Ergometer Rowing With and Without Slides

Abstract

A rowing ergometer can be placed on a slide to imitate ‘on-water’ rowing. The present study examines i) possible differences in biomechanical and physiological variables of ergometer rowing with and without slides and ii) potential consequences on training load during exercise. 7 elite oars-women rowed in a randomized order in a slide or stationary ergometer at 3 predefined submaximal and at maximal intensity. Oxygen uptake was measured and biomechanical variables of the rowing were calculated based upon handle force (force transducer) and velocity/length (potentiometer) of the stroke. Stroke frequency was higher (%-difference between conditions) at each intensity level (1–11.4%, p<0.05) during slide compared to stationary rowing. Furthermore, at the 2 highest intensities a lower mean force (4.7–9.0%, p<0.05) and max force (3.2–10.6%, p<0.05) were observed on the slide ergometer. During maximal rowing no difference was seen in heart rate, mean oxygen uptake and R-value while maximal oxygen deficit was higher (30.8%, p<0.05) during slide rowing. In conclusion the biomechanical load is lower on a slide than on a stationary ergometer. However, as a training tool the slide ergometer seems just as demanding with regard to aerobic energy sources, and for anaerobic sources possibly even higher, compared with the stationary ergometer.

Key words

training load - biomechanical analysis - force - physiological analysis

References

• 1 Bangsbo J, Michalsik L, Petersen A. Accumulated O₂ deficit during intense exercise and muscle characteristics of elite athletes.  Int J Sports Med. 1993;  14 207-213
• 2 Bernstein IA, Webber O, Woledge R. An ergonomic comparison of rowing machine designs: possible implications for safety.  Br J Sports Med. 2002;  36 108-112
• 3 Colloud F, Bahuaud P, Doriot N, Champely S, Cheze L. Fixed versus free-floating stretcher mechanism in rowing ergometers: Mechanical aspects.  J Sports Sci. 2006;  24
• 4 Fukunaga T, Matsuo A, Yamamoto K, Asami T. Mechanical efficiency in rowing.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 1986;  55 471-475
• 5 Harriss DJ, Atkinson G. Ethical Standards in Sport and Exercise Science Research.  Int J Sports Med. 2009;  30 701-702
• 6 Jensen K, Jorgensen S, Johansen L. A metabolic cart for measurement of oxygen uptake during human exercise using inspiratory flow rate.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 2002;  87 202-206
• 7 Jensen K. Performance assessment. In:, Secher NH, Volianitis S, (eds) Handbook of Sports Medicine and Science. Rowing. Malden: Blackwell Publishing; 2007: 96-102
• 8 Karlson KA. Rib stress fractures in elite rowers – A case series and proposed mechanism.  Am J Sports Med. 1998;  26 516-519
• 9 Kleshnev V. Biomechanics. In:, Secher NH, Volianitis S, (eds). Handbook of Sports Medicine and Science. Rowing. 1st edition. Malden: Blackwell Publishing; 2007: 22-34
• 10 Mahony N, Donne B, O’Brien M. A comparison of physiological responses to rowing on friction-loaded and air-braked ergometers.  J Sports Sci. 1999;  17 143-149
• 11 Medbo JI, Mohn AC, Tabata I, Bahr R, Vaage O, Sejersted OM. Anaerobic capacity determined by maximal accumulated O-2 deficit.  J Appl Physiol. 1988;  64 50-60

Correspondence