The development of physiological profiles and identification of training needs in NCAA female collegiate rowers using isoperformance curves.

The purpose of this study was to propose a systematic method for the identification of training strategies and team selection using isoperformance curves. Rowing is a sport that relies on both aerobic and anaerobic energy contributions during a standard 2,000 m competition. The critical velocity model combines both aerobic (critical velocity, CV) and anaerobic (anaerobic rowing capacity, ARC) parameters in a single two-dimensional graphic display. The concept of isoperformance curves, a series of linear equations corresponding to minimum performance standards, allows for an objective overview of a large group of athletes of varying talent. The purpose of this study was to develop physiological profiles from the CV test, and to evaluate results with isoperformance curves to identify training strategies for collegiate rowers. Thirty-five female collegiate rowers completed four time trials over various distances (400, 600, 800, and 1,000 m). CV and ARC were calculated and compared between novice and varsity athletes. CV values for the varsity group were significantly higher than the novice group (P = 0.016). No significant differences were found between groups for ARC (P = 0.068). Mean and individual CV and ARC values were plotted on the x- and y-axes, respectively, and junior, collegiate, and elite isoperformance curves were developed using 2,000 m times from recent indoor rowing competitions. Stratification of athletes through isoperformance curves was used to identify specific training interventions (anaerobic and/or aerobic) needed to improve their 2,000 m performance. The information drawn from isoperformance curves and the parameters of the CV test can be used to provide an objective view of physiological capabilities and training needs on both an individual and team basis.

Critical velocity: a predictor of 2000-m rowing ergometer performance in NCAA D1 female collegiate rowers.

The aims of this study were to examine the use of the critical velocity test as a means of predicting 2000-m rowing ergometer performance in female collegiate rowers, and to study the relationship of selected physiological variables on performance times. Thirty-five female collegiate rowers (mean ± s: age 19.3 ± 1.3 years; height 1.70 ± 0.06 m; weight 69.5 ± 7.2 kg) volunteered to participate in the study. Rowers were divided into two categories based on rowing experience: varsity (more than 1 year collegiate experience) and novice (less than 1 year collegiate experience). All rowers performed two continuous graded maximal oxygen consumption tests (familiarization and baseline) to establish maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2max)), peak power output, and power output at ventilatory threshold. Rowers then completed a critical velocity test, consisting of four time-trials at various distances (400 m, 600 m, 800 m, and 1000 m) on two separate days, with 15 min rest between trials. Following the critical velocity test, rowers completed a 2000-m time-trial. Absolute VO(2max) was the strongest predictor of 2000-m performance (r = 0.923) in varsity rowers, with significant correlations also observed for peak power output and critical velocity (r = 0.866 and r = 0.856, respectively). In contrast, critical velocity was the strongest predictor of 2000-m performance in novice rowers (r = 0.733), explaining 54% of the variability in performance. These findings suggest the critical velocity test may be more appropriate for evaluating performance in novice rowers.

The effects of creatine loading and gender on anaerobic running capacity.

Creatine (Cr) loading consists of short-term, high-dosage Cr supplementation and has been shown to increase intramuscular total Cr content. Increases in body weight (BW) have been shown to result from Cr loading, with differences by gender, and increased BW may impact weight-bearing exercise. The critical velocity (CV) test is used to quantify the relationship between total running distance and time to exhaustion. The CV test provides the variable, anaerobic running capacity (ARC), which is an estimate of the anaerobic energy reserves in muscle. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of gender and Cr loading on ARC. Fifty moderately trained men and women volunteered to participate in this randomized, double-blinded, placebo (PL)-controlled, repeated-measures study. After a familiarization session, a 3-day testing procedure was conducted. A maximal oxygen consumption test VO(2)max) on a treadmill was performed on day 1 to establish the maximum velocity (Vmax) at VO(2)max and to record BW. Days 2 and 3 involved treadmill running at varying percentages of Vmax. Participants were randomly assigned to either the Cr or PL group and received 20 packets of the Cr supplement (1 packet = 5 g Cr citrate, 18 g dextrose) or 20 packets of the PL (1 packet = 18 g dextrose). After consuming 4 packets daily for 5 consecutive days, the 3-day testing procedure was repeated. The male Cr loading group exhibited a 23% higher (p = 0.003) ARC compared to the PL group. Nonsignificant BW increases were found for the Cr groups. These findings suggest that Cr loading may be an effective strategy for improving ARC in men, but not in women, and revealed only nonsignificant increases in BW. Creatine loading may be used before competition by athletes to provide improvements in high-intensity, short-duration activities.