In the world of sports, maximizing the training of performance variables within a sport will bring you one step closer to success over the competition. This study dives into the world of health sciences and aims to explore the effects of off-season training on the performance variables of rowers. The study aims to identify what performance variables are most impacted by an individualized training protocol and quantify them through a self-designed maximal aerobic capacity testing modality and measurement of anthropometric measures before and after training in the off-season. To perform this study, we recruited 8 collegiate rowers from the Miami University Rowing Club (6 males, 2 females) who participated in bioelectrical impedance test to discern body composition pre- and post-study, as well as perform a maximal intensity testing protocol on a rowing ergometer to measure total aerobic capacity. Our study hopes to expand the limited realm of scientific rowing literature by providing evidence of how individualized training protocols can boost performance of collegiate rowers by increasing their absolute aerobic capacity, and as a result, increasing their ability to achieve a higher total distance, higher peak stroke rate, and higher lean muscle mass after training. Moving forward we will be able to recruit larger samples of collegiate rowers, assess their total aerobic capacity, and provide them individualized training protocols to improve their performance within the sport during the off-season. As two individuals looking to enter the field of exercise science, we believe that this study has better prepared us to run max intensity aerobic capacity tests and design personalized exercise programs for different populations of athletes.
Authors: Tristan Sprenger, Jacob Straub
Advisor: Randal Claytor, Kinesiology Nutrition and Health
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