Volume 2, Issue 10 (October, 2021)
Comparing Physiology of Cycling vs. Erging: By Will Ruth
The Value of Breakfast: By Blake Gourley
Rowing’s Impact on Breast Cancer Survivors: By Joe DeLeo
MEMBERS: Log-In and Download PDF
Not a member yet? Join us to begin reading now.
Physiological responses on the Concept II BikeErg and Concept II RowErg in well-trained male rowers. Turner, K., & Rice, A. (2020). International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 16(3).
Ten well-trained male rowers performed two trials of 4×6-minute intervals, one on a Concept2 BikeErg and the other on a Concept2 RowErg, using equal power output targets. Rowers on the RowErg worked harder to achieve the same watt output as on the BikeErg, with approximately 21% greater VO2 values and 11% higher heart rate values. Rowers and coaches can use the results of this study to plan cross-training sessions using cycling as a replacement for erging.
Omission of carbohydrate-rich breakfast impairs evening 2000-m rowing time trial performance. Cornford, E., & Metcalfe, R. (2018). European Journal of Sport Science.
Ten competitive collegiate rowers, eight females and two males, performed a 2K in two different scenarios; once in the evening after eating breakfast, and once in the evening after intentionally skipping breakfast. On average, researchers found that when rowers ate breakfast they went 3.5 seconds faster on their 2Ks. Rowers and coaches can use this finding to make better nutritional decisions that emphasize proper fueling for training and competition.
Rowing training in breast cancer survivors: a longitudinal study of physical fitness.Gavala-Gonzalez, J., Galvez-Fernandez, I., Mercade-Mele, P., & Fernandez-Garcia, J. (2020). International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(14).
Thirty female breast cancer survivors performed a 12-week periodized rowing training program. The participants showed improvements in every single physiological variable tested from fitness to strength to body composition. The results of this study showed rowing had the greatest impact of all physical activities interventions completed by breast cancer survivors. Physicians, coaches, and breast cancer survivors can use this information to improve physical and mental health during and after breast cancer treatment.
Free Bonus Content! Interview with Tara Hoffmann and Sheena Smith of Recovery on Water (ROW).
About Science of Rowing
“Science of Rowing” is a monthly publication created by three dual rowing-and-strength coaches: Will Ruth, Blake, Gourley, and Joe DeLeo. Our goal is to move research into practice for coaches and rowers of all ages, types, and levels. We are entirely member-funded and do not promote products or sell advertisements. Members receive one issue each month containing three reviews of recent and applicable research in rowing training, strength training for rowing, and other relevant performance areas like psychology, injury analysis, technology, and more.
Each issue includes video and graphic content to help move the knowledge into practice, as well as a podcast episode of the three of us discussing the takeaways and our experiences. Membership includes access to all prior issues, so join us for one month and get access to every issue. We also offer discounted annual and team memberships, as well as gift memberships for a special rower or coach in your life.
