Relationship between Force-Velocity Profiles and 1,500-m Ergometer Performance in Young Rowers

Rowing races require developing high level of force and power output at high contraction velocity. This study determined the force-velocity and power-velocity (F-P-V) profiles of lower and upper limbs of adolescent rowers and their relationships with a 1,500-m rowing ergometer performance. The power developed during the 1,500-m (P (1500) ) was evaluated in fourteen national-level male rowers (age: 15.3 +/- 0.6 yrs). F-P-V profiles were assessed during bench pull (BP) and squat jump (SJ) exercises. The theoretical maximal values of force (F (0) ), velocity (V (0) ), power output (P (max) ) and the F-V relationship slope (S (FV) ) were determined. The body mass (BM) influence on these relationships was considered using an allometric approach. F (0) was 720 +/- 144 and 2146 +/- 405N, V (0) was 1.8 +/- 0.1 and 1.8 +/- 0.3ms (-1) , P (max) was 333 +/- 83 and 968 +/- 204W and S (FV) was -391 +/- 54 and -1,200 +/- 260Nsm (-1) for BP and SJ, respectively. Upper and lower limb F (0) and P (max) were significantly related. P (1500) was significantly ( P <0.05) correlated to V (0-BP) , F (0-BP) , S (FV-BP) , P (max-BP) , F (0-SJ) and P (max-SJ) (r(2)=0.29 to 0.79). BM accounted for more than 90% of these relationships. Rowers' F-P-V profiles reflect adaptations to chronic rowing practice. F-P-V profiles and rowing performance correlations suggest that BP and SJ exercises are relevant to evaluate young rowers' explosive abilities.