Morpho-physiological profile and 2K performance of Indian elite rowers

Abstract

Purpose: The present study was carried out to determine anthropometric, physiological and performance profile of Indian elite rowers categorically at the base preparation of periodized training cycle. Methods: 15 lightweight category (LWC) and 12 open category (OC) elite male rowers attending National camp were evaluated to fulfill this purpose. Anthropometric parameters were measured using standard anthropometric kit, physiological parameters i.e. oxygen uptake (V̇ O2), minute ventilation (V̇ E), respiratory exchange ratio (RER) during 2K rowing were measured breath-by-breath using metabolic gas analyzer, heart rate (HR) by heart rate monitor and post-exercise blood lactate by using portable lactate scout. Results: Performance determining anthropometric parameters discriminates OC rowers from LWC. Height (1.6%, p<0.05), arm span (3.3%, p<0.01), leg length (4%, p<0.05), elbow diameter (4.8%, p<0.01), knee diameter (3.1%, p<0.01), upper-arm circumference (9.5%, p<0.001) and body fat percentage (24.4%, p<0.001) were higher in OC rowers. Back strength (10.6%, p<0.01), grip strength (9.9%, p<0.01) and mesomorphy (22%, p<0.01) also showed the same trend. No significant difference (p>0.05) was observed in peak absolute V̇ O2, RER, HR and post-exercise lactate. But, peak relative V̇ O2 of OC rowers was 8.9% (p<0.01) less, V̇ E and power output were 10.6% (p<0.01) and 5.1% (p<0.05) more in OC compare to LWC, respectively. It was also observed that OC rowers had taken significantly (p<0.05) less time (2.1%) to finish 2K all-out rowing than LWC rowers. Conclusions: This data provides unique anthropometric and physiological information of elite Indian rowers which can be used to set normative value of these performance determining variables categorically and also as a benchmark for Indian rowers at base preparation phase.