To determine the effect of stroke rate on lactate concentration, oxygen consumption and heart rate during ergometer rowing, pilot investigations were necessary to clarify methodological procedures. To examine the validity of using blood taken from the toe for the assessment of plasma lactate concentration, values were compared with those taken from the fingertip and earlobe. Subjects (n=9) exercised at work intensities corresponding to 76.4+/-6.1% and 91.4+/-4.7% of estimated heart rate maximum for 4 minutes. No significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between any of the sites at either work intensity. The toe has the advantage that repeated blood samples may be removed without interrupting the rowing action. A test to establish maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) was developed for the Concept II rowing ergometer and examined for validity and reliability in 31 rowers. Re-test data for VO2max proved reliable (r=0.86), although not all of the criteria for ascertaining whether a VO2max value had been achieved, were satisfied. This was due to differences in response to maximal exercise among individuals. A final respiratory exchange ratio (RER) of 1.10 rather than 1.15 was recommended as a criterion for establishing VO2max for club level rowers. To determine the highest level of work that can be sustained during rowing exercise without an increase in plasma lactate concentration, 30 subjects exercised for 10 minutes at work intensities corresponding to 75%, 85% and 95% VO2max. From the results, it was hypothesised that subjects could work for 7 minutes at 80% VO2max without significant differences occurring in plasma lactate concentration taken in the last minute of exercise of successive tests. These values were confirmed with a further study on 11 subjects. A method of directly measuring mechanical variables from the ergometer was initiated. It was hypothesised that the data collected from this and preceding studies could be used for further investigation into the effect of stroke rate on both physiological and mechanical variables.

Lean body weight and aerobic and anaerobic factors have long been recognized as important determinants of performance in the 2000 met:E!r (M) 1 ace distance for rowing. Current research with noninvasive techniques has important implications for training and performance but is inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between a 2000 M rowing ergometer performance test (PT) and lean body weight (LBW), velocity at heart rate deflection (Vd), and anaerobic capacity (AC) in experienced rowers. Vd was used as an estimate of aerobic function. Thirteen trained male rowers (mean age 38.5 ± 8 years) were studied. Hydrostatic weighing at residual lung volume was used to estimate LBW. Each subject performed five exercise tests on a Concept II rowing ergometer: one 2000 M PT, two sub maximal step wise progressive tests to determine Vd (s/500 M), and two maximal 40-s anaerobic tests to determine AC. Intraclass correlation coefficients for the test/retest trials of Vd and AC were R = 0.740 and R = 0.863, respectively. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was used to explain variance in PT. The order of entry of each independent variable (and associated multiple R2 at each step) in the analysis was (1) Vd, 0.589; (2) LBW, 0.709; (3) AC, 0.720. The regression equation was PT (s) = 375.66 + 1.093 (Vd) - 0.820 (LBW) - 0.0007 (AC); S.E.E. = 10.01. It was concluded that performance in a 2000 M rowing ergometer PT is primarily dependent on aerobic metabolism and available lean body weight with anaerobic factors contributing to a lesser degree. These results have implications for specific training and team selection.

The purpose of this study was to assess the energy demands of a 2,000 meter race simulation (RS) for national level oarswomen; as evaluated on a rowing ergometer (RE). A Progressive Intensity Test (P.I.T.) was also performed on the RE to further evaluate the RS. Six national level oarswomen (X values: age= 24.5 yrs., ht= 179 cm, wt= 75 kg), all current national team candidates (1988), participated in this investigation. A 6 1/2 minute tape recorded water race was used to execute a 2,000 meter RS on a Dr. Gjessing Ergorow ergometer. The tape recording was an actual race tape that was respliced to last exactly 6 1/2 minutes. Metabolic and respiratory exchange variables were continuously monitored by an open circuit method, utilizing a Beckman Metabolic Measurement Cart interfaced on-line with a Hewlitt Packard 3052A data acquisition system. The energy demands were calculated from metabolic variables, total oxygen cost and the analysis of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (recovery V0₂).Results indicated a mean V0₂max. of 3.85 1.min⁻¹ , mean net V0₂ of 24.48 1 and a mean recovery V0₂ of 4.92 1. This represented the aerobic cost of the event at approximately 80% or 4/5ths of the total energy cost while the anaerobic contribution was approximately 20% of l/5th of the total energy cost. During the RS, V0₂ values rapidly increased to 90% of mean V0₂max. (3.85 l.min⁻¹) in the first two minutes. Mean max. VE (BTPS) RS value was 122.4 1.min⁻¹. VE plateaued after two minutes and remained around 90% of P.I.T. mean max. VE for the final 4 1/2 minutes. Mean max. excess C0₂ for RS was 19.81 ml.kg⁻¹.min⁻¹. The average maximal heart rate, as recorded in the RS was 192.8 bpm. The results of this study indicate the high aerobic demands and tremendous exercise intensity involved in the 2,000 meter RS. / Education, Faculty of / Curriculum and Pedagogy (EDCP), Department of / Graduate

Studies in young women show that rowing exercise is osteogenic at the spine. However, little is known regarding rowing exercise and spine bone mineral density in older women. The aim of this study was to examine differences in spine bone mineral density (BMD) and back strength between premenopausal and postmenopausal competitive female masters rowers (n=28, 45.5 ± 4.7 yrs, n=28, 56.1 ± 5.7 years, respectively) and age-matched non-rowers (n=30, 43.3 ± 4.2 yrs; n=26, 56.8 ± 4.8 years). Competitive rowers were recruited from nine rowing clubs in the local area and compared to controls recruited from the same region who were normally active but not participating in rowing activity. Participating rowers had been engaged in competitive rowing for a minimum of one year. The average years spent rowing for the premenopausal and postmenopausal groups was 7.5 ± 6.6 yrs and 5.9 ± 6.9 yrs, respectively. BMD (g/cm²) of the third lumbar vertebrae (L3) was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in both the anterior-posterior and lateral views. Back strength was assessed using a standing cable tensiometer. Subjects also completed questionnaires to assess diet, physical activity, medical history and rowing history. Differences in BMD and back strength between groups were determined by analysis of covariance, controlling for lean mass. Compared to controls, postmenopausal rowers had 3.2% higher BMD at the anterior-posterior spine (p=.02) and 4.4% higher lateral spine BMD (p=.04). Furthermore, isometric back strength was 22.6% greater in these rowers than controls (p=.01). In contrast, controls had higher lateral BMD than rowers, with no differences in AP spine BMD or back strength between the premenopausal rowers and controls. Back strength was a significant predictor of AP spine BMD in premenopasual rowers and controls (R²=0.137, p=0.004) and of lateral spine BMD in postmenopausal rowers only (R²=0.153, p=0.04). There were no differences in calcium intake, age, menopausal status, weight, or lean mass between rowers and controls in either the premenopausal or postmenopausal samples. Since both increased BMD and back strength are associated with reductions in vertebral fracture risk, our results suggest that rowing exercise may be an important strategy to promote bone health and reduce vertebral fracture risk in postmenopausal women. However, the forces applied in rowing may not be great enough to alter bone mass before the onset of menopause. Therefore more research is needed examining rowing exercise in these older populations. / Graduation date: 2005