0.494). Ergometer times were not significantly correlated with %VO₂peak at LT, 2.5 mM, or 4.0 mM. Multiple regression analysis found significant prediction equations from the combinations of VO₂peak and FFM (p = 0.001), FFM and hip sled (p < 0.001), FFM and rows (p < 0.001), FFM, rows and hip sled (p < 0.001), VO₂peak and rows (p < 0.020), VO₂peak and hip sled (p < 0.025) and VO₂peak, rows, and hip sled (p < 0.045). Combinations of \/02peak and lactate variables did not result in R values that reached significance. The implications of this study emphasize the importance of a high VO₂max (VO₂peak in this study) and increasing the ability to perform near this level. The results from this study strengthen support for the current training practices of rowers: training at a low intensity to optimize endurance while focusing on intermittent periods of high intensity workloads to increase anaerobic ability. Although there was a high correlation between performance and VO₂@4.0 mM lactate, the relationship between VO₂peak and VO₂@4.0 suggests that the high correlation may be a reflection of the significance of VO₂peak. Therefore, the importance of 4.0 mM lactate may be as a diagnostic tool and in prescribing training for high intensity, short duration workouts. It appears that increasing VO₂max and muscular strength (upper and lower body) would be advantageous to competitive female rowers.

Recommended Citation

Fletcher, Amy Jo, "Predictors of rowing performance in collegiate female rowers. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 1996.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/10831