Does Maximum Strength Predict Rowing Performance in Elite Female Rowers?

Purpose: This study aimed to identify dynamic free-weight exercises for strength training and testing that are strong determinants of specific rowing ergometer performance measures in elite female rowers. Methods: A cross-sectional study examined the association between 1-repetition-maximum (1RM) power clean (PC1RM), 1RM bench row (BR1RM), 1RM back squat (SQ1RM), 1RM bench press (BP1RM), and 1RM deadlift (DL1RM) with peak stroke power (PSP) and 2000-m (P-2000m) and 5000-m time-trial average power (P-5000m) in 17 heavyweight elite female rowers. Results: Significant correlations were found between SQ1RM, DL1RM, and PC1RM with all rowing performance measures (r = .56-.86, all P < .05). BR1RM correlated significantly with PSP and P-2000m (r = .52 and .55, P < .01 and .05), and BP1RM with PSP only (r = .55, P < .01). PC1RM and either DL1RM (R-2 = 77%, P < .01) or SQ1RM (R-2 = 76%, P < .01) were the greatest contributors to PSP. DL1RM and SQ1RM together provided the greatest explained variance for P-2000m (R-2 = 72%, P < .01) and P-5000m (R-2 = 60%, P < .05). Conclusion: SQ1RM, DL1RM, and PC1RM were the strongest determinants of rowing ergometer performance in elite female rowers and are recommended for training and testing rowing-specific strength.