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The prediction of power and economy during near-maximal rowing
Abstract
This study investigated the relationship of power and economy during near maximal rowing with physiological measures of strength, power, aerobic, and anaerobic capacities and United States Rowing Association (USRA) performance tests. Criterion measures of rowing power and economy were measured in a moving water rowing tank, using an oar instrumented with strain gauges and a potentiometer to assess oar position. Bivariate correlation analysis (n = 28) indicated no relationship between the independent variables and rowing economy (p $>$.05). Rowing power (X = 483.4 $\pm$ 34.75W) was significantly related to left leg extension strength (LLS) r =.63, right leg extension strength r =.45, combined leg extension strength r =.45, and time to complete the USRA 2000 m simulated rowing race r = $-$.52 (p $<$.05). Stepwise regression using a bootstrap analysis of fifteen random samples (21 subjects per sample selected from a total group of 28 intercollegiate oarsmen) indicated that predictors of rowing power were LLS and blood lactate following a rowing VO$\sb{\rm 2max}$ test. The first variable entering the equation for 12 of the 15 random samples was LLS. Maximal blood lactate was the second variable in eight of the 15 equations. When entry of these two variables was forced, bootstrap analysis of 15 equations revealed significant multiple correlations of R =.61 to.86 (X =.71 $\pm$.071) (p $<$.05). The standard error of estimate (SEE) ranged from 18.05 to 29.85W (X = 25.74 $\pm$ 3.593) or 5.3 $\pm$.77% of the criterion value. Cross validation with a holdout group (seven subjects per sample) was performed for each equation and resulted in correlations that ranged from R =.14 to.97 (X =.61 $\pm$.232). The range of SEE for the 15 holdout groups was from 7.95 to 38.87W (X = 25.40 $\pm$ 10.316). Comparison of mean estimated to mean observed rowing power revealed significant differences for two of the 15 holdout groups (p $<$.05). These two groups also displayed a significant difference from the corresponding developmental group's mean rowing power 496.9 $\pm$ 11.62W vs 476.1 $\pm$ 44.70W and 489.1 $\pm$ 11.06W vs 477.2 $\pm$ 46.34W (p $<$.05). In conclusion, data from this study would indicate that to increase rowing power, training should emphasize leg strength and metabolic training to decrease the level of lactate accumulated during rowing. There are also indications that when VO$\sb{\rm 2max}$ exceeds a threshold of approximately 4.0L $\cdot$ min$\sp{-1}$, further increase in VO$\sb{\rm 2max}$ do not enhance rowing power.
Subject Area
Physical education|Physiology
Recommended Citation
Jensen, Randall Lee, "The prediction of power and economy during near-maximal rowing" (1991). Doctoral Dissertations Available from Proquest. AAI9132870.
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations/AAI9132870