Physiological and biomechanical aspects of rowing. Implications for training | JoVE Visualize

Physiological and biomechanical aspects of rowing. Implications for training

¹Department of Anaesthesia, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.)|January 1, 1993

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Rowing's energy cost rises with velocity, but metabolic demands increase less steeply. Elite rowers exhibit extreme physiological responses during maximal efforts, indicating significant anaerobic contributions and adaptations to intense cardiovascular loads.

Area of Science:

Sports Science
Exercise Physiology
Biomechanics

Background:

Drag force on racing shells escalates with velocity squared, impacting energy expenditure.
Metabolic cost in rowing follows a power function of shell velocity, but less steeply than drag.
Elite rowing performance involves intense physiological demands and specific adaptations.

Purpose of the Study:

To analyze the relationship between rowing velocity, energy expenditure, and metabolic cost.
To determine the anaerobic contribution during maximal rowing efforts.
To investigate the physiological responses and adaptations of elite oarsmen.

Main Methods:

Analysis of drag force and energy expenditure in relation to rowing velocity.
Measurement of oxygen uptake and metabolic cost during international races.
Assessment of blood variables (adrenaline, noradrenaline, pH, bicarbonate) and cardiovascular parameters (blood pressure, heart adaptations).
Evaluation of muscle fiber type distribution (slow-twitch) and force generation in oarsmen.

Main Results:

Energy expenditure increases with velocity squared (3.2 power), while metabolic cost increases with a 2.4 power function.
Oxygen uptake ranges from 6.7 to 7.0 L/min over 6.5 minutes during races.
Significant physiological extremes observed: high adrenaline/noradrenaline, low pH, high bicarbonate, elevated blood pressure (near 200mm Hg), maximal oxygen uptake up to 6.6 L/min, and ventilation up to 243 L/min.
Estimated anaerobic contribution is 21-30%, arterial oxygen tension decreases by 20mm Hg, and force generation is 800-900N over 0.3-0.4 sec.
Oarsmen possess 70-75% slow-twitch muscle fibers, indicating strength in low-velocity movements.

Conclusions:

Rowing's physiological demands are substantial, with metabolic cost not scaling directly with drag-induced energy expenditure.
Elite oarsmen display remarkable cardiovascular and metabolic adaptations to sustain high-intensity, prolonged efforts.
Improvements in rowing technique and training likely contribute to performance gains, evidenced by faster race times over the years.