Relationship between 2000-m rowing ergometer performance times and World Rowing Championships rankings in elite-standard rowers

Abstract

In this study, we evaluated the extent to which 2000-m rowing ergometer performance times predicted final rankings at the World Rowing Championships in a sample of 638 rowers of both sexes and body-mass classifications (i.e. open-category and lightweight rowers). Rowing ergometer performance times were examined using a questionnaire, and in 17 of 23 events they were positively correlated (P ≤ 0.049) with the final rankings at the Championships. The highest correlations were for the ergometer performance times achieved by rowers in lightweight men's single sculls (r = 0.78; P = 0.005), women's single sculls (r = 0.75; P = 0.002), men's single sculls (r = 0.72; P = 0.004), and lightweight men's double sculls (r = 0.72; P < 0.001). We used linear regression to establish regression equations to predict final rankings based on 2000-m rowing ergometer performance times for each event in which there was a correlation greater than r = 0.50. Although correlations in 12 events met this criterion, the large standard errors of the estimate hindered ranking predictions in all of the studied events. Regression equations could be used to determine the most probable 2000-m ergometer performance time for a rower to achieve specific rankings at the World Rowing Championships.     

Caffeine ingestion acutely enhances muscular strength and power but not muscular endurance in resistance-trained men

The goal of this randomized, double-blind, cross-over study was to assess the acute effects of caffeine ingestion on muscular strength and power, muscular endurance, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and pain perception (PP) in resistance-trained men. Seventeen volunteers (mean?±?SD: age?=?26?±?6 years, stature?=?182?±?9?cm, body mass?=?84?±?9?kg, resistance training experience?=?7?±?3 years) consumed placebo or 6?mg?kg^?1 of anhydrous caffeine 1?h before testing. Muscular power was assessed with seated medicine ball throw and vertical jump exercises, muscular strength with one-repetition maximum (1RM) barbell back squat and bench press exercises, and muscular endurance with repetitions of back squat and bench press exercises (load corresponding to 60% of 1RM) to momentary muscular failure. RPE and PP were assessed immediately after the completion of the back squat and bench press exercises. Compared to placebo, caffeine intake enhanced 1RM back squat performance (+2.8%; effect size [ES]?=?0.19; p?=?.016), which was accompanied by a reduced RPE (+7%; ES?=?0.53; p?=?.037), and seated medicine ball throw performance (+4.3%, ES?=?0.32; p?=?.009). Improvements in 1RM bench press were not noted although there were significant (p?=?.029) decreases in PP related to this exercise when participants ingested caffeine. The results point to an acute benefit of caffeine intake in enhancing lower-body strength, likely due to a decrease in RPE; upper-, but not lower-body power; and no effects on muscular endurance, in resistance-trained men. Individuals competing in events in which strength and power are important performance-related factors may consider taking 6?mg?kg^?1 of caffeine pre-training/competition for performance enhancement.     

Elite status maintained: a 12-year physiological and performance follow-up of two Olympic champion rowers

This case study reports the results of a 12-year (2005–2016) follow-up study of two Olympic champion rowers. The rowers were prospective athletes at the junior level when the study began, and we monitored their relevant physiological and performance data annually. Our findings indicated that their V?O_2max gradually increased up to about 22 years of age and leveled off at a value of approximately 7 l·min^?1 with minimal fluctuations thereafter. However, the variables that directly influence the V?O_2max changed. There was an age-related decline in maximal heart rate of about 0.5 beats·year^?1, while oxygen pulse, which serves as an indirect measure of stroke volume, correspondingly increased by about 1 ml O₂·beat^?1 per year, allowing the athletes to maintain exceptional V?O_2max values. Maximal minute power of the studied rowers, derived each year from their ramp-wise tests, closely resembled the mean power output sustained during the 2000-m all-out tests on a rowing ergometer. A 12-year improvement of 28% and 33% occurred for the mean power output sustained over 2000 and 6000-m on a rowing ergometer, respectively. The findings contribute to the body of knowledge on athletes representing the true elites of their respective sports.     

Information literacy in continuing professional development of medical practitioners: a Croatian example

OBJECTIVES: This paper reports on the training of medical practitioners in information literacy. The course is carried out by an academic medical library in collaboration with its parent institution and the local physicians' licensing body. SETTING: The University of Zagreb Medical School (UZMS) developed an extensive continuing education programme for residents and practitioners, in partnership with the Croatian Chamber of Physicians. Within this programme, the Central Medical Library (CML) offers a hands-on course on searching and appraisal of medical information. DESCRIPTION: Continuing professional development (CPD) helps physicians update and develop the skills and knowledge they require in their everyday practice. The ability to locate, critically evaluate, and use medical information is an important component of CPD. The CML has developed a course entitled "Finding and Appraisal of Medical Information" which has been reviewed and accepted by its parent institution and the physicians' chamber. The course has been introduced in 2005 on a half-year base. OUTCOME: The course provides participants with the information on the most important medical information resources and with the basic skills needed for their effective usage. An evaluation questionnaire is used to assess the effectiveness of the course.     

Methodological Challenges of Digital Divide Measurements

The term “digital divide” has been used for almost a decade and typically relates to sociodemographic differences in the use of information and communication technology. However, the corresponding measurement is still relatively imprecise. Very often it is simply reduced to comparisons of Internet penetration rates. This article extends the measurements above the usual bivariate comparisons. Within this context, three essential approaches are presented and critically evaluated. First, loglinear modeling is used to address the interactions among the factors affecting the digital divide. Second, compound measures (i.e., the Digital Divide Index) that integrate a number of variables into a single indicator are discussed. Third, time-distance methodology is applied to analyze changes in the digital divide. The article argues that these approaches often yield entirely different conclusions compared to simple bivariate analysis. The examples are presented as a general warning against an oversimplified methodological approach to digital divide studies.     

Normalization effect of sports training on blood pressure in hypertensives

Abstract

In this study, we assessed the extent to which 2000-m rowing ergometer performance predicted final rankings at the World Junior Rowing Championship in a sample of 398 junior rowers competing in 13 events. The rowers' ergometer performance times were examined using a questionnaire, and in all 13 events they correlated (P ≤ 0.039) with the final rankings at the Championship. The strongest correlations were observed for ergometer performance times in junior women's single sculls (r = 0.92; P < 0.001), followed by junior men's single sculls (r = 0.80; P < 0.001) and junior women's double sculls (r = 0.79; P < 0.001). The observed correlations were higher for smaller boats – singles, doubles, and pairs (r = 0.64–0.92; P ≤ 0.025) – than for larger boats – quads, fours, and eights (r = 0.31–0.70; P ≤ 0.039). Linear regression analyses were used to construct regression equations to predict final rankings based on 2000-m rowing ergometer performance times for each event. Although correlations in 10 of the 13 events were above r = 0.5, the large standard errors of the estimate impaired the prediction of rankings in all of the studied events. Using these equations, the most probable rowing ergometer performance times required for a particular ranking in a given rowing event might easily be calculated.     

Effects of plyometric vs. resistance training on skeletal muscle hypertrophy: A review

ObjectiveIn this review, we critically evaluate studies directly comparing the effects of plyometric vs. resistance training on skeletal muscle hypertrophy.MethodsWe conducted electronic searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science to find studies that explored the effects of plyometric vs. resistance training on muscle hypertrophy.ResultsEight relevant studies were included in the review. Six studies compared the effects of plyometric vs. resistance training on muscle hypertrophy, while 2 studies explored the effects of combining plyometric and resistance training vs. isolated resistance training on acute anabolic signaling or muscle hypertrophy. Based on the results of these studies, we conclude that plyometric and resistance training may produce similar effects on whole muscle hypertrophy for the muscle groups of the lower extremities. Therefore, it seems that plyometric training has a greater potential for inducing increases in muscle size than previously thought. Despite the findings observed at the whole muscle level, the evidence for the effects of plyometric training on hypertrophy on the muscle fiber level is currently limited for drawing inferences. Compared to isolated resistance training, combining plyometric and resistance exercise does not seem to produce additive effects on anabolic signaling or muscle growth; however, this area requires future study. The limitations of the current body of evidence are that the findings are specific to (a) musculature of the lower extremities, (b) short-term training interventions that lasted up to 12 weeks, and (c) previously untrained or recreationally active participants.ConclusionThis review highlights that plyometric and resistance training interventions may produce similar effects on whole muscle hypertrophy, at least for the muscle groups of the lower extremities, in untrained and recreationally trained individuals, and over short-term (i.e., ≤12 weeks) intervention periods.