Abstract

Aim of the study was to develop a submaximal test, on the Concept II rowing ergometer, to estimate the VO2max of male rowers and non-rowers. 11 rowers and 14 non-rowers completed a submaximal and a maximal rowing test. The submaximal test consisted of exercising for 6 min at 5 different incremental speeds with at least 6 min recovery between each speed. Speed, heart rate and VO2 were monitored during the last minute of each increment. In the maximal test, subjects were asked to row for 6 min at a speed calculated to elicit 105 of their predicted maximum heart rate (HRmax). The HRmax was predicted from 220 beats/min -age. Actual HRmax was recorded and the highest value of VO2 measured was regarded as the subjects VO2max. An analysis of covariance revealed that the data collected for rowers and non-rowers had to be considered separately. The greatest differences were seen for the submaximal speed-VO2 relationship, which showed that rowers were more efficient on the ergometer than non-rowers. Measured HRmax was found to average 9 beats/min below the predicted HRmax. Measured VO2max values for the whole group averaged 4.16+-0.64 l/min. A nomogram was developed to predict VO2max. At an exercise intensity of 80-90 HRmax, the average estimated VO2max, using predicted HRmax calculated from 220 beats/min -age, was 4.34+-0.7 l/min. Using measured values of HRmax, the average estimated VO2max was found to be 4.06+-0.6 l/min, which reduced the mean error of the estimate from 4.3 to 2.4. Verf.-Referat (gekuerzt)