Sex Differences in Anthropometric and Physiological Profiles of Hungarian Rowers of Different Ages

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine sexual differentiation in the anthropometric and physiological characteristics of Hungarian rowers in different age categories. These characteristics were measured for 15–16-year-old juniors (55 men and 36 women), 17–18-year-old older juniors (52 men and 26 women), and 19–22-year-old seniors (23 men and 8 women). The degree of sexual dimorphism was expressed in units of measurement as percentages and the dimorphism index. In all age categories, females had significantly higher body fat indices. Body fat percentage was determined by electrical impedance and by the Pařízková formula, BMI, and skinfold thicknesses. Males had significantly higher body mass, body height, skeletal muscle mass, sitting height, arm span, lower limb length, and body surface area. Males also scored significantly higher values for the following physiological characteristics: peak power, relative peak power, ErVO2max, jump height, speed max, force max, and relative maximal power. Analysis of anthropometric and physiological characteristics in Hungarian rowers revealed that sexual dimorphism tended to increase with age, regardless of whether it was expressed in units of measurement, percentages, or dimorphism index values. The age-related increase in the sexual dimorphism of Hungarian rowers suggests that training methods should be carefully selected to accommodate the needs of various age and gender groups.

Physiological and Mechanical Responses to a Graded Exercise Test in Traditional Rowing

“…Studies analysing the anthropometric characteristics of male and female rowers have shown the importance of anthropometric factors, such as body mass and height. These studies have established that body size and proportion play a crucial role in predicting rowing success [ 54 , 55 ]. As demonstrated in these studies and in the present research, male rowers have larger values of anthropometric characteristics and muscle mass.…”

The effect of confounding variables on the relationship between anthropometric and physiological features in 2000-m rowing ergometer performance

“…Moreover, the influence of developmental factors is difficult to eliminate in rowers younger than 18, because the central and peripheral nervous systems are not yet fully anatomically and functionally developed at that age, and a certain imbalance can exist between excitatory and inhibitory neurons ( van de Lagemaat et al, 2014 ; Tornero-Aguilera et al, 2022 ). Therefore, the procedure of selecting the most promising rowers is highly complex ( Podstawski et al, 2022 ). During training practice, coaches play a key role in identifying the most talented athletes, and their judgement is often regarded as the “gold standard” against which scientific methods of talent identification are compared ( Roberts et al, 2021 ).…”

“…These findings indicate that relative values and their relationships with rowing performance should be also considered in statistical analyses to facilitate the selection of athletes with the optimal and relatively lowest BFP. Most research conducted on rowers analyzed absolute values, but the significance of relative peak power ( Alfoldi et al, 2021 ; Podstawski et al, 2022 ) and realative VO 2max ( Mikulić, 2008 ; Alfoldi et al, 2021 ; Almeida-Neto et al, 2022 ; Papadakis et al, 2022 ; Podstawski et al, 2022 ) is increasingly recognized. During progressive exercise, individuals with higher BFP are characterized by higher oxygen demand, more rapid and shallow breathing, higher ventilatory demand, but a lower anaerobic threshold than athletes with higher lean body mass ( Li et al, 2001 ; Vargas et al, 2018 ).…”