Indirect Methods of Assessing Maximal Oxygen Uptake in Rowers: Practical Implications for Evaluating Physical Fitness in a Training Cycle

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of indirect methods of assessment of VO2max for estimation of physical capacity of trained male and female rowers during a training cycle. A group of 8 female and 14 male rowers performed the maximal intensity test simulating the regatta distance (a 2 km test) and a submaximal incremental exercise test on a rowing ergometer. The suitability of the indirect methods of predicting VO2max during the training cycle was evaluated by performing the tests twice: in females at an interval of five months and in males at an interval of seven months. To indirectly estimate VO2max, regression formulas obtained for the linear relationship between the examined effort indices were utilized based on 1) mean power obtained in the 2 km test, and 2) submaximal exercises after the estimation of PWC170. Although the suitability of the two indirect methods of assessment of VO2max was statisticaly confirmed, their usefulness for estimation of changes in physical fitness of trained rowers during the training cycle was rather low. Such an opinion stems from the fact that the total error of these methods (range between 4.2-7.7% in female and 5.1-7.4% in male rowers) was higher than the real differences in VO2max values determined in direct measurements (between the first and the second examination maximal oxygen uptake rose by 3.0% in female rowers and decreased by 4.3% in male rowers).

Session Rating of Perceived Exertion Is a Superior Method to Monitor Internal Training Loads of Functional Fitness Training Sessions Performed at Different Intensities When Compared to Training Impulse

“…Heart rate was continuously monitored during each session with the use of a Polar H10-HR monitor (Polar Electro Oy, Kemple, Finland). Participants’ maximal heart rate was obtained following a 2-km rowing test, utilized to indirectly assess the participants’ maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2max ; Klusiewicz et al, 2016 ). The test consists of rowing 2 km with the maximal effort (power) possible, aiming to complete the distance in the shortest time.…”

Application of hypoxicators in the rowers’ training

“…The test consisted of four three-minute exercise bouts separated by 30s rest periods. The starting workload was 200W, and the subsequent loads increased by 40W (240, 280 and 320W) -a modification according to Klusiewicz et al [10]. At the end of each step, the heart rate was registered and during the rest periods the concentration of capillary blood lactate was measured.…”

“…The following calculations were made: PWC170 per kilogram of body weight (PWC170/BW), heart rate at AnT-4 (HRAnT-4), and AnT-4 per kilogram of body weight (AnT-4/BW). The absolute and relative maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max and VO2max/BW) and PWC170 were calculated by regression equations [10]. At the beginning and the end of the camp, venous blood samples were taken from the athletes.…”

Rowing-Ramp Protocol as A Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test for Hemiparetic Stroke Survivors

“…There are few rowing-specific tests that were developed to predict VO 2 max using the work rate. Such as stroke rate (Lakomy & Lakomy 1993), critical velocity (Kendall et al 2012), and power output (Kendall et al 2012;Klusiewicz et al 2016). However, these protocols were developed for non-clinical population, using step incremental protocol with a longer working duration and big workload increment.…”