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Does a bout of strength training affect 2,000 m rowing ergometer performance and rowing-specific maximal power 24 h later?

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Abstract

Rowers regularly undertake rowing training within 24 h of performing bouts of strength training; however, the effect of this practice has not been investigated. This study evaluated the impact of a bout of high-intensity strength training on 2,000 m rowing ergometer performance and rowing-specific maximal power. Eight highly trained male club rowers performed baseline measures of five separate, static squat jumps (SSJ) and countermovement jumps (CMJ), maximal rowing ergometer power strokes (PS) and a single 2,000 m rowing ergometer test (2,000 m). Subsequently, participants performed a high-intensity strength training session consisting of various multi-joint barbell exercises. The 2,000 m test was repeated at 24 and 48 h post-ST, in addition SSJ, CMJ and PS tests were performed at these time points and also at 2 h post-ST. Muscle soreness, serum creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were assessed pre-ST and 2, 24 and 48 h post-ST. Following the ST, there were significant elevations in muscle soreness (2 and 24 h, P < 0.01), CK (2, 24 and 48 h, P < 0.01), and LDH (2 h, P < 0.05) in comparison to baseline values. There were significant decrements across all time points for SSJ, CMJ and PS, which ranged between 3 and 10% (P < 0.05). However, 2,000 m performance and related measurements of heart rate and blood lactate were not significantly affected by ST. In summary, a bout of high-intensity strength training resulted in symptoms of muscle damage and decrements in rowing-specific maximal power, but this did not affect 2,000 m rowing ergometer performance in highly trained rowers.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank each of the participants who were involved in this study. This study was co-funded by the Teesside University and the English Institute of Sport.

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Correspondence to Thomas I. Gee.

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Communicated by William J. Kraemer.

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Gee, T.I., French, D.N., Howatson, G. et al. Does a bout of strength training affect 2,000 m rowing ergometer performance and rowing-specific maximal power 24 h later?. Eur J Appl Physiol 111, 2653–2662 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-011-1878-3

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