Aerobic and anaerobic energy during a 2-km race simulation in female rowers

The maximal aerobic power ((V)over dot O-2max) and maximal anaerobic capacity (AOD(max)) of 16 female rowers were compared to their peak aerobic power ((V)over dot O-2peak) and peak anaerobic capacity (AOD(peak), respectively) during a simulated 2-km race on a rowing ergometer. Each subject completed three tests, which included a 2-min maximal effort bout to determine the AOD(max), a series of four, 4-min submaximal stages with subsequent progression to (V)over dot O-2max and a simulated 2-km race. Aerobic power was determined using an open-circuit system, and the accumulated oxygen deficit method was used to calculate anaerobic capacities from recorded mechanical power on a rowing ergometer. The average (V)over dot O-2peak (3.58 l.min(-1)), which usually occurred during the last minute of the race simulation, was not significantly different (P > 0.05) from the (V)over dot O-2max (3.55 l.min(-1)). In addition, the rowers' AOD(max) (3.40 l) was not significantly different (P > 0.05) from their AOD(peak) (3.50 l). The average time taken for the rowers to complete the 2-km race simulation was 7.5 min, and the anaerobic system (AOD(peak)) accounted for 12% of the rowers' total energy production during the race.