Abstract

Work capacity was studied in junior male (n=94) and female (n=52) rowers aged 16-20 years. They were subjected to a specific laboratory exercise, which simulated the 2000-m-run, on rowing ergometer Concept II. Average power in younger and older junior and in senior male athletes was 313+/-28, 357+/-28, and 429+/-38 W, respectively, and in the female ones 206+/-28, 220+/-19, and 268+/-24 W, respectively. Total run time and average power were best correlated with the power at anaerobic threshold, the correlation coefficients ranging from 0.78 to 0.87. Maximal oxygen uptake was significantly lower in older juniors than in seniors (4.99/-0.46 and 5.66+/-0.43 in men and 3.57+/-0.24 and 4.05+/-0.50 l/min in women, respectively). The applied test proved adequate to classify rowers according to their athletic experience and can be utilized in assessing the specific work capacity, aerobic capacity, and as a selection criterion at different stages of training. The computed fiducial limits for the mean time and average power can be applied in evaluating progress made by junior rowers in their training. Verf.-Refert