Short-term maximum rowing power

Force-velocity and power-velocity relationships for ergometer-based, whole-body exercise appear incomplete; therefore, a Concept2 Model C rowing ergometer was modified so that resistance was provided solely by the moment of inertia (I) of the flywheel. Flywheel velocity (ω) and acceleration (α) were determined from time measurements (± 1 μs) recorded with a reflective sensor. Instantaneous force (F [subscript I]) and instantaneous power (P [subscript I]) were calculated as Iαr, where r is the radius of the axle sprocket, and Iαω, respectively, and recorded 15 times every flywheel revolution. Peak instantaneous force (F [subscript IP]) and power (P [subscript IP]) and average force (F [subscript acc]) and power (P [subscript acc]) were recorded during the acceleration phase of each stroke. The highest instantaneous (P [subscript IP] max) and average (P [subscript acc] max) power values were identified for each bout. Well-trained male and female rowers completed five bouts of six maximum intensity strokes on the modified ergometer with two minutes of active recovery between each bout. Force-velocity and power-velocity relationships were constructed with data for the six strokes. Force decreased with increasing velocity. Power exhibited a quadratic relationship with v [subscript H], reaching a pinnacle in the 3rd or 4th stroke of each bout for all subjects. P [subscript IP] max occurred at a v [subscript H] of 3.33 ± 0.20 m/s and P [subscript acc] max occurred at a mean v [subscript H] of 3.35 ± 0.18 m/s. Mean P [subscript IP] max and P [subscript acc] max was 3182 ± 369 W and 1971 ± 246 W, respectively. The within-subjects coefficient of variation for P [subscript IP] max was 4.8 ± 0.5% and for P [subscript acc] max was 3.4 ± 0.3%. The inertial load method applied to a rowing ergometer provided a means to determine whole body maximal power and establish detailed force-velocity and power-velocity relationships across a large range of contraction velocities in a single, short bout of exercise. Maximum rowing power in these subjects differed from other whole body modes of exercise, possibly due to differences in the magnitude and kinetics of activationKinesiology and Health Educatio