Changes in mechanical power output in rowing by varying stroke rate and gearing. Issue 3 (15th March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Held, Steffen; Siebert, Tobias; Donath, Lars
• Is Part Of: European journal of sport science. Volume 20:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 357
• Page End: 365
• Publication Date: 2020-03-15
• Subjects: Biomechanics -- musculoskeletal -- physiology -- strength -- training; Sports sciences -- Periodicals; Sports Medicine -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Periodicals; Sports -- Periodicals; 612
• DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2019.1628308
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1746-1391

Abstract

Abstract: Each stretch-shortening-cycle (SSC) in elite sports (e.g. jumping, cycling), is characterised by utilising optimal movement-parameters (e.g. muscle shortening velocity), for maximum power (jump height, cycle velocity). It is however unclear if relevant SSC movement-parameters in rowing, such as stroke rate and gearing, have to be maximised to obtain maximum power output or if an optimum relation emerges. Thus, we measured rowing-power (Prow ), leg-power (Pleg ) and work-per-stroke (WPS) at of varying stroke rates (20–45 spm), gearings (lever-changes 0.87–0.90 m) and drag factors (100–180 Ws 3 /m 3 ) during rowing. Experienced sub-elite young athletes performed sprint-series on ( single scull, n = 69, 20 ± 2 years, 186 ± 7 cm, 84 ± 9 kg) and off the water (rowing-ergometer, n = 30, 19 ± 3 years, 185 ± 11 cm, 77 ± 19 kg). Prow increased with stroke rate for ergometer-test ( r = 0.97, p < 0.001) and boat measurement ( r = 0.98, p < 0.001) by 2.7%/stroke and 4.4%/stroke, respectively. Interestingly, stroke rate had a high impact on WPS ( r = 0.79, p < 0.001) during boat measurement, compared to no (or specifically no high) impact on WPS ( r = −0.10, p = 0.166) during ergometer-measurements. Drag factor (ergometer: r = 0.83, p < 0.001) and gearing (boat: r = 0.60, p < 0.001) yielded moderate to high correlations to Prow . These results indicate that no optimum stroke rate, gearing and drag factor exist for maximum power in rowing (sprint-measurement-range). Accordingly, the measurements yielded maximum power for maximum stroke rate, gearing, and drag factor.