Abstract des Autors

The purpose of this investigation was to study whether anthropometric characteristics, and resting levels of free testosterone (T-free), cortisol (C), T-free:C ratio and growth hormone (GH) are related to the performance parameters of rowers obtained on single sculls and rowing ergometer. Ten male rowers (18.90+/-1,66 yrs; 186.20+/-6,25 cm; 79,27+/-7.30 kg; %body fat: 10.49+/-2.30%) were subjected to two exercise sessions on a rowing ergometer. An incremental exercise test to determine the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and a 2000 metre "all-out" test to determine the performance parameters were performed. In addition, competition results in 2000 metre race on single sculls were obtained. Performance time was significantly lower in rowing on ergometer when compared with rowing on single sculls. However, significant correlation was observed between the results of 2000 metre time trials on a rowing ergometer and single sculls. Muscle mass was significantly related to rowing performance on single sculls. While height, body mass, body mass index, lean body mass, cross-sectional area of thigh, muscle mass and skeletal mass were significantly correlated with rowing performance on a rowing ergometer, there was no significant relationship between the measured hormone values, and performance times on single sculls and on a rowing ergometer. In summary, the results of the present study suggest that rowing performance is significantly related to the specific anthropometric but not resting hormone values in rowers of single sculls. In addition, some caution must be exercised when using rowing ergometer performance to predict on-water rowing performance in single sculls. Verf.-Referat