Anthropometric and motor characteristics of adolescence male and female rowers, their relationship with performance and their importance in selection

The aim of our study is to analyse the physical characteristics and motor tests that can qualify rowers of different genders and nations. Young rowers from six nations (n = 190) were included in the study. After the anthropometric measurements, the average power (W100m) and maximum power (W5 strokes) were examined with start tests on a rowing ergometer. The estimated relative aerobic capacity (ErVO2max) was calculated, and the standing triple jump test (STJ) was also measured. The relationship of the individual variables to performance was also investigated. Analysing the start tests, the results of the boy group were significantly larger than those of the girl group (p < .05). The correlation between STJ and W5 strokes and W100m is significant in the boy group and also in the girl group. The correlation between body weight (BW) and performance is stronger in both groups. In our study, the differences between the sexes are clear, considering all groups, we can observe the tendency that the increasing value of STJ means also increasing of maximum (W5 strokes) and average power (W100m), and we found a relationship between anthropometrical characteristics and performance already in adolescence. It seems clear that in order to achieve a high level of rowing performance, in addition to developing endurance, attention should also be paid to the development of power (especially dynamic leg power) in the program of rowers.