SPECIFIC AND NON SPECIFIC ROWING FIELD EVALUATION CORRELATED WITH ERGOMETER ROWING PERFORMANCE

Abstract

This study aimed at testing the possible correlation between rowers’ ability to generate power during a rowing Wingate test or a squat jump test and a rowing ergometer performance. Mean power developped during the Wingate test (PWIN), force, velocity and power output in squat jump (FSJ, VSJ and PSJ) and mean power (P1500) sustained during an all-out 1500-m sprint ergometer were measured in fourteen young rowers (15.3±0.6 yr, 178.5±8.8 cm, 67.9±10.8 kg). PWIN was significantly correlated to P1500 (r=0.90, P<0.001). FSJ, VSJ and PSJ were also significantly correlated to P1500 (r=0.54-0.87, P<0.001). Rowers presenting the highest power capacities, in either Wingate or squat jump test, were also the ones showing the best performances. In young rowers, the power capacity highlighted by Wingate and squat jump tests, are determinants for success in rowing performance.