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Jarek MäestuSports Scientist (PhD),

Ex rower and rowing coach,Rowing Academy Scientist

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ROWING ACADEMY

MAXIMAL OXYGEN CONSUMPTION

(VO2MAX)

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Maximal oxygen consumption

The effective 2000 m race must be rowed at a „severe steady state condition“, requiring mainly the aerobic pathways. Therefore, VO2max, or maximal aerobic power appear to be the most important determinants for elite rowers.

VO2max refers to the amount of oxygen that can be consumed within 1 minute – this value has been called the absolute VO2max and this parameter is one of the highest in rowers among other sport disciplines.

While maximal oxygen consumption is often large in rowers, this finding reflects mainly their large body dimensions. The relative oxygen consumption is relatively low in rowers compared to other endurance athletes because of the high body mass in rowing (Steinacker 1993). Only in some rowers (mainly in lightweight), relative oxygen consumption reaches 75 ml/min/kg (Steinacker 1993).

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VO2max increases with age, training distance and with training experience, but levels off in Senior A level at about 24-25 years (Figure 1).

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However, after attaining the plateau of VO2max, the increases in performance can still be found in rowers. Among other reasons, it is the result of increased endurance capacity – the ability to perform longer at a certain intensity level.

Figure 1. The change in ventilation, Pmax and VO2max in rowers.

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Figure 2. The relationship between rowing performance and VO2max

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The relation between rowing performance and VO2max therefore indicates a plateau like relationship (Figure 2). Additionally, there has been found no significant increase in VO2max of different rowers from studies dating back 1968 to 2000, but a constant decrease in 2000 metre racing times (Figure 3).

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Figure 3. Changes in VO2max and racing times.

Therefore, we may say that VO2max for elite rowers is relatevely poor determinant of rowing performance.

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To overcome this disadvantage, a traditional incremental test can be switched to 2000 m maximal performance test, where VO2max is constantly measured and the average value calculated (Figure 4). This allows the measurement of the ability to sustain higher fraction of VO2max during a certain time period. The 2000 m test can also be switched to 95% Pmax test.

Figure 4. VO2max and heart rate values during a simulated 2000 m ergometer test.

During the „classical“ incremental VO2 test the values were 6,1 and 5,87 L/min for rower A and B, respectively. Despite significant differences in VO2max values their performance was similar at 2000 m ergometer test and the average VO2 values too (5.84 and 5.83 L/min, respectively).

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In Conclusion

Despite the importance of VO2max and its high value as a parameter which is needed for rowers, its predictive value in elite and high level rowers is relatively small.

This disadvantage can be eliminated if the average VO2 during a high intensity performance test is measured. This also indicates the importance of the testing method on VO2 values for specific rowing performance predictions.

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References

• Steinacker JM. Physiological aspects of training rowing. International Journal of Sports Medicine 1993; 1: 3-10.

• Secher NH, Volianitis S, Jürimäe J. Physiology. In: Rowing, N. Secher, S. Volianitis (eds). Blackwell Publishing 2007; 42-66.

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