Aerobic and anaerobic energy during a 2-km race simulation in female rowers

Abstract

The maximal aerobic power (V˙O_2max) and maximal anaerobic capacity (AOD_max) of 16 female rowers were compared to their peak aerobic power (V˙O_2peak) and peak anaerobic capacity (AOD_peak, respectively) during a simulated 2-km race on a rowing ergometer. Each subject completed three tests, which included a 2-min maximal effort bout to determine the AOD_max, a series of four, 4-min submaximal stages with subsequent progression to V˙O_2max and a simulated 2-km race. Aerobic power was determined using an open-circuit system, and the accumulated oxygen deficit method was used to calculate anaerobic capacities from recorded mechanical power on a rowing ergometer. The average V˙O_2peak (3.58 l · min⁻¹), which usually occurred during the last minute of the race simulation, was not significantly different (P > 0.05) from the V˙O_2max (3.55 l · min⁻¹). In addition, the rowers' AOD_max (3.40 l) was not significantly different (P > 0.05) from their AOD_peak (3.50 l). The average time taken for the rowers to complete the 2-km race simulation was 7.5 min, and the anaerobic system (AOD_peak) accounted for 12% of the rowers' total energy production during the race.