Abstract des Autors

Our studies of highly trained oarsmen and oarswomen have provided enough exercise and recovery data to develop an accurate physiological profile of a successful elite rower. It has also enabled us to estimate the relative contributions of aerobic and anaerobic energy sources to competitive rowing and to calculate maximum power and mechanical efficiency for each competitor. We have learned that rowing, training, and competition provoke the highest levelsof aerobic and anaerobic responses. Oarsmen and oarswomen are able to functionat a high percentage of their V02 max throughout a competitive effort, and in doing so they incur an immediate and sizable 02 deficit. Abnormally high energy expenditures during the early stages of competitive rowing cause a significanrtanaerobic response that produces maximal lactate levels that must be tolerated for the remainder of the exercise. Thus physiological and psychological tolerance for extreme anaerobiosis are important qualities of elite oarsman or oarswomen. Verf.-Referat (gekuerzt)