Kinetics of ventilatory and mechanical parameters of novice male rowers on the rowing ergometer

Abstract

Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and maximal power output (Pmax) play a preponderant role in the performance of rowers. This study aims to describe and analyse the kinetics of ventilatory and mechanical parameters in novice male rowers on the rowing ergometer. Twelve male novice rowers were part of the study–descriptive with a selective non-probabilistic cross-sectional design. The variables were VO2max and Pmax. The kinetics of the variables were observed in an Incremental Test (IT) and a 2,000 m time trial (2,000mTT). The differences between the tests were established by Student’s t-test (p < 0.05). In both protocols, the VO2max reached 330–345 s. Between IT and the 2,000mTT there were significant differences in the VO2max (52.7 ± 3.3 vs 55.9 ± 3.4 mLO2·kg−1·min−1, p ˂ 0.01) and Pmax (334.7 ± 20.2 vs 269.5 ± 31.3 W, p ˂ 0.001). The novice rowers’ low physiological capacity and efficiency generated instability in the power output kinetics. A very large delta was observed between the maximum and minimum power output. Exploring tests with a shorter duration for novice rowers (360 s) and improving power output control in the different tests are suggested.