Physiological and biomechanical responses to exercise on two different types of rowing ergometers in NCAA Division I oarswomen

Abstract

Background: Stationary (SE) and dynamic (DE) rowing ergometers, that are utilized for indoor training and physical assessment of competitive rowers, may elicit different physiological and biomechanical responses. The present study used SE and DE ergometers to examine submaximal and peak physiological and biomechanical responses during an incremental rowing test.

Methods: Twelve National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I oarswomen performed seven-stage rowing tests with the last stage performed with maximal effort. Heart rate (HR), lactate (LA), oxygen uptake (VO₂), ventilation (VE), stroke rate (SR), gross efficiency (GE), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were obtained; while trunk, hip, knee, shoulder, and elbow ranges of motion (ROM) were measured.

Results: SR was higher at maximal stage DE (29.3 vs. 34.8 strokes/min, p = 0.018, d = 1.213). No difference occurred in responses of maximal stage HR, RPE, VO2, VE, LA, or GE between the two ergometers. Submaximal LA and SR were greater on the DE for all submaximal stages. Submaximal VE was greater on the DE for all submaximal stages except Stage 3 (p = 0.160, d = 0.655). VO₂ was higher on the DE Stages 2-5. GE was higher on the SE for Stages 2-5. Athletes showed increased trunk (p = 0.025, [Formula: see text] = 0.488) and knee (p = 0.004, [Formula: see text] = 0.668) ROM on SE.

Conclusion: Rowing on the DE appears to elicit a greater stroke rate and more optimal joint angles especially at high intensities. Hence, the DE is worthy of consideration as a preferred ergometer for women rowers.

Keywords: Collegiate oarswomen; Exercise physiology; Joint range of motion; Rowing ergometer; Rowing injuries; Stroke rate.