Introduction: In rowing, the energy of 2000-m race was provided 67-86% aerobically and 14-33% anaerobically [4]. However, endurance and sprint training are not appropriate to develop in the same training session. Driller et al. [2] found that high-intensity interval training (HIT) performed at an intensity of 90% maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) could improve VO2max and 2000-m time-trial (2000TT) rowing performance. Previous studies indicated that HIT with 30-s Wingate-based sprint increased muscle metabolic adaptations in untrained subjects [3], however, there are no studies to examine whether this training strategy could affect the electromyography (EMG) activity during 2000-m rowing race. Methods: Sixteen male rowers were matched for 2000TT performance and assigned to HIT (n = 8) or ET (endurance training, n = 8) group. The HIT group performed 8-12 sets of 30-s Wingate-based rowing sprint with 4-min rest interval, and the ET group performed 60-min rowing at 60%VO2max. The incremental rowing test and 2000TT were conducted before and after 4 weeks intervention. During the 2000TT, surface EMG signals were collected unilaterally on the muscles of right leg, i.e., vastus medialis, biceps femoris, medial gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior. Results: After training, the VO2max in HIT group (from 62.4 ± 3.8 to 65.2 ± 3.6 ml/kg/min, P < 0.05) was significantly enhanced, but not in ET group (from 61.9 ± 3.1 to 61.7 ± 2.2 ml/kg/min, P > 0.05). Although the 2000TT performance in both groups were not significantly different before and after training, the split time at 1000-1500-m in HIT group was significantly increased (pre- vs. post-training, 112.0 ± 5.6 vs. 110.0 ± 5.3 sec, P < 0.05). Significant main effects were found between pre- and post-training on the median frequency (MF) of gastrocnemius at the first 500-m (pre- vs. post-training, 66.9 ± 13.8 vs. 61.4 ± 12.0 Hz, P < 0.05), and the MF of biceps femoris at the second 500-m (pre- vs. post-training, 51.7 ± 7.4 vs. 46.0 ± 13.1 Hz, P < 0.05). Discussion: This study showed that HIT might improve VO2max (+4.6%) and the third 500-m time (-2.1 sec) during 2000TT in rowers, which is in agreement with previous study [2]. Our results are consistent with the study of Creer et al. [1], who found that the HIT could decrease the MF during the 4 sets of 30-s cycling sprints in cyclists. The decrease in MF may induce synchronization of motor units, thus increasing efficiency and coordination [5], and then to improve the rowing performance at the third 500-m. In conclusion, the HIT might be an effective alternative for traditional ET to ameliorate aerobic capacity and performance in rowers.
© Copyright 2014 19th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS), Amsterdam, 2. - 5. July 2014. Veröffentlicht von VU University Amsterdam. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.