The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of indirect methods of assessment of VO2max for estimation of physical capacity of trained male and female rowers during a training cycle. A group of 8 female and 14 male rowers performed the maximal intensity test simulating the regatta distance (a 2 km test) and a submaximal incremental exercise test on a rowing ergometer. The suitability of the indirect methods of predicting VO2max during the training cycle was evaluated by performing the tests twice: in females at an interval of five months and in males at an interval of seven months. To indirectly estimate VO2max, regression formulas obtained for the linear relationship between the examined effort indices were utilized based on 1) mean power obtained in the 2 km test, and 2) submaximal exercises after the estimation of PWC170. Although the suitability of the two indirect methods of assessment of VO2max was statisticaly confirmed, their usefulness for estimation of changes in physical fitness of trained rowers during the training cycle was rather low. Such an opinion stems from the fact that the total error of these methods (range between 4.2-7.7% in female and 5.1-7.4% in male rowers) was higher than the real differences in VO2max values determined in direct measurements (between the first and the second examination maximal oxygen uptake rose by 3.0% in female rowers and decreased by 4.3% in male rowers).

Twelve girls who trained in rowing were examined twice a year for 4 years. Their initial age was 11.7 ± (SD) 0.2 yrs. Control groups consisted of 13 girls age 11.5±0.3 yrs and 18 girls age 14.4±0.3 yrs examined simultaneously with trained girls in the first and last year of the study, respectively. The examination involved basic anthropometry, estimation of sexual maturation (Tanner scale), 2-day food records, measurements of resting metabolic rate, energy expenditure following glucose ingestion (50 g), and determinations of blood glucose and plasma insulin concentrations prior to and 2 hrs after glucose load. Body mass, height, and fat content were slightly greater in trained girls. None of the subjects reported disturbances in menstrual function, and the age of menarche was similar for all. Both trained and untrained girls reported similar daily energy intake closer to the lower limit or slightly below the estimates of energy requirements for adolescents. Resting metabolic rate calculated per kg of total body mass or lean body mass was lower in trained girls, while the thermogenic effect of glucose was greater. Plasma insulin concentrations measured 2 hrs after glucose ingestion were lower in trained girls. The results suggest that in circumpubertal girls, increased physical activity leads to energy conservation at rest in postabsorptive state and a tendency toward enhancement of food-induced thermogenesis.

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The purpose of the work was to characterize the 4-year preparation cycle for the Winter Olympic Games in Pyongyang (2018), the leading Polish speed skater M.W. Longitudinal tests included assessment of aerobic and anaerobic exercise capacity determined in laboratory tests, respectively in the graded bicycle ergometer test and in the Wingate test performed with the lower extremity. The longitudinal data from exercise tests obtained in the analyzed 4-year period of preparation for the Olympic Games clearly indicate a significant improvement in the skater's exercise capacity. In the examined period of 2015-2018, the athlete obtained an increase in VO2max value by 6.5% to the level of 55.8 ml/kg/min. The nature of the observed changes in selected exercise indicators corresponded to the assumptions and implementation of training plans. The examined athlete was very well prepared for qualifying starts in October-November 2017 and she won three Olympic qualifications at distances 500, 1000 and 1500 m. During the Olympic Games, the Polish representative started the competition with starts at distances 1500 (20th place) and 500 m (28th place). At the leading distance of 1000 m, the competitor started at her level, reaching 12th place thus fulfilling the pre-start assumptions.

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