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In the Vase system, the most common training system for peach-growing countries for more than a century, light distribution to the canopy is uneven, and access to the canopy for pruning, thinning, and harvest labor is difficult. It is important to identify alternative systems to the Vase system considering the cultivar and growing environment to facilitate labor and enhance productivity and quality. In Türkiye, one of the important centers of peach growing worldwide, detailed research has yet to be published on the applicability of training systems alternative to the widely used Vase system. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of different training systems (Vase, Catalan Vase, Quad-V, Tri-V) on growth, yield, fruit quality, and labor costs of peach cultivars (ExtremeVR 314, ExtremeVR 436, ExtremeVR 568). The experiment was conducted from 2017 to 2022. Although the distance between rows in all training systems is 5 m, the distance between trees on the row is determined as 4 m in Vase, 3 m in Catalan Vase, 2.5 m in Quad-V, and 2 m in Tri-V. In the experiment, vegetative development parameters, such as canopy volume, trunk sectional area, and the amount of winter pruning weights, differed according to the training system. In the final year, the Vase system, which produces the most pruning weight, generates 48.0% more pruning weight compared with the Tri-V system, which produces the least. Concerning yield per tree and hectare, trained to the Vase system yielded higher fruit per tree regardless of cultivar, while the Quad-V and Tri-V systems yielded more fruit per hectare. The training system and cultivar affected the fruit size; the largest fruits were obtained from the ExtremeVR 568 cultivar trained according to the Vase system. The most time needed for winter pruning was obtained from the Vase (79.4 min/tree) system, and the Tri-V (57.4 min/tree) and Quad-V (60.3 min/tree) systems required the least time. The Catalan Vase (31.1 min/tree) system required the least time for summer pruning. The most fruit harvest in an hour was obtained from the trees trained according to the Tri-V (164.5 kg/h) and Quad-V (132.02 kg/h) systems. These results suggest that Quad-V and Catalan Vase systems performed well and could be alternatives to the Vase system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rowing races require extreme physical and psychological effort from every athlete. This study aimed to determine the dynamics of the salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase, as well as blood lactate throughout the specific load represented by a 6 km rowing race, conducted on a rowing ergometer. The sample consisted of 11 junior and senior rowers from HVK Gusar in Split (n = 11) who actively competed at club and international levels. Variables consisted of three repeated oral samples of the hormone cortisol and the enzyme alpha-amylase determined in saliva and three repeated blood lactate samples. Potential differences in the levels of the studied variables at different time points were determined using a repeated-measures ANOVA test. The results showed different dynamics of hormonal (cortisol) and metabolic (alpha-amylase and lactates) variables. All variables experienced a significant post-race increase, while other changes were not significant. The results highlighted that high-intensity rowing causes an increase in the body's cortisol, alpha-amylase, and lactate levels. This should be implemented in rowing training to find the right balance between high and low-intensity rowing, enabling athletes' progression while reducing the risk of overtraining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This longitudinal study aimed to analyze the effects of a team rowing-based training program on physical fitness and anthropometric parameters in female breast cancer survivors (n = 40; 56.78 ± 6.38 years). Participants were divided into two groups: one rowed in fixed seat rowing (FSR) boats (n = 20; 56.35 ± 4.89 years) and the other in sliding seat rowing (SSR) boats (n = 20; 57.20 ± 7.7 years). Both groups engaged in two 75-min sessions per week for 24 weeks. Significant improvements were observed in both groups in resting heart rate (FSR: −10.65 bpm; SSR: −8.45 bpm), heart rate at the beginning of the 6-min walk test (6 MWT) (FSR: −10.7 bpm; SSR: −11.25 bpm), and heart rate at the end of the test (FSR: −13.85 bpm; SSR: −20.35 bpm). Blood pressure improved significantly in both diastolic blood pressure (FSR: −12.35 mmHg; SSR: −19.25 mmHg) and systolic blood pressure (FSR: −13 mmHg; SSR: −16.95 mmHg). Additionally, both groups increased the distance covered in the 6 MWT (FSR: +63.05 m; SSR: +93.65 m). These results suggest that a rowing training program is a viable and safe activity for female breast cancer survivors, improving cardiac function, blood pressure, and cardiorespiratory capacity, particularly in sliding seat boats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this study was to study the effects of a specific rowing ergometer training program on the athletic performance of young adolescents (N = 56; 11.73 ± 1.4 years old) compared to a workout based on general strength training. An eight-week training program was implemented, with four sessions per week and two hours per session. The sample was divided into two groups: a control group (CG) that performed circuit training with exercises aimed at building general strength and an experimental group (EG) who focused on specifically training on a rowing ergometer (rowing machine). The data obtained in a rowing meter test over the competition distance were analyzed to obtain the average power attained (W) at the beginning of the training, at the middle (4 weeks), at the end of the training (8 weeks) and one year after the experimentation. The results show that although both forms of training improve the average W obtained in both categories, the EG subjects (+29.94 W) obtained better averages in all phases of the study compared to the CG (+5.88 W). Furthermore, this increase was greater in male rowers (+34.06 W) than in female rowers (+24.54 W). These results reveal that a specific rower rowing ergometer training program has a more significant effect than a general strength program and these effects can even be observed a year after the intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is quite remarkable how solo bamboo drifting (originated from indigenous boating in southwestern China) has transformed into a captivating and innovative sport when compared to more conventional forms of competition. This study focuses on the competitive element of solo drifting on bamboo, which involves direct contact with the terrain. Instead, the focus is on studying a variety of oar-rowing strategies and understanding how successful athletes achieve victory in competitions. The primary objective of the research is to offer training advice that is supported by empirical evidence for the participants/athletes involved in the sport. The investigation involves five athletes who were selected for the case studies based on their performance in the 60-metre straight track event. In this context, the study tools used include literature analysis, observation, video playback, and statistical mathematics. The Dartfish sports technique video analysis system, a specialised app, enables you to scrutinise movements closely and compare them to your athletes to evaluate their pole-rowing techniques. The results suggest that the athletes' technique plays a vital role in determining the competitive outcomes in solo bamboo drifting. Factors such as their position on the bamboo, the angle at which the pole enters the water, the management of rowing power and speed, and the control of the bamboo's direction all contribute to the overall performance. By maintaining proper posture and employing effective pole-rowing techniques, you can greatly reduce water resistance and increase the speed of the bamboo's forward movement. Efficiently managing the force applied during rowing is crucial for maintaining the stability of the bamboo and maximising the overall effectiveness of the rowing process. Furthermore, the competitors' yawing phenomena during the competition have a negative impact on rowing efficiency, disrupting the rhythm and stability of the rowing motions. This study employs comparative analysis to investigate the pole-rowing tactics of three athletes, emphasising differences in their movement intricacies and effectiveness during the rowing cycle. The results of this study provide a solid basis for future training efforts. This paper provides a comprehensive set of training suggestions derived from the research findings. These recommendations involve incorporating cutting-edge technology for technical monitoring and analysis, improving physical training to optimise rowing efficiency, and honing direction control in different competition conditions. The purpose of these guidelines is to help athletes enhance their pole-rowing techniques and elevate their performance in competitions. This research not only provides theoretical justification for the technical training of solo bamboo drifting but also offers practical instructions for the scientific advancement and widespread adoption of the sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When data is scarce, software analytics can make many mistakes. For example, consider learning predictors for open source project health (e.g., the number of closed pull requests in 12 months time). The training data for this task may be very small (e.g., 5 years of data, collected every month means just 60 rows of training data). The models generated from such tiny datasets can make many prediction errors. Those errors can be tamed by a landscape analysis that selects better learner control parameters. Our niSNEAK tool (a) clusters the data to find the general landscape of the hyperparameters, then (b) explores a few representatives from each part of that landscape. niSNEAK is both faster and more effective than prior state-of-the-art hyperparameter optimization algorithms (e.g., FLASH, HYPEROPT, OPTUNA). The configurations found by niSNEAK have far less error than other methods. For example, for project health indicators such as C = number of commits, I = number of closed issues, and R = number of closed pull requests, niSNEAK 's 12-month prediction errors are {I=0%, R=33% C=47%}, whereas other methods have far larger errors of {I=61%,R=119% C=149%}. We conjecture that niSNEAK works so well since it finds the most informative regions of the hyperparameters, then jumps to those regions. Other methods (that do not reflect over the landscape) can waste time exploring less informative options. Based on the preceding, we recommend landscape analytics (e.g., niSNEAK) especially when learning from very small datasets. This article only explores the application of niSNEAK to project health. That said, we see nothing in principle that prevents the application of this technique to a wider range of problems. To assist other researchers in repeating, improving, or even refuting our results, all our scripts and data are available on GitHub at https://github.com/zxcv123456qwe/niSneak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurately characterizing vineyard parameters is crucial for precise vineyard management and breeding purposes. Various macroscopic vineyard parameters are required to make informed management decisions, such as pesticide application, defoliation strategies, and determining optimal sugar content in each berry by assessing biomass. In this paper, we present a novel approach that utilizes point cloud data to detect trunk positions and extract macroscopic vineyard characteristics, including plant height, canopy width, and canopy volume. Our approach relies solely on geometric features and is compatible with different training systems and data collected using various 3D sensors. To evaluate the effectiveness and robustness of our proposed approach, we conducted extensive experiments on multiple grapevine rows trained in two different systems. Our method provides more comprehensive canopy characteristics than traditional manual measurements, which are not representative throughout the row. The experimental results demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of our method in extracting vital macroscopic vineyard characteristics, providing valuable insights for yield monitoring, grape quality optimization, and strategic interventions to enhance vineyard productivity and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionThe aim of the study was to investigate the influence of training status on cardiovascular function in young male recreational and competitive rowers.MethodsEjection duration in percentage to the heart rate period (ED%), subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR), augmentation index at 75 bpm (AIx75) and carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) of competitive rowers (CR) (age 17.6 ± 4.1 years), recreational rowers (RR) (age 16.7 ± 2.70 years) and athletes practicing other recreational sports (ORS) (age 15.3 ± 1.4 years) were assessed.ResultsED% was lower in CR compared to ORS (31.9 ± 3.9% vs. 38.4 ± 4.8%; p = 0.026) and cf-PWV was higher in CR compared to ORS (5.5 ± 1.0 m/s vs. 4.7 ± 0.5 m/s; p = 0.032). SEVR was higher in CR compared to RR and ORS (165.8 ± 33.7% vs. 127.4 ± 30.4% and 128.3 ± 27.8%; p = 0.022) and AIx75 was lower in CR compared to RR and ORS (−15.7 ± 8.6% vs. 1.2 ± 9.9% and 1.5 ± 9.1; p = 0.001).DiscussionHealthy, young competitive male rowers reported higher myocardial performance and better cardiovascular health than recreational athletes. Interpretations of cf-PWV in competitive rowers should be performed alongside other cardiovascular indicators.

Using panel data from 2009, 2011, and 2015, this study estimates the impact of rice production training conducted in Uganda on the adoption of improved cultivation practices and productivities of not only training participants but also non-participants. Spillover effects to non-participants in training villages are indicated by increased total rice production by 0.4 tons and expanded cultivation area by 0.26 hectare. Although training increases adoption rates for better cultivation practice, namely, transplanting in rows among training participants, both in the short and long term, there were no measurable improvements in non-participants' rice cultivation knowledge or in rice productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification method of rice seedling rows based on machine vision is affected by environmental factors that decrease the accuracy and the robustness of the rice seedling row identification algorithm (e.g., ambient light transformation, similarity of weed and rice features, and lack of seedlings in rice rows). To solve the problem of the above environmental factors, a Gaussian Heatmap-based method is proposed for rice seedling row identification in this study. The proposed method is a CNN model that comprises the High-Resolution Convolution Module of the feature extraction model and the Gaussian Heatmap of the regression module of key points. The CNN model is guided using Gaussian Heatmap generated by the continuity of rice row growth and the distribution characteristics of rice in rice rows to learn the distribution characteristics of rice seedling rows in the training process, and the positions of the coordinates of the respective key point are accurately returned through the regression module. For the three rice scenarios (including normal scene, missing seedling scene and weed scene), the PCK and average pixel offset of the model were 94.33%, 91.48%, 94.36% and 3.09, 3.13 and 3.05 pixels, respectively, for the proposed method, and the forward inference speed of the model reached 22 FPS, which can meet the real-time requirements and accuracy of agricultural machinery in field management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technology and the widespread use of sensing technology in education, human-computer interaction teaching has gradually developed in sports and education. Traditionally, teachers explain and demonstrate the fundamentals of movements first, then organize exercises, and students gradually consolidate technical movements through repetition. This process requires teachers to repeatedly explain, such that students can develop movement concepts, and to assist students in correcting their movements through practice. Eventually, students can master the dragon boat's paddling movements. Teachers frequently struggle to observe all of their students' movements and are therefore unable to correct them in a timely and effective manner. To address the aforementioned issues, this paper proposes a big data system for multidimensional stereo vision training in dragon boat paddling action. The stock price action recognition of dragon boat paddles and the movement of students' dragon boat paddles are realized through the multidimensional fusion of attention mechanism and spatiotemporal graph convolution. Make judgments to more effectively guide and train students' paddling movements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Instrumentation systems are increasingly used in rowing to measure training intensity and performance but have not been validated for measures of power. In this study, the concurrent validity of Peach PowerLine (six units), Nielsen-Kellerman EmPower (five units), Weba OarPowerMeter (three units), Concept2 model D ergometer (one unit), and a custom-built reference instrumentation system (Reference System; one unit) were investigated. Methods: Eight female and seven male rowers [age, 21 ± 2.5 years; rowing experience, 7.1 ± 2.6 years, mean ± standard deviation (SD)] performed a 30-s maximal test and a 7 × 4-min incremental test once per week for 5 weeks. Power per stroke was extracted concurrently from the Reference System (via chain force and velocity), the Concept2 itself, Weba (oar shaft-based), and either Peach or EmPower (oarlock-based). Differences from the Reference System in the mean (representing potential error) and the stroke-to-stroke variability (represented by its SD) of power per stroke for each stage and device, and between-unit differences, were estimated using general linear mixed modeling and interpreted using rejection of non-substantial and substantial hypotheses. Results: Potential error in mean power was decisively substantial for all devices (Concept2, –11 to –15%; Peach, −7.9 to −17%; EmPower, −32 to −48%; and Weba, −7.9 to −16%). Between-unit differences (as SD) in mean power lacked statistical precision but were substantial and consistent across stages (Peach, ∼5%; EmPower, ∼7%; and Weba, ∼2%). Most differences from the Reference System in stroke-to-stroke variability of power were possibly or likely trivial or small for Peach (−3.0 to −16%), and likely or decisively substantial for EmPower (9.7–57%), and mostly decisively substantial for Weba (61–139%) and the Concept2 (−28 to 177%). Conclusion: Potential negative error in mean power was evident for all devices and units, particularly EmPower. Stroke-to-stroke variation in power showed a lack of measurement sensitivity (apparent smoothing) that was minor for Peach but larger for the Concept2, whereas EmPower and Weba added random error. Peach is therefore recommended for measurement of mean and stroke power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinal cord injury is a devastating condition interrupting voluntary movement and motor control. In response to unloading, skeletal muscle undergoes numerous adaptations, including rapid and profound atrophy, intramuscular fat accumulation, impaired muscular glucose metabolism and decreased force generation and muscle performance. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) involves electrically stimulating affected muscles to contract in a coordinated manner to create a functional movement or task. Effects of FES-cycling, rowing and resistance training on muscle health are described here. Briefly, FES-cycling and resistance training may slow muscle atrophy or facilitate muscle hypertrophy, and all modalities benefit muscle composition and performance to some extent. These interventions show promise as future rehabilitative tools after spinal cord injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effects of normobaric hypoxic training by rowing ergometer on aerobic performance and anaerobic threshold. Fourteen healthy male participants perform 30 min of continuous training in either a normoxic (FiO2 = 0.209) or hypoxic (FiO2 = 0.145) condition. The participants were randomly assigned into two groups, with 7 participants per group. Both the Control (n = 7) and Hypoxic (n = 7) group participants exercised on a rowing ergometer at an intensity corresponding to 80-90% of heart rate at anaerobic threshold attained in normoxia. Before the training (PRE), after three-week training (MID) and after six-week training (POST), the subject's aerobic performance and anaerobic threshold were determined by 7x4 rowing ergometer incremental test under the normoxic condition. The results showed that there was a significant improvement in the normoxic anaerobic threshold only for the Hypoxic groups (p<0.05) at PRE-training compared to POST-training value. There was no difference in normoxic aerobic performance and the normoxic anaerobic threshold between the Control group; CON and the Hypoxic group; HYP (p<0.05). In conclusion, the normobaric hypoxic training protocol manipulated in this experiment had a significant effect on development in the anaerobic threshold but no significant difference between Control and Hypoxic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study examined selected myokine responses to an endurance rowing training session, and whether metabolic demands of the acute aerobic rowing exercise together with training volume, aerobic capacity, and body composition variables affect potential exercise-induced changes in the myokine levels in female rowers. Methods: Fifteen national level female rowers [18.3 ± 1.6 years; 172.0 ± 5.0 cm, 67.5 ± 8.8 kg; maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max): 47.2 ± 7.9 ml.min.−1 kg−1] performed a 1-h rowing ergometer exercise at the intensity of 70% of VO2max [distance: 12.1 ± 1.1 km; energy expenditure (EE): 639 ± 69 kcal; heart rate (HR): 151 ± 7 beats.min−1] followed by a 30-min recovery period. Venous blood samples were collected before and after exercise, and analyzed for irisin, fibroplast growth factor-21 (FGF-21), and follistatin conentrations. Results: Plasma irisin and FGF-21 concentrations were increased (by 8%; p = 0.013 and by 13%; p < 0.0001, respectively) immediately after the aerobic rowing exercise. Follistatin was significantly increased (by 11%; p = 0.001) only after the first 30 min of recovery. Exercise metabolic demand variables such as distance covered and total EE were correlated with the pre-to-post-exercise increases in FGF-21 concentrations (r = 0.52; p = 0.047 and r = 0.68; p = 0.005, respectively). Exercise-induced increases in irisin levels were related to aerobic capacity as measured by VO2max (r = 0.53; p = 0.041) and training stress as measured by weekly training volume (r = 0.54; p = 0.039) in female rowers. Conclusion: Acute negative energy balance induced by a single endurance rowing training session elicited significant increases in irisin, FGF-21, and follistatin levels in national level female rowers. While exercise-induced increases in FGF-21 levels were associated with exercise metabolic demand measures, exercise-induced increases in irisin concentrations were related to aerobic capacity and training stress measures in female rowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to analyze the contribution of anthropometric and strength determinants of 2000 m ergometer performance in traditional rowing. Nineteen rowers competing at national level participated in this study. Anthropometric characteristics, vertical jumps and bench pull tests were assessed to determine conditional factors, whereas the 2000 m test was used to set rowing performance. Pearson correlation coefficient, linear stepwise and allometric regression analyses were used to predict rowing performance (R2 > 50%). Height, body mass and body muscle correlated with rowing performance in male and female rowers. Similarly, power output for squat jump and countermovement jump power correlated with performance. Finally, mean propulsive velocity, mean power and maximum power in bench pull also correlated with the test. Stepwise multiple regression analysis identified body mass (R2 = 0.69, p < 0.001) and mean propulsive velocity in bench pull (R2 = 0.76, p < 0.001) for male rowers and body muscle (R2 = 0.89, p = 0.002) and maximum power in bench pull (R2 = 0.62, p = 0.036) for female rowers as the best predictors of rowing performance. These results determine the relevance of anthropometric characteristics and, in contrast to Olympic rowing, support the greatest importance of upper body power in traditional rowing training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This review presents a perspective on the expansive literature on rowing.Methods: The PubMed database was searched for the most relevant literature, while some information was obtained from books.Results: Following the life span of former rowers paved the way to advocate exercise for health promotion. Rowing involves almost all muscles during the stroke and competition requires a large oxygen uptake, which is challenged by the pulmonary diffusion capacity and restriction in blood flow to the muscles. Unique training adaptations allow for simultaneous engagement of the legs in the relatively slow movement of the rowing stroke that, therefore, involves primarily slow-twitch muscle fibres. Like other sport activities, rowing is associated with adaptation not only of the heart, including both increased internal diameters and myocardial size, but also skeletal muscles with hypertrophy of especially slow-twitch muscle fibres. The high metabolic requirement of intense rowing reduces blood pH and, thereby, arterial oxygen saturation decreases as arterial oxygen tension becomes affected.Conclusion: Competitive rowing challenges most systems in the body including pulmonary function and circulatory control with implication for cerebral blood flow and neuromuscular activation. Thus, the physiology of rowing is complex, but it obviously favours large individuals with arms and legs that allow the development of a long stroke. Present inquiries include the development of an appropriately large cardiac output despite the Valsalva-like manoeuvre associated with the stroke, and the remarkable ability of the brain to maintain motor control and metabolism despite marked reductions in cerebral blood flow and oxygenation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In rowing, rowers need outdoor and indoor training to develop a proficient technique. Although numerous indoor rowing machines have been proposed, none of the devices can realistically render the haptic, visual, and auditory characteristics of an actual rowing scenario. In our laboratory, we developed a simulator to support rowing training indoors. However, rendered forces with the initial rowing model, which was based on a simplified fluid dynamic model that approximated the drag/lift forces, were not perceived realistic enough for indoor training by expert rowers. Therefore, we implemented a new model for the blade–water interaction forces, which incorporates the three-dimensional rotation of the oar and continuously adjusts drag/lift coefficients. Ten expert rowers were asked to evaluate both models for various rowing aspects. In addition, the effect of individualization of model parameters on the perceived realism of rowing forces was elaborated. Based on the answers of the experts, we concluded that the new model rendered realistically resistive forces and ensured a smooth transition of forces within a rowing cycle. Additionally, we found that individualization of parameters significantly improved the perceived realism of the simulator. Equipped with a configurable rowing model, our simulator provides a realistic indoor training platform for rowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Anderson discriminant function has a number of properties useful for solving classification problems and for evaluating posterior class probabilities. As the mathematical formalism, we use the same weighted least-squares method to approximate the Anderson discriminant function in the neighborhood of zero values both in solving the classification problem and in evaluating posterior probabilities of classes at a given point in the feature space. In the support vector method, the classification problem is solved by solving a quadratic programming problem with the number of constraints equal to the number of rows in the training sample, and to evaluate posterior probabilities of the classes an additional tool is used, namely the Platt calibrator, which converts the distance of the point to the boundary to the posterior probability of the class; the calibrator's parameters are found with the maximum likelihood method. Using several examples of solving classification problems, we compare the performance of the methods by the criterion of empirical risk. The results are in favor of the method of approximating the Anderson discriminant function in the neighborhood of zero values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of iron depletion without anemia on performance in a sample of female collegiate rowers at the beginning of a training season (August 2008, January 2009, and September 2009). One hundred sixty-five female collegiate rowers from 5 colleges and universities in central New York State participated in a screening of iron status. Blood hemoglobin (Hgb), serum ferritin (sFer), and soluble transferrin receptor were measured to determine prevalence of iron depletion and anemia. Rowers' habitual moderate and vigorous physical activity, as well as their best time to complete a 2-km simulated race during the previous 3 months, were self-reported. Sixteen rowers (10%) were identified as anemic (Hgb <12.0 g/dl). Using a sFer cutoff of <20.0 µg/L, 30% (n = 44) of the nonanemic rowers were identified as iron depleted without anemia and reported 2-km times ~21 s slower (p < .004) than rowers with normal iron status. Given the high prevalence of iron depletion reported in this and other studies, screening for low iron stores at the start of a training program in female athletes involved in an endurance sport may be clinically useful. In this study, iron-depleted rowers (sFer <20-25 µg/L) reported a decrease in performance time compared with those with normal iron stores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between elite rowers and their coaches. We were particularly interested in how the rowers constructed and negotiated the interactions and pedagogical actions of the coaches. Drawing upon participant observation and the principal researcher's reflexive journal, data were collected over a five-month period while ten rowers participated in a preparatory training camp for subsequent selection to compete at upcoming major events. The data were analyzed inductively (Rubin & Rubin, 1995). The findings demonstrate the importance of social expectations within the coaching context. Such expectations have to be at least partially met if the coaching "contract" is to be honored (Jones, 2009). Not doing so, puts at risk the respect of athletes, without which coaches simply cannot operate (Potrac, Jones & Armour, 2002). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the effect of sample site (earlobe vs toe) and incremental exercise protocol (continuous vs discontinuous) on training zone prescription in rowing. Methods: Twenty-six rowers performed two incremental exercise tests on an ergometer: (1) a five-step discontinuous test with 4-min stages and 30-W increment, with blood samples taken from the earlobe and toe at the start of the 1-min break between steps; (2) a continuous test, with 2-min stages and 30-W increment, with blood samples taken from the right first toe at the end of each stage. Blood was analyzed for lactate concentration. Results: At a lactate concentration of 2 mmol·L-1, the mean (95% CI) power output was 8.1 (± 15.4) W greater for the continuous protocol, the random error between the methods (1.96 × SD of differences) was ± 58.8 W, and there was no evidence of any relationship between power output and error between methods. At a lactate concentration of 4 mmol·L-1, the mean (95% CI) power output was 24.2 (± 17.0) W greater for the continuous protocol, and the random error was ± 64.8 W. At 4 mmol·L-1, systematic bias between methods increased with high power outputs. Conclusions: The continuous protocol with toe sampling led to higher power outputs for a given lactate concentration compared with the discontinuous protocol with earlobe sampling. This was partly due to the choice of sample site and largely due to the choice of protocol. This bias, and also random variability, makes direct comparison of these tests inappropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, rowing power has been shown to be a key determinant of rowing performance. However, rowing power testing can vary greatly, and is not standardized. Here we sought to evaluate rowing power over a 15 sec rowing test utilizing a stroke-by-stroke analysis before and after 4 weeks of training in youth rowers. Methods: 18 adolescent male rowers were assigned to complete either 4 weeks of plyometric training (PLYO, n=9), or steady state cycling (Control, n=9), for 30 minutes before on water training three days/week. Each group was matched for training volume. Peak power (PP) was assessed via a 15 sec maximal rowing ergometer test. Using the Ergdata mobile app, PP, peak force (PF), average force (AF), drive speed (DS), and stroke at which PP was achieved (PPstroke) were measured and recorded for later offline analysis. Results: Before training PP, PF, AF and DS did not differ between groups. After training, PP trended towards a significant difference between groups PLYO and CON (569±75 v. 629±51 Watts, control v. PLYO, p=0.08). Stroke-by-stroke analysis indicated more power was produced over the test following training (p<0.05), but no group differences existed. There was also a trend towards PLYO achieving PP earlier in the test (7.7±0.9 to 6.9±0.9 strokes, p=0.08). Finally, DS during the test was significantly increased for PLYO after training (p<0.05). Conclusion: This novel method of evaluating rowing power was able to detect changes in rowing power indices, providing coaches with a cost effective method of evaluating responses to rowing training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to measure the within- and between-session reliability of the seven-stroke maximal effort (7SM) test on a rowing ergometer (Concept2® system, model C, Vermont, USA) using an unrestricted stroke rate. Ten national level senior male rowers (age: 26 ± 4 years; height: 186 ± 5.2 cm; body mass: 84.3 ± 6.8 kg; rowing experience: 7 ± 3 years) participated in this study. During session one, subjects performed three 7SM tests with a 4 minutes passive rest interval between tests. During session two and three, subjects performed one 7SM test. Within-session (comparison of three 7SM tests from session one) and between-session (comparison of the initial 7SM test from session one, two and three) reliability was assessed using one-way repeated-measures ANOVA, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), coefficient of variation (CV%) and standard error of measurement (SEM). The smallest detectable difference (SDD) was calculated for practical applications. Within-session reliability was good to high for all force, power and stroke rate variables (ICC = 0.88 - 0.99, CV = 1.0 - 2.4%, p > 0.05 for all). Between-session reliability was high for all force and power variables (ICC = 0.96 - 0.97, CV = 1.3 - 2.2%, p > 0.05 for all) but questionable for stroke rate variables (ICC = 0.72 - 0.77, CV = 2.5 - 2.7%, p < 0.05 for all). The 7SM test using an unrestricted stroke rate is a reliable, practical and readily accessible test of maximal force and power output in rowers. The SEM and SDD values provided can help strength and conditioning (S&C) coaches to evaluate true changes in 7SM test performance and eliminate measurement error as a cause of change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multitude of robotic systems have been developed to foster motor learning. Some of these robotic systems featured augmented visual or haptic feedback, which was automatically adjusted to the trainee's performance. However, selecting the type of feedback to achieve the training goal usually remained up to a human trainer. We automated this feedback selection within a robotic rowing simulator: Four spatial errors and one velocity error were considered, all related to trunk-arm sweep rowing set as the training goal to be learned. In an alternating sequence of assessments without augmented feedback and training sessions with augmented, concurrent feedback, the experimental group received feedback, thus addressing the main shortcoming of the previous assessment. With this approach, each participant of the experimental group received an individual sequence of 10 training sessions with feedback. The training sequences from participants in the experimental group were consecutively applied for participants in the control group. Both groups were able to reduce spatial and velocity errors due to training. The learning rate of the requested velocity profile was significantly higher for the experimental group compared with the control group. Thus, our robotic rowing simulator accelerated motor learning by automated feedback selection. This demonstration of a working, closed-loop selection of types of feedback, i.e., training conditions, could serve as the basis for other robotic trainers incorporating further human expertise and artificial intelligence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endurance athletes have indicated that the ability to tolerate high levels of athletic pain accounted for much of their success (Egan, 1987). This study examined the role of stress inoculation training (SIT) in increasing athletic pain tolerance on an isometric quadriceps task. Athletes (N = 45) from the sports of rowing, cycling, and triathlon completed the study, which consisted of performing a wall sit for as long as possible in a pretest-posttest control group design. The results indicated that subjects receiving training in SIT significantly increased their tolerance time on the wall sit. F(4, 84) = 2.51, p < .048, as compared to the control. Consistent with other research (Vallis, 1984), there was no difference between subjects who received training in SIT and those who received training in only one component of SIT. The results suggest that SIT may assist athletes in tolerating higher levels of athletic pain during training and competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is a follow-up case report of the study from R'Kiouak and colleagues (2016). From the initial study that analyzed how individual experts rowed together while they never had practiced together, we seized here the opportunity to investigate how both rowers synchronize after having intensively practiced joint action through a national training program in which they were invited to take part. The joint action of 2 individual expert rowers, which composed a coxless pair crew, was tracked on-the-water at the end of a team-training program. We first determined how each rower experienced the joint action at each instance of oars' strokes during a 12min race. A phenomenological analysis evidenced several categories of how rowers shared lived experiences of their joint action. From mechanical data captured through an automatic recording device, we then scrutinized the mechanical signatures that correlated with each phenomenological sample. By comparing the present case report to the initial study, results suggested that, after the training program (a) rowers shared more meaningful experience of their joint action, and (b) only the boat velocity's index contributed to explain why oars stroke were alternatively lived as effective or detrimental. The present case report thus suggests that joint action training in rowing might imply an increase in the joint sense-making activities, probably associated with a change from an inter-personal to an extra-personal meaningful mode of co-regulation of the joint action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is grounded in a comparison of the cultural identifications that accompany Sambas Malays’ participation in rowing competitions ‘at home’ and ‘away’. Sambas Malays are Indonesian citizens from the regency of Sambas, who ethnically identify as Malay. There, rowing competitions provide the sociocultural infrastructure for developing local and translocal cultural identifications. Two related, yet distinguishable, cultural identifications are evident, each associated with a specific rowing infrastructure. When contests occur ‘at home’, rowing is steeped in local Sambas Malay culture and heritage. However, contests ‘away’, in areas loosely identified as ‘Malay’, generate identifications with a regionally based Malay culture and consociality. Utilizing a non-positivistic conceptualization of ‘border’, this paper considers the intersection of culture, politics, economy, geography and mobility in everyday bordering practices producing two overlapping cultural identifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of training status on cardiovascular function in young male recreational and competitive rowers., Methods: Ejection duration in percentage to the heart rate period (ED%), subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR), augmentation index at 75 bpm (AIx75) and carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) of competitive rowers (CR) (age 17.6 ± 4.1 years), recreational rowers (RR) (age 16.7 ± 2.70 years) and athletes practicing other recreational sports (ORS) (age 15.3 ± 1.4 years) were assessed., Results: ED% was lower in CR compared to ORS (31.9 ± 3.9% vs. 38.4 ± 4.8%; p  = 0.026) and cf-PWV was higher in CR compared to ORS (5.5 ± 1.0 m/s vs. 4.7 ± 0.5 m/s; p  = 0.032). SEVR was higher in CR compared to RR and ORS (165.8 ± 33.7% vs. 127.4 ± 30.4% and 128.3 ± 27.8%; p  = 0.022) and AIx75 was lower in CR compared to RR and ORS (-15.7 ± 8.6% vs. 1.2 ± 9.9% and 1.5 ± 9.1; p  = 0.001)., Discussion: Healthy, young competitive male rowers reported higher myocardial performance and better cardiovascular health than recreational athletes. Interpretations of cf-PWV in competitive rowers should be performed alongside other cardiovascular indicators., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2023 Falcioni, Gallotta, Baldari, Cardinali, Campanella, Ferrari, Guidetti and Meucci.)

This study aimed to determine the effects of a short-term, strength training intervention, typically undertaken by club-standard rowers, on 2,000 m rowing performance and strength and power development. Twenty-eight male rowers were randomly assigned to intervention or control groups. All participants performed baseline testing involving assessments of muscle soreness, creatine kinase activity (CK), maximal voluntary contraction (leg-extensors) (MVC), static-squat jumps (SSJ), counter-movement jumps (CMJ), maximal rowing power strokes (PS) and a 2,000 m rowing ergometer time-trial (2,000 m) with accompanying respiratory-exchange and electromyography (EMG) analysis. Intervention group participants subsequently performed three identical strength training (ST) sessions, in the space of five days, repeating all assessments 24 h following the final ST. The control group completed the same testing procedure but with no ST. Following ST, the intervention group experienced significant elevations in soreness and CK activity, and decrements in MVC, SSJ, CMJ and PS (p < 0.01). However, 2,000 m rowing performance, pacing strategy and gas exchange were unchanged across trials in either condition. Following ST, significant increases occurred for EMG (p < 0.05), and there were non-significant trends for decreased blood lactate and anaerobic energy liberation (p = 0.063 - 0.086). In summary, club-standard rowers, following an intensive period of strength training, maintained their 2,000 m rowing performance despite suffering symptoms of muscle damage and disruption to muscle function. This disruption likely reflected the presence of acute residual fatigue, potentially in type II muscle fibres as strength and power development were affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The aim of this study was to examine the dependencies between support scull kinematics and body stability in the vertical position. Methods. The study involved 16 synchronized swimmers. Twelve markers were placed on the pubic symphysis, head, middle fingers, and transverse axes of upper limb joints. Support scull trials were recorded at 50 fps by cameras placed in watertight housings. Calculated measures included: excursion of the sculling movement; flexion and extension angle of the elbow and wrist joints; adduction and abduction angle of the shoulder joint; adduction and abduction angle of the forearm to/from the trunk; ranges of movement of the wrist, elbow, and shoulder joints; range of movement of forearm adduction towards the trunk; and the range of movement of shoulder adduction towards the trunk. Results. The length of the trajectory taken by the marker on the pubic symphysis was longer if the range of movement of the wrist joint was larger. The movement of the body in the right-left and upwards-downwards direction increased together with a greater range of movement of the wrist joint. It was also found that a greater sculling angle produced greater body displacement in the forwards-backwards direction. The head marker was characterized by a significantly larger range of displacement in the forwards-backwards and right-left directions than the pubic symphysis. Conclusions. The findings indicate that the ability to maintain body stability in the vertical position is associated with the range of movement of the radial wrist joint, angle of forearm adduction, and a newly-introduced measure - sculling angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: This paper focuses on the learning culture within the high-performance levels of rowing. In doing so, we explore the case of an individual's learning as he moves across athletic, coaching and administrative functions. This exploration draws on a cultural learning framework and complementary theorisings related to reflexivity. Method: This study makes use of an intellectually, morally and collaboratively challenging approach whereby one member of the research team was also the sole participant of this study. The participant's career as a high-performance athlete, coach and administrator, coupled with his experience in conducting empirical research presented a rare opportunity to engage in collaborative research (involving degrees of insider and outsider status for each of the research team). We acknowledge that others have looked to combine roles of coach/athlete/administrator with that of researcher; however, few (if any) have attempted to combine them all in one project. Moreover, coupled with the approach to reflexivity adopted in this study and the authorship contributions, we consider this scholarly direction uncommon. Data comprised recorded research conversations, a subsequently constructed learning narrative, reflections on the narrative, a stimulated reflective piece from the participant and the final (re)construction of the participant's story. Accordingly, data were integrated through an iterative process of thematic analysis. Results: The cultural (i.e. the ways things get done) and structural (e.g. the rules and regulations) properties of high-performance rowing were found to shape the opportunities both to be present (e.g. secure a place in the crew) and to learn (e.g. learn the skills required to perform at the Olympic level). However, the individual's personal properties were brought to bear on reshaping the constraints such that many limitations could be overcome. In keeping with the theory of learning cultures, the culture of rowing was found to position individuals (a coxswain in this case) differentially. In a similar manner, a range of structural features were found to be important in shaping the cultural and personal elements in performance contexts. Finally, the cultural and structural elements in rowing appeared to be activated by the participant's personal elements, most notably his orientation towards quality performance. Conclusion: The participant in this study was found to be driven by the project that he cares about most and at each turn he has bent his understanding of his sport back on itself to see if he can find opportunities to learn and subsequently explore ways to improve performance. The story here emphasises the importance of learner agency, and this is an aspect that has often been missing in recent theorising about learning. In this study, we find an agent using his ‘personal emergent powers’ to activate the resources in the culture and structure of his sport in an attempt to improve performance. We conclude from this account that this particular high-performance rowing culture is one that provided support but nonetheless encouraged those involved, to ‘figure things out’ for themselves – be it as athletes, coaches and/or administrators. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The aim of this paper is to discuss the development and evolution of particular personas adopted by researchers in the quest for rich exchanges within the social field. It analyses my role (the principal author) as a female ethnographer (and the sole female) in the world of elite male rowing. Data are drawn from personal notes, reflections and observations during a five-month-long training camp. My experiences are located within dramaturgical social theory and, in particular, Goffman's work on face and impression management. The significance of the work is twofold. Firstly, it lies in recognising the strategies we use and the identities we construct as researchers in negotiating the social field towards desired ends. Secondly, it raises awareness of the implications performances have for the nature of the data gathered and the conclusions drawn from them. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Analysis of measured kinematic parameters is commonly used in competitive sports to optimize athletes' performance. The progress in technology offers new ways for displaying feedback information to athletes. In rowing, synchronous visual feedback is regularly used, but the presentation of acoustic information is a new and promising application for technique training and monitoring. This paper describes the prototype Sofirow as an online acoustic feedback system for on-water rowing training, developed in cooperation between the University of Hamburg and BeSB GmbH Berlin. Sofirow measures propulsive boat acceleration (MEMS sensor, up to 125Hz) and velocity (4Hz-GPS). Technical requirements concerned with the acoustic transformation (sonification) and its presentation. The associated software Regatta provides an analysis of the measured data. An intra-cyclic analysis of the boat's acceleration-time-trace investigated potential benefits for the time structure of the acceleration trace. Effects on boat motion were explored in an empirical investigation with the German junior national rowing team in 2009. The first significant results were encouraging and support the implementation of acoustic information regularly into training processes for elite athletes. Sofirow represents the rhythmic acceleration trace distinctly and audibly and thus, offers systematic monitoring and control of the boat motion in on-water technique training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of a study which investigated the the differences in muscle activation between a simulated maximal-effort rowing race and a submaximal rowing ergometer test. An overview of related previous research is provided, along with details of the experimental protocol, which involved electromyography.

Objective: To determine the magnitude and range of increases in peak aerobic capacity with hybrid–functional electrical stimulation (FES) rowing versus arms-only rowing in persons with spinal cord injury. Design: Comparison of graded exercise tests for peak responses during FES rowing and arms-only rowing. Preliminary data on adaptations to FES row training were gathered in a subset of individuals. Setting: Outpatient cardiovascular research laboratory. Participants: Six male patients with spinal cord injury (T4-T9, American Spinal Injury Association class A). Methods or Intervention: Arms-only rowing was compared with FES rowing, in which the person who is exercising synchronizes the voluntarily controlled upper body movement with the FES-controlled leg movement via stimulation to the paralyzed leg muscles. A subgroup (n = 3) completed at least 6 months of a progressive FES row training exercise program with graded exercise tests every 6 months. Main Outcome Measurements: Peak oxygen consumption, peak ventilation, peak respiratory exchange ratio, peak heart rate, and peak oxygen pulse. Results: Peak oxygen consumption was greater during FES rowing than during arms-only rowing (20.0 ± 1.9 mL/kg/min versus 15.7 ± 1.5 mL/kg/min, P = .01). Peak ventilation was similar, whereas peak respiratory exchange ratio and peak heart rate tended to be lower (P = .14 and P = .19, respectively). As a result, oxygen pulse was greater by 35% during FES rowing. Two of the three persons who completed at least 6 months of FES row training demonstrated increases in aerobic capacity greater than those previously observed in able-bodied individuals. Conclusions: FES rowing may provide a more robust exercise stimulus for persons with spinal cord injury than most options currently available because of the greater aerobic demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on understanding the required performance levels in each section of rowing races for the completion of certain positions. It considers the ranking and time in each sector as predictor attributes or factors necessary for planning the strategic pacing in standard rowing races. A novel hybrid data mining measure based on combinatorial optimization and probabilistic modeling is also developed.