INTRODUCTION: Rowing, a sport involving propelling a boat through water using generated forces, has two main modalities: mobile seat rowing, where the seat moves stern and bow, and traditional rowing, featuring a fixed bench supporting the rower`s ischial region. Muscular strength, and boat speed are closely related, with exercises like prone bench pull and squat correlating with mobile seat rowing performance (1). Recent studies also link load-velocity variables with performance in this modality (2). Given the biomechanical differences between modalities, the present study aims to identify mechanical variables potentially correlated with traditional rowing performance. METHODS: Eight highly trained/national level female rowers participated in the study (3). The load-velocity relationships were evaluated through an incremental loading test, culminating in the individual`s 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) for prone bench pull and half squat. The initial load was set at 15 kg and increased in 5-10% increments. Three repetitions were performed with light loads until the mean velocity (MV) decreased (MV>1.1 m/s), two with medium loads (1.1 m/s*MV*0.8 m/s) and one with heavy loads (MVV<0.8 m/s). All repetitions were recorded using he Chronojump linear velocity transducer. Rowing performance was assessed with a Graded Exercise Test on a oncept II rowing ergometer. The protocol consisted of 30-s stages without rest, starting with an initial workload of 60 W and increasing by 10 W for each stage. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to establish the relationships, applying the following thresholds: trivial (=0.1), low (0.1-0.3), moderate (0.3-0.5), high (0.5-0.7), very high (0.7-0.9) and almost perfect (=0.9). RESULTS: A very high correlation was observed between the 1-RM prone bench pull load (54.3±4.9 kg; r=0.755; p=0.034) and MV for load of 30% (1.178±0.198 m/s; r=0.827; p=0.011) with rowing performance. However, no association was observed with 1-RM half squat load. In contrast, a very high correlation was noted between MV for load of 30% (0.970±0.097 m/s; r=0.755 p=0.030) and rowing performance. High correlations were also observed with MV for load of 40% (0.828±0.084 m/s; r=0.664) and 50% (0.731±0.106 m/s; r=0.664) in half squat, although these were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The MV at low loads in prone bench pull and half squat shows a high correlation with performance in female rowers. Notably, only the maximum load achieved in prone bench pulls exhibited a significant correlation with performance. These findings provide the first evidence linking load-velocity variables with performance in female traditional rowers. This insights offers coaches a valuable tool to precisely and efficiently tailor strength training for their their female athletes.
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