Training and performance characteristics among Norwegian International Rowers 1970–2001
- 23 January 2004
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Wiley in Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports
- Vol. 14 (5), 303-310
- https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1600-0838.2003.370.x
Abstract
This study quantified changes in training volume, organization, and physical capacity among Norwegian rowers winning international medals between 1970 and 2001. Twenty-eight athletes were identified (27 alive). Results of physiological testing and performance history were available for all athletes. Twenty-one of 27 athletes responded to a detailed questionnaire regarding their training during their internationally competitive years. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) increased 12% (6.5± 0.4 vs. 5.8±0.2 L min−1) from the 1970s to the 1990s. Similarly, 6-min ergometer rowing performance increased almost 10%. Three major changes in training characteristics were identified: (1) training at a low blood lactate (−1 and race pace and supra-maximal intensity training (∼8–14 mM lactate) decreased from 23 to ∼7 h month−1; (2) training volume increased by ∼20%, from 924 to 1128 h yr−1; (3) altitude training was used as a pre-competition peaking strategy, but it is now integrated into the winter preparation program as periodic 2–3-week altitude camps. The training organization trends are consistent with data collected on athletes from other sports, suggesting a “polarized” pattern of training organization where a high volume of low intensity training is balanced against regular application of training bouts utilizing 90%–95% of VO2 max.Keywords
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