A Maximal Rowing Ergometer Protocol to Predict Maximal Oxygen Uptake

Purpose: To examine the relationship between the maximal power output (MPO) in an individualized 7 x 2-minute incremental (INCR) test, average power in a 2k (W-2k) rowing ergometer test, and maximal oxygen uptake ((V)over dotO(2)max) and to develop a regression equation to predict (V)over dotO(2)max. 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, W-2k, and (V)over dotO(2)max. Results: No significant difference was found between (V)over dotO(2)max measured during INCR or 2k test (P = .73). A very high correlation coefficient (r = .96) was found between MPO and (V)over dotO(2)max and between W-2k and (V)over dotO(2)max (r = .93). Linear regression analyses were developed for predicting (V)over dotO(2)max from MPO: (1) (V)over dotO(2)max (mL.min(-1)) = 11.49 x MPO + 810 and (V)over dotO(2)max from W-2k: (2) (V)over dotO(2)max = 10.96 x W-2k + 1168. Cross-validation analyses were performed using an independent sample of 14 rowers. There was no difference between the mean predicted (V)over dotO(2)max in the INCR test (4.41 L.min(-1)) or the 2k test (4.39 L.min(-1)) and the observed (V)over dotO(2)max (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 W-2k explains 88% to 90% of the variability in (V)over dotO(2)max and is suggested for practical use in male club rowers.