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 (W-20), maximal oxygen uptake during incremental test (VO2max), and anthropometric values, were measured and correlated with the time to perform a 2000 m trial (t(2000)). Results. W-20 showed the highest correlation with t(2000) (r=-0.947, P<0.0001). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that W-20, VO2max, and fat-free mass, were the variables most correlated with t(2000), 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 W-20. Conclusion. These results suggest that W-20 is an important predictor of 2000 m rowing ergometer performance, and the 20s all-out test on rowing ergometer may be a useful monitoring tool for young rowers.