Association of the load-velocity relationship variables with 2000-m rowing ergometer performance

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to compare the maximal mechanical variables derived from the load-velocity (L-V) relationship and 2000-meter rowing ergometer performance between rowers of different age categories, and to identify the L-V relationship variables more closely related to 2000-meter rowing ergometer performance. Nineteen competitive rowers (15 males and four females) aged between 15 and 25 years were evaluated during the national 2000-meter rowing ergometer competition organised by the Chilean Rowing Federation. Thereafter, the L-V relationship variables (load-axis intercept [L₀], velocity-axis intercept [v₀], and area under the L-V relationship line [A_line]) were determined on separate occasions during the squat jump and prone bench pull exercises. Rowers were classified according to their chronological age for comparative purposes (under 16 years [U16] vs. over 16 years [O16]). L₀ and A_line were always higher for O16 than for U16 (p ≤ 0.046; ES range = 0.99–1.79), while v₀ was generally comparable for both age categories (p ≥ 0.038; ES range = 0.07–1.03). Furthermore, the O16 revealed a greater performance (i.e. shorter total time) during the 2000-meter rowing ergometer competition (p = 0.011; ES = −1.31). In general, significant correlations were obtained between rowing performance and the L-V relationship variables obtained during the squat jump (r or ρ range = −0.294 to −0.922) and prone bench pull (r or ρ range = −0.322 to −0.928). These results support the L-V relationship as a sensitive procedure to evaluate the maximal mechanical capacities of lower- and upper-body muscles in competitive rowers.

Highlights

• The load-velocity relationship variables are sensitive enough to differentiate between rowers of different age categories (U16 vs. O16).

• The load-velocity variables are significantly associated with 2000-meter rowing ergometer performance (total time).

• This novel testing methodology can provide practitioners and coaches with a simpler and more precise alternative to comprehensively assess a rower's maximal neuromuscular profiles.

KEYWORDS:

• Testing
• strength
• performance
• methodology

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank all the subjects who selflessly participated in the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Universidades and “Unión Euopea – NextGenerationEU”.