title: A New Submaximal Rowing Test to Predict 2,000-m Rowing Ergometer Performance.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess predictive value of a new submaximal rowing test (SmRT) on 2,000-m ergometer rowing time-trial performance in competitive rowers. In addition, the reliability of the SmRT was investigated. Twenty-four competitive male rowers participated in this study. After determining individual HRmax, all rowers performed an SmRT followed by a 2,000-m rowing ergometer time trial. In addition, the SmRT was performed 4 times (2 days in between) to determine the reliability. The SmRT consists of two 6-minute stages of rowing at 70 and 80% HRmax, followed by a 3-minute stage at 90% HRmax. Power was captured during the 3 stages, and 60 seconds of heart rate recovery (HRR60s) was measured directly after the third stage. Results showed that predictive value of power during the SmRT on 2,000-m rowing time also increased with stages. CVTEE% is 2.4, 1.9, and 1.3%. Pearson correlations (95% confidence interval [95% CI]) were -0.73 (-0.88 to -0.45), -0.80 (-0.94 to -0.67), and -0.93 (-0.97 to -0.84). 2,000-m rowing time and HRR60s showed no relationship. Reliability of power during the SmRT improved with the increasing intensity of the stages. The coefficient of variation (CVTEM%) was 9.2, 5.6, and 0.4%. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and 95% CI were 0.91 (0.78-0.97), 0.92 (0.81-0.97), and 0.99 (0.97-1.00). The CVTEM% and ICC of HRR60s were 8.1% and 0.93 (0.82-0.98). In conclusion, the data of this study shows that the SmRT is a reliable test that it is able to accurately predict 2,000-m rowing time on an ergometer. The SmRT is a practical and valuable submaximal test for rowers, which can potentially assist with monitoring, fine-tuning and optimizing training prescription in rowers.
authors.affiliation: 1Center for Human Movement Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; 2School of Sport Studies, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, the Netherlands; 3Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgery Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerburg, South Africa; and 4Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Sport Science Institute of South Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
authors.forename: Ruby T A
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Otter
authors.forename: Michel S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Brink
authors.forename: Robert P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Lamberts
authors.forename: Koen A P M
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Lemmink
mesh_terms: D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult