A Maximal Rowing Ergometer Protocol to Predict Maximal Oxygen Uptake

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the relationship between the maximal power output (MPO) in an individualized 7 × 2-minute incremental (INCR) test, average power in a 2k (W2k) rowing ergometer test, and maximal oxygen uptake () and to develop a regression equation to predict . 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 . Results: No significant difference was found between measured during INCR or 2k test (P = .73). A very high correlation coefficient (r = .96) was found between MPO and and between W2k and (r = .93). Linear regression analyses were developed for predicting from MPO: (1)  (mL·min−1) = 11.49 × MPO + 810 and from W2k: (2)  = 10.96 × W2k + 1168. Cross-validation analyses were performed using an independent sample of 14 rowers. There was no difference between the mean predicted in the INCR test (4.41 L·min−1) or the 2k test (4.39 L·min−1) and the observed (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 and is suggested for practical use in male club rowers.