Effects of Equal Volume Heavy-Resistance Strength Training Versus Strength Endurance Training on Physical Fitness and Sport-Specific Performance in Young Elite Female Rowers

Abstract

Strength training is an important means for performance development in young rowers. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 9-week equal volume heavy-resistance strength training (HRST) versus strength endurance training (SET) in addition to regular rowing training on primary (e.g., maximal strength/power) and secondary outcomes (e.g., balance) in young rowers. Twenty-six female elite adolescent rowers were assigned to an HRST (n = 12; age: 13.2 ± 0.5 yrs; maturity-offset: +2.0 ± 0.5 yrs) or a SET group (n = 14; age: 13.1 ± 0.5 yrs; maturity-offset: +2.1 ± 0.5 yrs). HRST and SET comprised lower-(i.e., leg press/knee flexion/extension), upper-limbs (i.e., bench press/pull; lat-pull down), and complex exercises (i.e., rowing ergometer). HRST performed four sets with 12 repetitions per set at an intensity of 75-95% of the one-repetition maximum (1-RM). SET conducted four sets with 30 repetitions per set at 50-60% of the 1-RM. Training volume was matched for overall repetitions × intensity × training per week. Pre-post training, tests were performed for the assessment of primary [i.e., maximal strength (e.g., bench pull/knee flexion/extension 1-RM/isometric handgrip test), muscle power (e.g., medicine-ball push test, triple hop, drop jump, and countermovement jump), anaerobic endurance (400-m run), sport-specific performance (700-m rowing ergometer trial)] and secondary outcomes [dynamic balance (Y-balance test), change-of-direction (CoD) speed (multistage shuttle-run test)]. Adherence rate was >87% and one athlete of each group dropped out. Overall, 24 athletes completed the study and no test or training-related injuries occurred. Significant group × time interactions were observed for maximal strength, muscle power, anaerobic endurance, CoD speed, and sport-specific performance (p ≤ 0.05; 0.45 ≤ d ≤ 1.11). Post hoc analyses indicated larger gains in maximal strength and muscle power following HRST (p ≤ 0.05; 1.81 ≤ d ≤ 3.58) compared with SET (p ≤ 0.05; 1.04 ≤ d ≤ 2.30). Furthermore, SET (p ≤ 0.01; d = 2.08) resulted in larger gains in sport-specific performance compared with HRST

Acute and Chronic Performance Enhancement in Rowing: A Network Meta-analytical Approach on the Effects of Nutrition and Training

“…Creatine: creatine monohydrate, 5 d load with 0.3 g/kg/days; then 0.03 g/kg/days 2. Usual training: placebo Thiele et al 2020 [ 92 ] 26 elite rowers (0 males) 13.2 ± 0.5 Chronic (9 wk) 7 700-m TT 1. Usual training: heavy load, low reps, RT, 75–95% 1RM, 12 reps, 2/4, 1. volume matched, in addition to usual ET 2.…”

Velocity-Based Resistance Training on 1-RM, Jump and Sprint Performance: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials

“…Weight resistance training (RT) has been proven as an important tool to improve performance in different sports disciplines [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. In addition, RT is also a key factor to improve body composition in physically active population [ 5 , 6 ], health condition in the general population [ 7 , 8 ], and even as preventive and palliative treatment in many metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases [ 9 , 10 ].…”

Acute and Long-Term Effects of Concurrent Resistance and Swimming Training on Swimming Performance

“…[ 7 , 8 ]). Likewise, a longer recovery period of 6–8 h, applied in cycling, running, or rowing, equally improved performance [ 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 ]. Recovery between sessions may depend on athletes’ level, individual characteristics, and the intensity or duration of the first session, whichever it is (SWIM or RT).…”