Abstract

The relation between the maximal work output (W lim) and the time of exercise (T lim) was determined in 8 rowers from a series of 4 laboratory exercises performed on rowing ergometer till exhaustion. From this Critical Power Test the indices of critical power (CP) and of anaerobic work capacity (AWC), and the maximal power expected to be maintained for 6 min (PP), were computed. Several other parameters were also determined, like maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), power output at anaerobic threshold (AT; LA=4 mmol/l) and at HR=170 beats/min (PWC-170), average power output in a 6 min-exercise performed with individually maximal power (T-6min), and the time of a rowing ergometer exercise simulating the 2000 m run (T-2000). A very strong correlation (r=0.99) was found between W lim and T lim, suggesting the possibility of applying the critical power test in rowers. The coefficients of correlation of T-2000 or of T-6min with other indices increased in the following order: PWC-170 < VO2max <CP <AT <PP. This speaks of a high diagnostic value of indices derived from the Critical Power Test as applied to the assessment of AWC in rowers. Verf.-Referat