A Comparison of Critical Velocity Estimates to Actual Velocities in Predicting Simulated Rowing Performance

Abstract

The most accurate critical velocity (CV) estimate for the prediction of velocity during a simulated 2,000-m rowing race and the relationship to aerobic power were studied. Sixteen male rowers completed randomized maximal exertion trials (200, 400, 600, 800, 1,000, and 1,200 m), a maximal oxygen consumption [Formula: see text] on a Concept II rowing machine, and an actual 2,000-m simulated rowing race. Three mathematical models were applied to 4 rowing distance combinations producing 12 CV estimates. Seven of the 12 possible CV estimates were not significantly different from actual 2,000-m velocity. Comparison of the 3 CV models using all 6 trial distances revealed that the nonlinear model produced a CV estimate lower than the 2 linear CV models. CV was significantly correlated to [Formula: see text] (r = 0.91) and the mean velocity achieved during the 2,000-m simulated rowing race (r = 0.97). [Formula: see text] was significantly correlated to 2,000-m simulated rowing race velocity (r = 0.93). Key words: maximal oxygen consumption, critical power, critical speed

The critical power and related whole-body bioenergetic models

“…Several of these have been briefly reported, such as kayaking (Clingeleffer et al 1994), wheelchair propulsion (Arabi et al 1999), weightlifting (Morton et al 2005) and rowing (Hill et al 2003;Kennedy and Bell 2000). Cycling when regarded as a means of locomotion appears to have not been considered.…”

The development of physiological profiles and identification of training needs in NCAA female collegiate rowers using isoperformance curves

“…The protocol used to determine critical velocity was based on the previous work of Kennedy and Bell (Kennedy and Bell 2000). Each rower performed four competition-intensity time-trials at varying distances on a Concept II rowing ergometer (Model D, Morrisville, VT) over a 2-day period.…”

“…Forty-eight hours later, the athletes completed a 600 and 800 m time trial, separated by 15 min of passive rest. The use of distances >50% of race-speciWc standards have been suggested to introduce factors related to motivation and fatigue (ClingeleVer et al 1994;Kennedy and Bell 2000). Trials were preceded by a self-paced 1,000 m warm-up session, followed by 3 min of passive rest.…”

“…Rowing CV has been shown to be signiWcantly correlated with maximal oxygen uptake (Kennedy and Bell 2000). FaV et al (1993) also demonstrated the anaerobic component of the CV test to be highly correlated with both maximal and average power during rowing ergometry.…”

“…Critical velocity (CV) is an analogous test performed on a rowing ergometer quantifying the relationship between intensity, or time to exhaustion, and total distance (Hill et al 2003). The CV test provides variables used to calculate an aerobic index (CV) and anaerobic rowing capacity (ARC) (FaV et al 1993;Kennedy and Bell 2000;Moritani et al 1981;Shimoda and Kawakami 2005). Critical velocity is an estimated velocity (m/s) at which a person can perform rowing exercise continuously without inducing fatigue by way of eliciting maximal oxygen uptake, while ARC gives an estimated distance (m) that a person can perform rowing exercise based solely on stored anaerobic energy sources (FaV et al 1993;Hill and Ferguson 1999;Housh et al 2001;Shimoda and Kawakami 2005).…”