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Article

Physiological and Mechanical Responses to a Graded Exercise Test in Traditional Rowing

by
Alfonso Penichet-Tomas
,
Jose M. Jimenez-Olmedo
*,
Basilio Pueo
and
Javier Olaya-Cuartero
Research Group in Health, Physical Activity, and Sports Technology (Health-Tech), Faculty of Education, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 3664; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043664
Submission received: 5 January 2023 / Revised: 14 February 2023 / Accepted: 16 February 2023 / Published: 18 February 2023
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Training and Nutrition Strategies for Performance Enhancement and Health)
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Abstract

:
Maximum oxygen consumption and maximum power output are critical measures for training prescription in endurance sports such as rowing. The objective of this investigation was twofold: to compare the physiological and mechanical responses of female and male traditional rowers during a graded exercise test and to establish reference values in this specific rowing modality that have not yet been documented, unlike in Olympic rowing. Twenty-one highly trained/national level rowers participated in the study: 11 female (age: 30.1 ± 10.6 years, height: 167.3 ± 5.0 cm, body mass: 61.9 ± 4.9 kg) and 10 males (age: 33.5 ± 6.6 years, height: 180.8 ± 6.9 cm, body mass: 74.4 ± 6.9 kg). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in rowing performance between sexes, with a very large effect size (d = 7.2). The peak power output for the female rowers was 180.9 ± 11.4 W and 287.0 ± 17.7 W for the male rowers. The female rowers reached a VO2max of 51.2 ± 6.6 mL/kg/min at a mean of 174.5 ± 12.9 W, while the males’ VO2max was 62.1 ± 4.7 mL/kg/min at a mean of 280.0 ± 20.5 W. These differences in VO2max and maximal aerobic capacity were significant (p < 0.05), with a large (d = 1.9) and very large (d = 6.2) effect size, respectively. A moderate association between VO2max, and rowing performance expressed in watts per kilogram of muscle mass was observed in the female rowers (r = 0.40, p = 0.228). For the male rowers, the correlation between VO2max and relative peak power output in watts per kilogram of body mass was strong (r = 0.68; p = 0.031). This study highlights the differences in the kinetics of ventilatory and mechanical parameters between female and male rowers and the importance of these differences for specific physical preparation in traditional rowing.

1. Introduction

Laboratory exercise testing is a crucial tool for personalized training prescription in endurance athletes, as well as for monitoring progress and evaluating performance [1]. Performance evaluation is significant for athletes, coaches, and trainers, especially if the results are translated into recommendations for daily training [2]. These tests enable the assessment of aerobic capacity and customization of exercise prescriptions according to the specific profile of the sport discipline and the athlete [3]. The data gathered from exercise testing offer valuable insights into physiological characteristics and adaptations to controlled exercise loads [4]. They can even be used for talent selection and scouting for potential future champions [5].
Gas exchange measurements during exercise testing have served as the primary assessment tool for decades, though they were overshadowed by the refinement of lactate diagnostics during the 1970s and early ’80s. However, with the new methodological improvements in their measurements [6], they have regained significance, and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and maximal power output achieved during exercise testing are the most frequently applied indicators of endurance capacity [7,8,9]. VO2max reflects the body’s ability to absorb, transport, and metabolize oxygen and is dependent not only on the oxygen metabolism of the muscle to generate energy but also on the respiratory system that absorbs oxygen from the air, the cardiovascular system responsible for delivering it to the muscles, and the blood and haemoglobin that carry it [10,11]. Furthermore, it is considered the most important indicator of endurance capacity in sports science [9].
The combination of high endurance and aerobic capacity and overall muscular strength [12] allows rowers to produce maximal oxygen consumption [13] during the 5.5 to 7.0 min it takes to cover a distance of 2000 m in a straight line [14]. This results in high absolute VO2max values, with male rowers reaching 7 L/min and female rowers reaching 5.5 L/min [11]. Aerobic metabolism provides a significant portion, 75% to 80%, of the energy needed in a rowing competition, highlighting the importance of aerobic performance in the sport [15]. On the other hand, anaerobic metabolism contributes between 12% and 30% [16].
However, the physiological responses vary among athletes and are influenced not only by factors such as gender or training level [17], but also by the different modalities of the same sport [18]. There are two main types of rowing: Olympic rowing, which involves a moving seat, and traditional rowing, which utilizes a fixed seat. In Olympic rowing, the seat moves stern and bow, while in traditional rowing there is no seat movement. In the latter modality, the rower’s support of the ischial region is located on a fixed bench instead of sitting on a mobile seat [19]. This modality is called traditional rowing because it is how rowing was originally practiced. The difference in the type of seat means that the legs contribute 46%, the trunk 32% and the arms 22% of the power required for each stroke in Olympic rowing [20]. However, in traditional rowing, the legs provide about 40% and the trunk and arms contribute the remaining 60% [18]. Traditional rowing courses in Llaüt are held in four lengths with three complete turns over 1400 m of total distance and last for a similar average time to Olympic rowing. Although these technical and competitive differences may result in varying functional and physiological demands, there is no scientific evidence to support this.
There are also differences in the physiological responses between male and female athletes. VO2max can be measured in absolute (L/min) and relative (mL/kg/min) terms. Elite female rowers generally have 10% lower relative values of VO2max compare to male rowers, likely due to higher body fat levels and lower red cell mass per body weight in women [21]. The VO2max ever recorded was 94 mL/kg/min for males and 77 mL/kg/min for females, both cross-country skiers [22]. Despite these differences, heavier female rowers appear to achieve higher absolute VO2max values than those observed in shorter male long-distance runners [23]. In line with the differences in anthropometric variables and body composition, VO2max expressed per kilogram of fat-free mass could also be comparable in elite endurance athletes. In fact, high values of body mass and height were associated with rowing performance inin male and female traditional rowers. The best predictors of rowing performance for male and female rowers were height and muscle mass, respectively [24,25]. This suggests that there may be differences in some of the physiological determinants of VO2max in females compared to males.
VO2max is a measure of the body’s oxygen uptake capacity during physical activity and can be measured through a graded exercise test (GXT) using a metabolic gas measurement system. GXT is one of the most common methods used to assess the aerobic capacity of athletes in laboratory conditions [26,27]. Compared to step tests, a power increase in shorter intervals does not expose the athlete to such abrupt changes in intensity, allowing a more appropriate physiological assessment [28]. As exercise intensity increases, so does oxygen consumption, but a point is reached at which exercise intensity can continue to increase without a corresponding increase in oxygen consumption [29]. However, the assessment of VO2max on water is affected by external factors, such as weather and water conditions, making it unreliable [30]. The use of rowing ergometers, which simulate the rowing experience and provide a controllable and repeatable environment [1,14,31], is considered the gold standard for directly measuring VO2max in a laboratory setting [9].
The objective of this investigation was twofold: to compare the physiological and mechanical responses of female and male traditional rowers during a graded exercise test and to establish reference values in this specific rowing modality that have not yet been documented, unlike in Olympic rowing. Based on previous research on Olympic rowing and gender-based performance differences, it was hypothesized that significant differences would exist between male and female traditional rowers.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Experimental Design

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted to compare physiological responses in a performance rowing test between female and male rowers. The study design included a two-day design that comprised an anthropometric evaluation and a Graded Exercise Test (GXT) on a rowing ergometer. On the day of the anthropometric evaluation, rowers were instructed to refrain from eating for at least four hours before the measurements, not exercise on the day of the measurement [24,32], and not high-intensity exercise on the day before. On the day of the GXT, rowers were advised to avoid high-intensity physical activity in the previous 48 h [27], and not to consume any type of stimulant for at least 5 h before testing [19]. All tests were performed in a temperature-controlled laboratory (temperature 18 °C to 23 °C, humidity < 70%) [30,33].

2.2. Participants

Twenty-one highly trained/national level rowers participated in the study [34]: 11 female (age: 30.1 ± 10.6 years, height: 167.3 ± 5.0 cm, body mass: 61.9 ± 4.9 kg, muscle mass: 39.3 ± 2.7%, fat mass: 14.0 ± 2.1%, VO2max: 51.2 ± 6.6 mL/kg/min) and 10 males (age: 33.5 ± 6.6 years, height: 180.8 ± 6.9 cm, body mass: 74.4 ± 6.9 kg, muscle mass: 43.2 ± 1.4%, fat mass: 9.0 ± 2.3%, VO2max: 62.1 ± 4.7 mL/kg/min). The requisites to participate were to have an experience of at least 3 consecutive full years, not to have any musculoskeletal or neurological disorders, and to regularly train of six days per week for 2 h/day. Rowers who did not meet the selection criteria were excluded from the study. Prior to applying the evaluation protocols, all participants gave their written consent after the project information, which was previously approved by the research ethics committee of the University of Alicante (IRB No. UA-2010-07-21).

2.3. Antropometric Measurements and Body Composition

The anthropometric evaluation followed the guidelines established by the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) [35]. All variables were measured twice on the right side of the body, and the mean value was recorded. Body mass and height were measured using a scale (model 707, Seca, Hamburg, Germany) to the nearest 0.1 kg and a stadiometer (Harpenden, Burgess Hill, UK) to the nearest 0.1 cm. The rower’s height was measured while they were upright and their chin was parallel with the ground. Body mass index (BMI) was computed as body mass (kg) divided by height squared (m2). To calculate the percentage of fat mass, the formula of Withers et al. was used [36]. Muscle mass was determined using the methods of Lee et al. [37].

2.4. Graded Exercise Test (GXT)

GXT was performed on a rowing ergometer (Concept 2, Model D, monitor PM5, Morrisville, VT, USA) with a fixed seat adapter, reducing the range of motion of the legs to reproduce the biomechanics of traditional rowing stroke [24,38]. The drag factor was set at 145 [39,40] for male rowers and 135 for female rowers [41]. The rowers completed a standardized 10 min warm-up at continuous intensity [30] with heart rate below 140 beats per minute and 18–20 strokes per minute [25].
The GXT protocol consisted of 1 min exercise stages without rest [30,42]. The initial workload was 100 W [38,42,43] for male rowers and 60 W for female rowers [33]. The increments were 10 W for each stage instead of 30 W every 3 min, with 1 min rests [1], due to the lack of lactate sample collection. Compared to step tests, a power increase in shorter intervals does not expose the athlete to such abrupt changes in intensity, allowing a more appropriate physiological assessment [28]. The rowers were instructed to maintain an average power output as close as possible for each stage [1]. The test was automatically ended if a rower failed to increase the mechanical power output within a 7 W range of five strokes [44]. Peak power output (PPO) was defined as the highest stage the subject successfully completed. PPO, measured in watts, and relative PPO, calculated in watts per kilogram and watts per muscle mass kilogram, were assessed as indicators of rowing performance [31,45].

2.5. Maximum Oxygen Uptake

The validated portable metabolic analyser VO2 Master Pro (VO2 Master Health Sensors Inc., Vernon, BC, Canada) was used to measure cardiorespiratory parameters [46]. Before each trial, the analyser was calibrated according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The analyser was connected via Bluetooth to the PM5 performance monitor of the rowing machine to monitor and collect power output, and with an H7 Bluetooth Smart Band (Polar Inc., Kempele, Finland) [19,47] to monitor and collect heart rate. VO2max was defined as the highest 30 s moving average and considered maximum if VO2 failed to increase with progressive work rate or at least a plateau was observed [48]. Following Howley et al. [49] criteria, it was also verified that HR reached within 10 beats of the age-adjusted HRmax upon using the 220-age equation. Maximal aerobic power was set at the intensity associated with VO2max [50].

2.6. Statistical Analysis

Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS v.26 for Windows, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Descriptive analysis was shown with the mean and standard deviation (SD) for all variables, with 95% confidence intervals (CI) via bootstrapping. Data normality was confirmed by Shapiro–Wilk tests. Student’s t-test was used to compare the means of the parameters between female and male rowers. Cohen’s d was used as a measure of the effect size of differences between female and male rowers and interpreted according to modified thresholds [51] for sports sciences [52] as trivial (<0.2), small (0.21–0.6), moderate (0.61–1.2), large (1.21–1.99), and very large (>2.0). The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used to establish relationships between VO2max and rowing performance. The magnitude of the correlation coefficient was interpreted with the following thresholds: trivial (<0.1), small (0.1–0.29), moderate (0.3–0.49), strong (0.5–0.69), very strong (0.7–0.89), nearly perfect (0.9–0.99), and perfect (1.0) [52]. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

3. Results

3.1. Anthropometric Characteristics

Table 1 shows the results of the anthropometric measures and the independent samples t-test between female and male traditional rowers. The male rowers had larger values of anthropometric characteristics and muscle mass (33.4 ± 1.9 kg vs. 24.3 ± 1.7 kg) compared to the female rowers. These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05) with moderate to very large effect size values. However, the female rowers showed higher values in fat mass (14.0 ± 2.1% vs. 9.0 ± 2.3%), with significant differences (p < 0.05) in the percentage of fat mass, with a very large effect size (d = 2.3). However, there were no significant differences found in kilograms of fat mass (p = 0.063).

3.2. Graded Exercise Test

Peak power output was considered a performance indicator, defined as the highest stage the subject successfully completed at GXT. Table 1 shows that peak power output (287.0 ± 17.7 W in male and 180.9 ± 11.4 W in female rowers), and relative peak power output, both per kilogram of body mass and per kilogram of muscle mass, were higher in males than in females. These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05) and had a very large effect size. However, the female rowers needed a higher maximal stroke rate (37.9 ± 2.9 spm) than the male rowers (33.9 ± 1.6 spm). This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05) with a large effect size (d = 1.7). Although the women reached a lower maximum heart rate, there were no statistically significant differences.
Table
Table 1. Mean values of anthropometric characteristics and GXT parameters. Difference between female and male rowers.
Table 1. Mean values of anthropometric characteristics and GXT parameters. Difference between female and male rowers.
Female (n = 11)Male (n = 10)pEffect Size
Mean ± SD95% CIMean ± SD95% CIdSize
Anthropometry
 Height c(m)167.3 ± 5.0164.3–170.3180.8 ± 6.9175.5–184.0<0.001 *1.0Moderate
 Body Mass (kg)61.9 ± 4.959.1–64.474.4 ± 6.970.5–78.5<0.001 *2.1Very Large
 BMI (kg/m2)22.1 ± 1.821.1–23.123.0 ± 1.122.3–23.60.2070.6Small
 Muscle Mass (%)39.3 ± 2.737.9–40.843.2 ± 1.442.2–43.90.001 *1.8Large
 Fat Mass (%)14.0 ± 2.112.8–15.29.0 ± 2.37.7–10.3<0.001 *2.3Very Large
 Muscle Mass (kg)24.3 ± 1.723.4–25.433.4 ± 1.932.3–34.5<0.001 *5.1Very Large
 Fat Mass (kg)8.7 ± 1.77.7–9.7 7.0 ± 2.25.8–8.40.0630.9Moderate
Graded Exercise Test
 PPO (W)180.9 ± 11.4175.5–187.3287.0 ± 17.7277.0–298.0<0.001 *7.2Very Large
 PPO (W/kg)2.9 ± 0.32.8–3.13.9 ± 0.3 3.7–4.0<0.001 *3.3Very Large
 PPO (W/MMkg)7.5 ± 0.57.2–7.7 8.6 ± 0.48.4–8.8<0.001 *2.4Very Large
 Time (s)785.5 ± 68.2752.7–823.61182.0 ± 106.0 1122.0–1248.0 <0.001 *4.5Very Large
 HRmax (bpm)182.6 ± 8.6177.5–187.2187.9 ± 7.0 182.9–191.60.1040.7Moderate
 SRmax (spm)37.9 ± 2.936.3–39.533.9 ± 1.633.0–34.80.001 *1.7Large
SD: standard deviation; CI: confidence interval; BMI: body mass index; PPO: peak power output; MMkg: muscle mass in kilograms; HRmax: maximal heart rate; bpm: beat per minute; SRmax: maximal stroke rate; spm: stroke per minute; *: statistically significance between female and male rowers (p < 0.05).

3.3. VO2max, Ventilatory and Mechanical Parameters

The comparative analysis presented in Table 2 shows that the female rowers reached a VO2max of 51.2 ± 6.6 mL/kg/min at a mean of 174.5 ± 12.9 W with 180.7 ± 9.1 bpm. Absolute VO2max was 3.2 ± 0.5 L/min. Meanwhile, the male rowers achieved a VO2max of 62.1 ± 4.7 mL/kg/min at a mean of 280.0 ± 20.5 W with 185.9 ± 7.0 bpm. Absolute VO2max was 4.7 ± 0.5 l/min. The male rowers showed higher VO2max and power output at VO2max than the female rowers, with significant differences (p < 0.05) and large to very large effect size values. However, no significant differences were found in HR and SR at VO2max between the female and male rowers.
Figure 1 displays the HR kinetics for both female and male rowers, which exhibit a linear trend at submaximal intensities and flatten as the maximum intensity is approached. No significant differences between the sexes (p = 0.163) were found. Although the SR of the female rowers was higher, especially at the end, no significant difference was found (p = 0.074). Regarding the ventilatory parameters, Ve at VO2max of male rowers was 156.0 ± 17.2 l/min with a Tv of 2.6 ± 0.3 l. However, the Ve of the female rowers was 115.6 ± 11.9 L/min with a Tv of 2.0 ± 0.2 l. These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05) with a very large effect size. Figure 1 shows how the Ve flattens out from 170 W in the female rowers, while in the male rowers it increases steadily until the end of the test, except for a small plateau at 270 W. There were no significant differences either in respiratory frequency (Rf) or gas exchange, where Ve/VO2 was higher in the female than in the male rowers, starting with lower values and ending with higher values.

3.4. VO2max and Performance in Rowing: Absolute and Relative Values

Figure 2 shows the relationship between VO2max, and rowing performance expressed in peak power output reached at GXT. The results show a moderate correlation between VO2max in mL/kg/min with rowing performance in the female (r = 0.36; p = 0.278) and male rowers (r = 0.30; p = 0.399). However, the results show a similar association between VO2max in L/min with rowing performance in the female rowers (r = 0.35; p = 0.297) but a strong correlation in the male rowers (r = 0.69; p = 0.028).
The relative peak power output In watts per kilogram of body mass can be considered a performance variable in rowing. In the female rowers, the association with VO2max decreases (r = 0.24; p = 0.486), while the association in the male rowers remains strong (r = 0.68; p = 0.031). Finally, it should be noted that the highest correlation in the female rowers is shown between VO2max and relative peak power output in watts per kilogram of muscle mass (r = 0.40; p = 0.228), although it remains a moderate correlation. However, in the male rowers, it reaches the lower values of strong correlation (r = 0.59; p = 0.075).
Ijerph 20 03664 g001 550
Figure 1. Kinetics of metabolic, mechanical, ventilator, and gas exchange parameters in a grade exercise test on a rowing ergometer.
Figure 1. Kinetics of metabolic, mechanical, ventilator, and gas exchange parameters in a grade exercise test on a rowing ergometer.
Ijerph 20 03664 g001
Ijerph 20 03664 g002 550
Figure 2. Relationships between VO2max and rowing performance in female and male rowers.
Figure 2. Relationships between VO2max and rowing performance in female and male rowers.
Ijerph 20 03664 g002

4. Discussion

The main aim of this study was to compare the physiological and mechanical responses during a GXT test performed by female and male traditional rowers and to establish reference values in this specific rowing modality that have not yet been documented, unlike in Olympic rowing. There are currently no data available on the kinetics of these parameters in traditional rowing, nor any association between maximum oxygen uptake and rowing performance. It was hypothesized that significant differences would exist between female and male traditional rowers, based on previous studies on Olympic rowing and observed differences in performance indicators between the sexes in traditional rowing.
The results of this study indicate that male rowers have a significantly higher rowing performance (287.0 ± 17.7 W) compared to female rowers (180.9 ± 11.4 W). This difference is seen in both peak power output and relative peak power output per kilogram of body mass and per kilograms of muscle mass. With regard to peak power output, subelite traditional male rowers achieved 260 W [38], whereas mobile seat male and female rowers reached more than 400 W [42], and 278 ± 29 W [53], respectively. These differences in modalities can be explained by the longer leg range in mobile seat rowing, which achieves greater power output. Studies analysing the anthropometric characteristics of male and female rowers have shown the importance of anthropometric factors, such as body mass and height. These studies have established that body size and proportion play a crucial role in predicting rowing success [54,55]. As demonstrated in these studies and in the present research, male rowers have larger values of anthropometric characteristics and muscle mass. Furthermore, female rowers were found to have smaller lungs than males relative to body size and were more susceptible to arterial desaturation during intense exercise [56]. These findings suggest that differences in performance are due not only to body size or body composition but also to other physiological determinants [21]. In line with Mahler et al. [57], this study found that female rowers reached higher SRmax (37.9 ± 2.9 spm) than male rowers (33.9 ± 1.6 spm) and required a higher SR at VO2max. This is likely due to the relationship between intensity and stroke rate [58] as well as differences in body strength between females and male rowers [59].
The present study found that male rowers outperformed female rowers in terms of VO2max and power output at VO2max. The male rowers achieved a VO2max of 4.7 ± 0.5 l/min (62.1 ± 4.7 mL/kg/min) with a mean power of 280.0 ± 20.5 W, while the female rowers reached a VO2max of 3.2 ± 0.5 L/min (51.2 ± 6.6 mL/kg/min) with a mean power of 174.5 ± 12.9 W. In rowing, it is also appropriate to note VO2max in both absolute values and ml/kg/min as boats support the rower’s weight [60]. French female mobile seat rowers showed 3.8 ± 0.3 L/min (52.4 ± 4.2 mL/kg/min) at a mean power of 266 ± 26 W [53], and female rowers of the National Collegiate Athletics Association in the EEUU obtained 3.8 ± 0.40 L/min [61]. Elite male rowers obtained VO2max of 3.5 ± 0.1 L/min (53.3 ± 0.3 mL/kg/min) [57], while novice mobile seat rowers showed VO2max of 4.1 ± 0.3 L/min (52.3 ± 3.3 mL/kg/min) at a mean power of 334.7 ± 20.2 W [42]. Generally, males have higher VO2max than females, mainly due to higher systolic volume, higher haemoglobin concentration, higher amount of muscle mass, and lower amount of body fat [10,21,30,62]. Differences between female and male rowers seem consistent based on the anthropometric characteristics of the present study and taking into account that athletes with the largest body dimensions have the lowest VO2max values expressed in relation to body mass [23]. According to Joyner [21], VO2max values expressed as ml/kg/min are usually around 10% lower in females than in males. Regarding the ventilatory parameters, Ve at VO2max of male rowers was 156.0 ± 17.2 L/min with Tv of 2.6 ± 0.3 L, while female rowers had Ve of 115.6 ± 11.9 L/min with Tv of 2.0 ± 0.2 L. According to Das et al., oxygen uptake and ventilation are closely related, with the increase in ventilation achieved through an increase in respiratory rate rather tidal volume [63]. VO2 shows a linear relationship with HR at submaximal intensities [64]. From 80-85% of VO2max, the relationship may not continue to be linear because HR may show a plateau at these intensities [42,65].
The results show a moderate correlation between VO2max in mL/kg/min with performance in female (r = 0.36; p = 0.278) and male (r = 0.30; p = 0.399) traditional rowers. The results also show a moderate association between VO2max in L/min with rowing performance in female rowers (r = 0.35; p = 0.297) but a strong correlation in male rowers (r = 0.69; p = 0.028). Bourdin et al. [53] also found a strong relationship between absolute VO2max and rowing performance, but these results were obtained through a 2-km test in high-level female rowers rather than with a GXT. The fact that moderate correlations are not significant and strong correlations have small significant differences may be due to the sample size. It should be pointed out that while a high VO2max may be a prerequisite for performance in endurance events at thigh level [66], the highest VO2max value is not necessarily associated with the athlete having the best performance in an endurance test [62]. However, the relationships between VO2max and performance used in the scientific literature have wide variations in the independent variables. When the range of each of these parameters is reduced, the correlations are reduced in magnitude or eliminated, suggesting that other variables also influence performance [62].
Considering the relative peak power output in watts per kilogram of body mass as a performance variable in rowing, the association with VO2max in female rowers decreases (r = 0.24; p = 0.486), while the association in male rowers remains strong (r = 0.68; p = 0.031). This trend aligns with other studies of traditional rowing that found a strong correlation between male rowers’ body mass and rowing performance (r = 0.83; p < 0.05) [25]. Interestingly, the strongest correlation found in female rowers was between VO2max and relative peak power output in watts per kilogram of muscle mass (r = 0.40; p = 0.228). These results are consistent with previous studies on body composition and traditional rowing performance that showed a very strong (r = 0.83; p < 0.05) and nearly perfect (r = 0.94; p < 0.05) correlation between muscle mass in kilograms and performance in female rowers [24,25].
The main limitation of this study is the limited sample size; thus, the results should be interpreted with caution. The individualized reference values established from this study’s findings are useful for developing training programs but should be considered in the context of each individual’s characteristics and needs. It is important to bear in mind that the evaluations were conducted on rowing ergometers rather than on boats with eight rowers, which could affect the studied parameters. As a portable gas analyser has been used, future research could be carried out directly on boats in water under controlled climatic conditions so that these do not interfere with the results. Since the portable gas analyser used was not equipped with a CO2 sensor, the parameters analysed were limited. In future research, a gas analyser with a CO2 sensor can be used to analyse the kinetics of the variables of this study at different ventilatory thresholds.

5. Conclusions

The results of this study show that male rowers outperform female rowers in performance tests, both in absolute values (in watts) and in relative values (in watts per kilogram of body mass and in watts per kilogram of muscle mass). Likewise, male rowers achieve higher maximal aerobic power with higher VO2max values than female rowers in both absolute and relative terms. Ventilation and tidal volume values are also higher in male traditional rowers. A strong correlation between VO2max (L/min) and rowing performance in watts was found in male rowers, while a moderate correlation was observed between VO2max (mL/kg/min) and performance in watts per kilogram of body mass. In female rowers, the strongest relationships are between VO2max (L/min) and performance in watts and VO2max (mL/kg/min) and performance in watts per kilograms of body muscle. These values serve as a reference in the scientific literature for coaches and athletes in the assessment of performance and the comparison of internal load and external load values between highly trained male and female traditional rowers.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, J.O.-C.; methodology, J.M.J.-O. and J.O.-C.; software, J.M.J.-O. and B.P.; formal analysis, J.M.J.-O.; investigation, A.P.-T. and J.O.-C.; resources, B.P.; data curation, A.P.-T. and B.P.; writing—original draft preparation, A.P.-T. and J.O.-C.; writing—review and editing, A.P.-T., J.O.-C., B.P. and J.M.J.-O.; supervision, B.P. and J.M.J.-O.; project administration, A.P.-T.; funding acquisition, A.P.-T. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This study was supported by the Vice-Rectorate Program of Research and Knowledge Transfer for the Promotion of R&D at the University of Alicante (Ref. GRE20-21A).

Institutional Review Board Statement

The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Alicante (IRB No. UA-2010-07-21).

Informed Consent Statement

Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.

Data Availability Statement

The data presented in this study are available on reasonable request from the corresponding author.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References

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Table
Table 2. Mean values of maximal aerobic power and difference between female and male rowers.
Table 2. Mean values of maximal aerobic power and difference between female and male rowers.
Female (n = 11)Male (n = 10)pEffect Size
Mean ± SD95% CIMean ± SD95% CIdSize
Metabolic
 VO2max (ml/kg/min)51.2 ± 6.647.5–55.062.1 ± 4.758.9–64.8<0.001 *1.9Large
 VO2max (l/min)3.2 ± 0.52.9–3.44.7 ± 0.54.4–4.9<0.001 *3.2Very Large
 HR (bpm)180.7 ± 9.1175.7–185.4185.9 ± 7.0181.1–190.00.1630.6Small
Mechanical
 Power (W)174.5 ± 12.9167.3–181.8280.0 ± 20.5269.0–293.0<0.001 *6.2Very Large
 Power (W/kg)2.8 ± 0.32.7–3.03.8 ± 0.33.6–4.0<0.001 *3.3Very Large
 Power (W/MMkg)7.2 ± 0.46.9–7.48.4 ± 0.58.1–8.7<0.001 *2.7Very Large
 Time (s)736.4 ± 71.5698.2–779.91131.0 ± 127.31062.0–1209.0<0.001 *3.9Very Large
 SR (spm)35.5 ± 4.033.3–37.732.9 ± 1.533.2–33.70.0740.8Moderate
Ventilatory
 Ve (l/min)115.6 ± 11.9109.2–122.5156.0 ± 17.2145.0–165.9<0.001 *2.8Very Large
 Tv (l)2.0 ± 0.21.9–2.22.6 ± 0.32.5–2.8<0.001 *2.4Very Large
 Rf (breaths/min)59.2 ± 7.455.1–63.560.4 ± 10.053.7–66.10.7480.1Trivial
Gas Exchange
 Ve/VO237.3 ± 6.134.3–40.933.5 ± 3.531.3–35.50.0710.8Moderate
 FeO2 (%)17.4 ± 0.617.1–17.717.1 ± 0.416.8–17.30.1840.6Small
SD: standard deviation; CI: confidence interval; VO2max: maximal oxygen consumption; HR: heart rate; bpm: beat per minute; SR: stroke rate; spm: stroke per minute; Rf: respiratory frequency; Tv: tidal volume; Ve: ventilation; FeO2: fraction of expired oxygen; *: statistically significance between female and male rowers (p < 0.05).
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Penichet-Tomas, A.; Jimenez-Olmedo, J.M.; Pueo, B.; Olaya-Cuartero, J. Physiological and Mechanical Responses to a Graded Exercise Test in Traditional Rowing. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20, 3664. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043664

AMA Style

Penichet-Tomas A, Jimenez-Olmedo JM, Pueo B, Olaya-Cuartero J. Physiological and Mechanical Responses to a Graded Exercise Test in Traditional Rowing. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2023; 20(4):3664. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043664

Chicago/Turabian Style

Penichet-Tomas, Alfonso, Jose M. Jimenez-Olmedo, Basilio Pueo, and Javier Olaya-Cuartero. 2023. "Physiological and Mechanical Responses to a Graded Exercise Test in Traditional Rowing" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 20, no. 4: 3664. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043664

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