The inferred ability of the 2000-metre ergometer test to simulate the demands of on-water racing has seen its extensive use both internationally and nationally as an indicator of physiological capacity for racing. However, there has been little real examination of the assumption that the physiological responses observed during the 2000-metre ergometer test are comparable to those occurring during on-water racing. Twenty-two male rowers served as subjects for this study (x ± SD; height = 190.8 ± 5.3cm; body mass = 91.4 ± 7.6kg; VO2 peak = 5.40 ± 0.42L/min). During a 2-week rowing camp, rowers completed two 2000-metre tests on a Concept IIb rowing ergometer and two 2000-metre races with standing start, racing in coxless pairs. Rowers were informed that results of racing would be used to establish a ranking of crews and were asked to achieve the fastest race time possible, regardless of position. Heart rate (HR) was measured at 30sec intervals using a three-lead ECG and 15sec intervals using Polar Heart Rate Monitor during the ergometer test and racing, respectively. Blood samples were drawn from a pre-warmed earlobe 4min post both the ergometer test and racing and subsequently analysed for blood lactate concentration (BLa). BLa concentrations recorded after the ergometer test were on average 35% greater than those recorded after on-water racing (p<0.01). There was no significant difference between BLa recorded for the two-ergometer tests or between the two on-water races. A highly significant difference between HR curves for the ergometer test and on-water racing was also observed (p<0.01). At the onset of exercise the rise in HR was much more rapid on-water. However, the ergometer test was associated with a much greater upward "drift" in HR. The higher BLa concentrations observed post ergometer test suggest that the anaerobic contribution to total work output is relatively higher. This may be due to less emphasis on balance on the ergometer as well as differences in "gearing" between the ergometer and the boat. A requirement to generate higher peak forces on the ergometer could result in elevated BLa readings. The greater "drift" in HR observed on the ergometer may be due to a larger rise in body temperature and/or lesser cooling effect. The fact that ergometer testing generally produced higher lactates but lower heart rates than the race suggests that the HR/BLa relationship may differ between the ergometer and on-water situations.
© Copyright 1999 5th IOC World Congress on Sport Sciences with the Annual Conference of Science and Medicine in Sport 1999. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.