The Olympic sport of rowing is contested over a 2,000 m course and requires a mixture of aerobic and anaerobic power [14]. Aerobic fitness accounts for 65—85 per cent of the rowing performance [4], Research by Secher [22] estimated the anaerobic energy contribution is around 21—30 per cent, with its peak utilisation during the first and last 250 m [21 ]. Rowing is one of the most physiologically demanding sports, requiring an athlete to possess a high degree of endurance and power while also being highly technically proficient [14]. A review of the 2015 Rowing World Championships finals showed performance times lasted between 5:36.18 and 7:32.45. These times are influenced by the crew number, competition classification (openweight or lightweight), sculling (two oars) or rowing (one oar) and whether male or female [9], Environmental factors such as wind speed, wind direction, water temperature and air temperature will affect the water and air resistance, which will result in varying degrees of drag [9, 14].
© Copyright 2016 Strength and conditioning for sports performance. Published by Routledge. All rights reserved.