Concept2 Forum

Int J Sports Med 2010; 31(12): 870-874
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1265148

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York


Ergometer Rowing With and Without Slides

A. Holsgaard-Larsen1, 2, K. Jensen2
1 Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
2 Institute of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
Abstract

A rowing ergometer can be placed on a slide to imitate ‘on-water' rowing. The present study examines i) possible differences in biomechanical and physiological variables of ergometer rowing with and without slides and ii) potential consequences on training load during exercise. 7 elite oars-women rowed in a randomized order in a slide or stationary ergometer at 3 predefined submaximal and at maximal intensity. Oxygen uptake was measured and biomechanical variables of the rowing were calculated based upon handle force (force transducer) and velocity/length (potentiometer) of the stroke. Stroke frequency was higher (%-difference between conditions) at each intensity level (1-11.4%, p<0.05) during slide compared to stationary rowing. Furthermore, at the 2 highest intensities a lower mean force (4.7-9.0%, p<0.05) and max force (3.2-10.6%, p<0.05) were observed on the slide ergometer. During maximal rowing no difference was seen in heart rate, mean oxygen uptake and R-value while maximal oxygen deficit was higher (30.8%, p<0.05) during slide rowing. In conclusion the biomechanical load is lower on a slide than on a stationary ergometer. However, as a training tool the slide ergometer seems just as demanding with regard to aerobic energy sources, and for anaerobic sources possibly even higher, compared with the stationary ergometer.
Key words

training load - biomechanical analysis - force - physiological analysis

Fair evaluation to what I have experienced. Due to higher SR the anaerobic load may be higher. If you keep the SR constant and develop it to equal the static everything evens out then. The advantage of the static in developing power in my opinion is the ability to "haul anchor" on the static, throwing your weight around which helps compression at the catch (longer stroke) and at the return (lengthening back sway).

I can't say enough about how different I found the two and this is probably due to my own inexperience with proper rowing technique. Slides forces me into better technique if I want the same power that I get when on the static.