Int J Sports Med 2010; 31(12): 870-874
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1265148
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Ergometer Rowing With and Without Slides

A. Holsgaard-Larsen1 , 2 , K. Jensen2
  • 1Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
  • 2Institute of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
Weitere Informationen

Publikationsverlauf

accepted after revision August 05, 2010

Publikationsdatum:
08. September 2010 (online)

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.

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Correspondence

Dr. Anders Holsgaard-Larsen

Institute of Clinical Research

University of Southern

Denmark

Sdr. Boulevard 29

5000 Odense

Denmark

Telefon: +45/6541/3184

Fax: +45/6614/2145

eMail: ahlarsen@health.sdu.dk