Individual load–velocity measures are associated with 2000-meter rowing ergometer performance in German national rowers

Mats Willem Jacobs^*Moritz Schumann

• Department of Sports Medicine and Exercise Therapy, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany

Objective: Neuromuscular abilities were previously linked to 2000 m rowing performance (TT) but the relationship with load-velocity profiles (LVP; e.g., peak power (PP) and power at different relative loads) remains unclear. This cross-sectional study assessed associations of these parameters with TT and different race splits in well-trained rowers. Methods: 63 males (age: 18.5±3.3 years) and 50 females (age: 19.3±3.5 years) were included. 1 RM, PP and power at 30% to 90% 1RM in the squat, deadlift and bench-pull were assessed by LVP and TT was performed on a Concept2 ergometer within two weeks. Associations between neuromuscular parameters and TT were analyzed using generalized linear models. Results: Associations with TT were found for 1RM in squat, deadlift and bench-pull (β:-32.64 to - 95.15; all p≤0.050), PP of deadlift and bench-pull (β:-21.79 to -71.78; p≤0.020) but not PP of squat (p>0.05). Power at 30% and 50% in squat, 30%, 50% and 70% in deadlift, and 30%, 50%, 70% and 90% in bench-pull of the respective 1RM correlated with TT (β:-10.78 to -51.57; p<0.050). 1RM and PP of deadlift and bench-pull were associated with all four race splits (p≤0.037), while PP of squat was linked only to the first 500 m (p<0.030). Conclusion: While deadlift and bench-pull power appeared to be good predictors of TT, the squat power might affect TT only at low loads (i.e. 30% and 50%) and the first part of the race. These findings underline the overlooked importance of high movement velocities for rowing performance.