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The purpose of this study was, first, to investigate individual longitudinal 2,000 m rowing ergometer performance (2,000 erg) development of world class male rowers from the beginning of their career until reaching the elite level and to compare ELITE performance development with those who did not reach podium places and, second, to provide 2,000 erg milestones for talent prediction in rowing. Individual annual 2,000 erg performances of 54 male rowers were analyzed from age 15 and throughout their career. Olympic or World Championships medal winners (ELITE; n = 11) were compared with those who did not reach international podium places. Two thousand erg increased (p ≤ 0.05) until the age of 24 in ELITE, while plateaued earlier for less successful rowers. No differences in the rate of performance improvement were found between ELITE and lower performers (p > 0.05). At the age of 20, performance between ELITE and international level nonmedal winners reached significant difference (480.7 ± 20.9 W vs. 435.3 ± 33.9 W, respectively) and remained different onwards (p ≤ 0.05). However, the average of the 10 best seasons cross-sectional performances of less successful rowers were significantly higher until age 18, compared with ELITE. ELITE rowers were able to improve their 2,000 erg performance to higher age; therefore, it is difficult to predict elite performers in junior rowers. Cross-sectional performances of less successful rowers may indicate temporary high-level performers, who might not be able to advance the elite level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stroke education is a key factor in minimising secondary stroke risk, yet worldwide stroke education rates are low. Technology has the potential to increase stroke education accessibility. One technology that could be beneficial is augmented reality (AR). We developed and trialled a stroke education lesson using an AR application with stroke patients and significant others. Methods: A feasibility study design was used. Following development of the AR stroke education lesson, 19 people with stroke and three significant others trialled the lesson then completed a customised mixed method questionnaire. The lesson involved narrated audio while participants interacted with a model brain via a tablet. Information about participant recruitment and retention, usage, and perceptions were collected. Results: Fifty-eight percent (n = 22) of eligible individuals consented to participate. Once recruited, 100% of participants (n = 22) were retained. Ninety percent of participants used the lesson once. Most participants used the application independently (81.82%, n = 18), had positive views about the lesson (over 80% across items including enjoyment, usefulness and perception of the application as a good learning tool) and reported improved confidence in stroke knowledge (72.73%, n = 16). Confidence in stroke knowledge post-lesson was associated with comfort using the application (p = 0.046, Fisher's exact test) and perception of the application as a good learning tool (p = 0.009, Fisher's exact test). Conclusions: Technology-enhanced instruction in the form of AR is feasible for educating patients and significant others about stroke. Further research following refinement of the lesson is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goal setting and enjoyment are key components in adherence to any exercise program; however, little research has examined short-term goal setting exercise interventions. This study aimed to explore the effects of short-term goal setting on enjoyment and session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) during a rowing exercise task. Twenty-five physically active participants completed two rowing exercise sessions on separate occasions under a repeated measures design. Each participant completed one session under the experimental condition and one session under the control condition. The experimental session included using a pacer on the interactive rower screen during two separate rowing bouts, which served as a goal setting simulation. In both conditions, participants set goals for their second rowing bout. Results showed non-significant differences between conditions for enjoyment, sRPE, heart rate, and distance rowed. Results showed a significant difference for distance rowed from exercise bout one to exercise bout two in both the control condition (p = .002) and experimental condition (p = .029). The results of this study have relevance for applied practitioners implementing physical activity interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background. The 6-minute rowing ergometer test (6-minRT) is valid and reliable for establishing maximal aerobic power (MAP) in amateur male rowers. However, ventilatory thresholds (VTs) have not yet been established with their mechanical correspondence in this test. Objective. The primary objective was to determine the VTs in the 6-minRT achieved by amateur male rowers, while the secondary objective was to determine the correspondence between ventilatory, mechanical, and heart rate (HR) outcomes of the 6-minRT. Methods. Sixteen amateur male rowers were part of the study. All participants were instructed to perform an incremental test (IT) and a 6-minRT. Determination of the ventilatory parameters for the first ventilatory threshold (VT1), the second ventilatory threshold (VT2), and 6minRTVO2max were performed by correlating the outcomes of VT1, VT2, and VO2max obtained in the IT, with the outcomes of 6-minRT. For these purposes, Pearson's test was used, with the following criteria: trivial, <0.1; small, 0.1≥ 0.3; moderate, 0.3≥0.5; high, 0.5≥0.7; very high, 0.7≥0.9; or practically perfect, >0.9. The significance level was p < 0.05. Results. The IT analysis determined that VT1 and VT2 correspond to 55 and 80% of VO2max, respectively. A high correlation was observed between IT outcomes in VT1, VT2, and VO2max, with the outcomes of 6-minRT (r > 0.6). Conclusion. Based on IT ventilatory parameters and concordance analysis, VT1 and VT2 of 6-minRT are determined at 55 and 80%, respectively, of both ventilatory parameters and their corresponding mechanical outcomes and HR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many models of motor performance acknowledge that adapting to stressors plays a major role in how we move. However, most models lack a precise conceptualization of the way in which stress-response dynamics unfold. To fill this void, we first present popular models from the domain of biology and psychology which argue that the impact of a stressor depends on its dose. Next, we provide a tutorial using the example of crew rowing to demonstrate how these models can be scaled to human motor performance. In this example, the dose of the stressor is varied by target times for several 500 m races and the response variable represents the crew coordination. Specifically, we discuss how the necessary parameters can be determined a priori and how the data can be analyzed to pinpoint the exact dose-response relationship. These strides are necessary for developing more comprehensive theories of motor performance and engage in cross-disciplinary research on the impact of stressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rowing competitions require consistent rowing strokes among crew members to achieve optimal performance. However, existing motion analysis techniques often rely on wearable sensors, leading to challenges in sporter inconvenience. The aim of our work is to use a graph-matching network to analyze the similarity in rowers' rowing posture and further pair rowers to improve the performance of their rowing team. This study proposed a novel video-based performance analysis system to analyze paired rowers using a graph-matching network. The proposed system first detected human joint points, as acquired from the OpenPose system, and then the graph embedding model and graph-matching network model were applied to analyze similarities in rowing postures between paired rowers. When analyzing the postures of the paired rowers, the proposed system detected the same starting point of their rowing postures to achieve more accurate pairing results. Finally, variations in the similarities were displayed using the proposed time-period similarity processing. The experimental results show that the proposed time-period similarity processing of the 2D graph-embedding model (GEM) had the best pairing results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Competitive sailing requires efforts pertinent to physiological limitations and coordination between different parts of the body. Such coordination depends on the torques applied by muscles to the joints. Objective: This study aims to simulate the motion and provide a control law for the joint torques in order to track the desired motion paths. Material and Methods: In this analytical study, an inverse dynamics based control is employed in order to simulate the motion by tracking the desired movement trajectories. First, the dynamics equations are obtained using Lagrange method for 5 degrees of freedom (5 DOF) model. In the following, a robust control scheme with inverse dynamics method based on the Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) approach is employed to track the desired joint angles obtained from the experiment. Results: The simulation results demonstrate the performance of the proposed control method. Low settling times are achieved for the entire joint, which is appropriate in comparison with the time period of each cycle (3.75 s). Also, the maximum torques required to be applied to the joints are in physiological range. Conclusion: This study provided an appropriate model for the analysis of human movement in rowing sport. The model can also be cited in terms of basic biological theories in addition to practical computational uses in biomechanical engineering. Accordingly, the generated control signals can help to improve the interactive body movements during paddling and in designing robotic arms for automatic rowing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the agreement of the root mean square of successive R-R interval (RMSSD) values when recorded immediately upon waking to values recorded later in the morning prior to practice, and to determine the associations of the RMSSD recordings with performance outcomes in female rowers. Methods: A total of 31 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I rowers were monitored for 6 consecutive days. Two seated RMSSD measurements were obtained on at least 3 mornings using a smartphone-based photoplethysmography application. Each 1-minute RMSSD measure was recorded following a 1-minute stabilization period. The first (T1) measurement occurred at the athlete's home following waking, while the second (T2) transpired upon arrival at the team's boathouse immediately before practice. From the measures, the RMSSD mean and coefficient of variation were calculated. Two objective performance assessments were conducted on an indoor rowing ergometer on separate days: 2000-m time trial and distance covered in 30 minutes. Interteam rank was determined by the coaches, based on subjective and objective performance markers. Results: The RMSSD mean (intraclass correlation coefficient =.82; 95% CI,.63 to.92) and RMSSD coefficient of variation (intraclass correlation coefficient =.75; 95% CI,.48 to.88) were strongly correlated at T1 and T2, P <.001. The RMSSD mean at T1 and T2 was moderately associated with athlete rank (r = −.55 and r = −.46, respectively), 30-minute distance (r =.40 and r =.41, respectively), and 2000 m at T1 (r = −.37), P <.05. No significant correlations were observed for the RMSSD coefficient of variation. Conclusion: Ultrashort RMSSD measurements taken immediately upon waking show very strong agreement with those taken later in the morning, at the practice facility. Future research should more thoroughly investigate the relationship between specific performance indices and the RMSSD mean and coefficient of variation for female collegiate rowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Force–time characteristics obtained during isometric strength tests are significantly correlated to various sporting movements. However, data on the relationship between isometric force–time characteristics and sprint kayaking performance are lacking in the literature. Purpose: The purpose of the study was, therefore, to investigate the relationship between sprint kayaking performance with ergometer performance and measures from 3 isometric strength tests: isometric squat, isometric bench press, and isometric prone bench pull. Methods: A total of 23 sprint kayaking athletes performed all 3 tests, at 90° and 120° knee angles for isometric squat and at elbow angles for isometric bench press and isometric prone bench pull, and a 200-m sprint on-water to attain the fastest time-to-completion (OWTT) possible and on a kayak ergometer to attain the highest mean power (LABTT) possible. Results: There was a significant inverse correlation between OWTT and LABTT (r = −.90, P <.001). The peak forces achieved from all isometric strength tests were significantly correlated with time-to-completion for OWTT and mean power for LABTT (r = −.44 to −.88, P <.05 and.47 to.80, P <.05, respectively). OWTT was significantly correlated with the peak rate of force development during all isometric tests except for the isometric squat at a 120° knee angle (r = −.47 to −.62, P <.05). LABTT was significantly correlated with peak rate of force development from the isometric bench press and isometric prone bench pull (r =.64–.86, P <.01). Conclusion: Based on the observed strong correlations, the mean power attained during LABTT is a good predictor of OWTT time-to-completion. Furthermore, upper- and lower-body maximum strength and peak rate of force development are equally important for on-water and ergometer sprint kayaking performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For athletes to gain body mass, especially muscle, an increase in energy consumption is necessary. To increase their energy intake, many athletes consume more meals, including supplementary meals or snacks. However, the influence of meal frequency on changes in body composition and appetite is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of meal frequency on changes in body composition and appetite during weight gain in athletes through a well-controlled dietary intervention. Ten male collegiate rowers with weight gain goals were included in this study. The subjects were randomly classified into two groups, and dietary intervention was implemented using a crossover method. During the intervention period, all subjects were provided identical meals aimed to provide a positive energy balance. The meals were consumed at a frequency of either three times (regular frequency) or six times (high frequency) a day. Body composition was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and the visual analog scale was used for the evaluation of appetite. In both trials, body weight, fat-free mass, and fat mass significantly increased; however, an interaction (Trial × Time) was not observed. Visual analog scale did not vary between trials. Our data suggest that partitioning identical excess dietary intakes over three or six meals does not influence changes in body composition or appetite during weight gain in athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine the relationship between the maximal power output (MPO) in an individualized 7 x 2-minute incremental (INCR) test, average power in a 2k (W2k) rowing ergometer test, and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and to develop a regression equation to predict VO2max. Methods: A total of 34 male club rowers (age 18-30 y) performed a 2k and an INCR test in a Concept2 rowing ergometer to determine and compare MPO, W2k, and VO2max. Results: No significant difference was found between VO2max measured during INCR or 2k test (P = .73). A very high correlation coefficient (r = .96) was found between MPO and VO2max and between W2k and VO2max (r = .93). Linear regression analyses were developed for predicting VO2max from MPO: (1) VO2max (mL·min-1) = 11.49 x MPO + 810 and VO2max from W2k: (2) VO2max = 10.96 x W2k + 1168. Cross-validation analyses were performed using an independent sample of 14 rowers. There was no difference between the mean predicted VO2max in the INCR test (4.41 L·min-1) or the 2k test (4.39 L·min-1) and the observed VO2max (4.40 L·min-1). Technical error of measurement was 3.1% and 3.6%, standard error of estimate was 0.136 and 0.157 mL·min-1, and validation coefficients (r) were .95 and .94 using Equation (1) and (2), respectively. Conclusion: A prediction model only including MPO or W2k explains 88% to 90% of the variability in VO2max and is suggested for practical use in male club rowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To test whether the force–velocity (F–V) relationship obtained during a specific single-stroke kayak test (SSKT) and during nonspecific traditional resistance-training exercises (bench press and prone bench pull) could discriminate between 200-m specialists and longer-distance (500- and 1000-m) specialists in canoe sprint. Methods: A total of 21 experienced male kayakers (seven 200-m specialists and 14 longer-distance specialists) participated in this study. After a familiarization session, kayakers came to the laboratory on 2 occasions separated by 48 to 96 hours. In a randomized order, kayakers performed the SSKT in one session and the bench press and bench pull tests in another session. Force and velocity outputs were recorded against 5 loads in each exercise to determine the F–V relationship and related parameters (maximum force, maximum velocity, F–V slope, and maximum power). Results: The individual F–V relationships were highly linear for the SSKT (r =.990 [.908,.998]), bench press (r =.993 [.974,.999]), and prone bench pull (r =.998 [.992, 1.000]). The F–V relationship parameters (maximum force, maximum velocity, and maximum power) were significantly higher for 200-m specialists compared with longer-distance specialists (all Ps ≤.047) with large effect sizes (≥0.94) revealing important practical differences. However, no significant differences were observed between 200-m specialists and longer-distance specialists in the F–V slope (P ≥.477). Conclusions: The F–V relationship assessed during both specific (SSKT) and nonspecific upper-body tasks (bench press and bench pull) may distinguish between kayakers specialized in different distances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Rowers can be in marshaling areas for up to 20 to 25 min before the start of a race, which likely negates any benefits of an active warm-up, especially in cold environments. It is unknown if using a heated jacket following a standardized rowing warm-up can improve 2000-m rowing performance. Methods: On 2 separate occasions, 10 trained male rowers completed a standardized rowing warm-up, followed by 25 min of passive rest before a 2000-m rowing time trial on a rowing ergometer. Throughout the passive rest, the participants wore either a standardized tracksuit top (CON) or an externally heated jacket (HEAT). The trials, presented in a randomized crossover fashion, were performed in a controlled environment (temperature 8°C, humidity 50%). Rowing time-trial performance, core body temperature, and mean skin temperature, along with perceptual variables, were measured. Results: During the 25-min period, core body temperature increased in HEAT and decreased in CON (Δ0.54°C [0.74°C] vs −0.93°C [1.14°C]; P =.02). Additionally, mean skin temperature (30.22°C [1.03°C] vs 28.86°C [1.07°C]) was higher in HEAT versus CON (P <.01). In line with the physiological data, the perceptual data confirmed that participants were more comfortable in HEAT versus CON, and subsequently, rowing performance was improved in HEAT compared with CON (433.1 [12.7] s vs 437.9 [14.4] s, P <.01). Conclusion: The data demonstrate that an upper-body external heating garment worn following a warm-up can improve rowing performance in a cool environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Participation on any level of the sport of rowing provides rowers with physical, psychological, and social benefits. The unique demands of the sport allow it to be accessible for athletes who are Deaf or hard of hearing (D/HOH). Inclusive participation in rowing allows rowers who are D/HOH to experience similar benefits to their teammates who hear. However, to achieve an inclusive team environment, coaches, coxswains, and teammates need to understand and accommodate the communication needs of rowers who are D/HOH. Many of these accommodations stem from collaborating on the timing and medium of feedback and instruction, how best to utilize an interpreter, and the creation of one-handed signals to be used on the water. The purpose of this article is to outline the needs of rowers who are D/HOH, the benefits of promoting accessibility and inclusion for these athletes, and provide recommendations and strategies for coaches, coxswains, and teammates to facilitate that accessibility and inclusion in and out of the boat. Keywords: Inclusion, feedback, sign language, coxswain, coach, The organized sport of rowing is a historied and traditioned sport with a broad range of competitive levels from recreational and competitive clubs to high school and collegiate programs as [...]