Mean power during 20 sec all-out test to predict 2000-m rowing ergometer performance in national level young rowers

Aim. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between mean power during 20-s all-out rowing ergometer test and 2000-m rowing ergometer performance, in 20 young male rowers (mean age 15.2 ± 1.3 years). Methods. Mean power during 20-s all-out test (W20), maximal oxygen uptake during incremental test (VO2max), and anthropometric values, were measured and correlated with the time to perform a 2000-m trial (t2000). Results. W20 showed the highest correlation with t2000 (r = -0.947, P < 0.0001). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that W20, VO2max, and fat-free mass, were the variables most correlated with t2000, accounting for 95.1% of the variance, and that 89.7% of the variance in 2000-m rowing ergometer performance time was accounted for by W20. Conclusions. These results suggest that W20 is an important predictor of 2000-m rowing ergometer performance, and the 20-s all-out test on rowing ergometer may be a useful monitoring tool for young rowers.