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A Self-Regulated Submaximal Ergometer Training Session as a Field Test to Assess Performance, Aerobic Fitness, and Recovery in Elite Rowers.

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Title: A Self-Regulated Submaximal Ergometer Training Session as a Field Test to Assess Performance, Aerobic Fitness, and Recovery in Elite Rowers.
Authors: Clark JR; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa., McKune AJ; University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise (UCRISE), University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia; and.; Discipline of Biokinetics, Exercise and Leisure Sciences, School of Health Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa., Wood PS; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
Source: Journal of strength and conditioning research [J Strength Cond Res] 2026 Jul 01; Vol. 40 (7), pp. e736-e745.
Publication Type: Journal Article
Language: English
Journal Info: Publisher: Human Kinetics Pub Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 9415084 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1533-4287 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 10648011 NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Strength Cond Res Subsets: MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s): Original Publication: Champaign, IL : Human Kinetics Pub., c1993-
MeSH Terms: Water Sports*/physiology , Exercise Test*/methods , Athletic Performance*/physiology , Physical Fitness*/physiology , Ergometry*/methods , Physical Conditioning, Human*/methods, Heart Rate/physiology ; Physical Exertion/physiology ; Lactic Acid/blood ; Oxygen Consumption/physiology ; Humans ; Male ; Post-Exercise Recovery ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Young Adult ; Adult
Abstract: Abstract: Clark, JR, McKune, AJ, and Wood, PS. A self-regulated submaximal ergometer training session as a field test to assess performance, aerobic fitness, and recovery in elite rowers. J Strength Cond Res 40(7): e736-e745, 2026-Regularly assessing the response to training may be burdensome in high-level athletes, especially during intensified preparation periods. This study investigated whether a self-regulated 6-km submaximal rowing ergometer training session could double as a field test (6SRT) to estimate performance, aerobic fitness, and recovery in elite rowers. In a cross-sectional design, 2-km ergometer time trial (TT) time, lactate threshold power output (LT PO), self-reported total recovery (TR), and 6SRT responses were measured in 44 male open and lightweight category rowers from a national training center. Mean PO and exercise heart rate (HRex) were used to derive the PO:HRex intensity ratio in the 6SRT, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and HR recovery (HRR) were recorded. In 33 subjects, correlation identified clear predictors of 2-km TT time and LT PO, but not TR. Multiple regression models estimating 2-km TT time (R2 = 0.80) and LT PO (R2 = 0.79) were cross-validated in 11 subjects. Measured vs. predicted 2-km TT time (using PO:HRex, RPE, and category) and LT PO (using PO:HRex and category) showed r: 0.93; standard error of estimation (SEE): 5.1 seconds (1.4%); 95% limits of agreement (LOA): -12.4 to 9.6 seconds (-3.3 to 2.6%), and r: 0.85; SEE: 12 W (4.2%); 95% LOA: -22 to 28 W (-5.8 to 7.4%), respectively. Although agreement with measured values is insufficient for detecting small differences, the 6SRT shows potential as a training test set enabling practitioners to reasonably accurately estimate performance and aerobic fitness, but not recovery, in elite rowers.
(Copyright © 2025 National Strength and Conditioning Association.)
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Contributed Indexing: Keywords: athlete monitoring; endurance; prediction; validity
Substance Nomenclature: 33X04XA5AT (Lactic Acid)
Entry Date(s): Date Created: 20260623 Date Completed: 20260623 Latest Revision: 20260623
Update Code: 20260624
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000005423
PMID: 42335118
Database: MEDLINE
Description
ISSN:1533-4287
DOI:10.1519/JSC.0000000000005423