Purpose: To compare the intensity and physiological responses of deoxygenated hemoglobin breaking point ([HHb]BP) and anaerobic threshold (AnT) during an incremental test and to verify their association with 2000-m rowing-ergometer performance in well-trained rowers. Methods: A total of 13 male rowers (mean [SD] age = 24 [11] y and V O 2 peak = 63.7 [6.1] mL/kg·min) performed a step incremental test. Gas exchange, vastus lateralis [HHb], and blood lactate concentration were measured. Power output, V.O 2 , and heart rate of [HHb]BP and AnT were determined and compared with each other. A 2000-m test was performed in another visit. Results: No differences were found between [HHb]BP and AnT in the power output (236 [31] vs 234 [31] W; = 0.7%), 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.7%), V.O 2 (4.2 [0.5] vs 4.3 [0.4] L/min; = -0.8%, 95% CI 4.0%), or heart rate (180 [16] vs 182 [12] beats/min; = -1.6%, 95% CI 2.1%); however, there was high typical error of estimate (TEE) and wide 95% limits of agreement (LoA) for power output (TEE 10.7%, LoA 54.1-50.6 W), V.O 2 (TEE 5.9%, LoA -0.57 to 0.63 L/min), and heart rate (TEE 2.4%, LoA -9.6 to 14.7 beats/min). Significant correlations were observed between [HHb]BP (r = .70) and AnT (r = .89) with 2000-m mean power. Conclusions: These results demonstrate a breaking point in [HHb] of the vastus lateralis muscle during the incremental test that is capable of distinguishing rowers with different performance levels. However, the high random error would compromise the use of [HHb]BP for training and testing in rowing.
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