OLYMPIC ROWING: MODEL OF COMPETITIVE ACTIVITY
OF INTERNATIONAL LEVEL ELITE FEMALE ATHLETES
REMO OLÍMPICO: MODELO DE ATIVIDADE COMPETITIVA DAS ATLETAS DE ELITE INTERNACIONAL
REMO OLÍMPICO: MODELO DE ACTIVIDAD COMPETITIVA DE LAS ATLETAS DE ELITE INTERNACIONAL
Fábio Barreto Maia da Silva1
(Physical Education Professional)
João Paulo Reis Gonçalves Moreira
de Brito2
(Physical Education Professional)
Antonio Carlos Gomes3
(Physical Education Professional)
1. Club de Regata Vasco da Gama,
Sede Náutica, Rio de Janeiro,
RJ, Brazil.
2. Instituto Politécnico de Santarém,
Escola Superior de Desporto de
Rio Maior, Rio Maior, Santarém,
Portugal.
3. Instituto Sport Training-IST.
Academia Brasileira de Treinadores
(ABT), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Correspondence:
Fábio Barreto Maia da Silva
Rua Visconde de Sepetiba, 50, apto.
803, Niterói, RJ, Brazil. 24020-206.
fbms78@hotmail.com
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1517-869220202602218337
162
Original Article
Artigo Original
Artículo Original
ABSTRACT
Introduction: High-performance training should focus on motor capability determinants in competition to
make physical preparation effective. Objective: To analyze and draw up an elite model based on competitive
activity, to guide the theory and practice of female rowers, using data on the 42 finalists of the 2010-2018
world championships. Methods: Forty-two rowers from 2010-2018 world championships participated in the
study, final A, women’s single scull without weight restrictions. The statistical comparison was performed and
differences between 500 meter splits analyzed for each variable were discussed. Results: Strong correlation
was observed between time (r=-0.99, p<0.01), power (r=0.99, p<0.01), technical level (r=0.99, p<0.01) and
speed. In the competitive model, the relationship between speed at 2000 meters and time (r=-0.96, p<0.01),
speed (r=0.94, p<0.01) and power (r=0.96, p<0.01) showed a strong correlation with speed in the splits of the
third 500 meters of the race. In terms of stroke rate (r=-0.56, p<0.01) and stroke length (r=0.54, p<0.01), the
strongest correlation occurs at the start, in the first 100 meters of competition. Conclusion: Having performed
these analyses, it is possible to confirm the need to investigate competitive activity in order to supplement the
rower’s fitness preparation system. Level of evidence I; Diagnostic studies-Investigating a diagnostic test.
Keywords: Rowing; Performance; Sporting activity.
RESUMO
Introdução: O treinamento no alto rendimento deve focar a capacidade motora determinante na competição,
assim a preparação física se torna eficaz. Objetivo: Analisar e elaborar um modelo de elite, a partir da atividade compe-
titiva, para orientar a teoria e a prática desportiva das remadoras, a partir dos dados das 42 finalistas dos mundiais de
2010 a 2018. Métodos: Participaram do estudo 42 remadoras de mundiais entre 2010 a 2018, final A, barco individual
feminino sem restrição de peso. Realizou-se a comparação estatistica e as diferenças entre as parciais de cada 500
metros analisadas para cada variável foram discutidas. Resultados: Observou-se o seguinte: forte correlação entre
o tempo (r=-0,99; p<0,01), a potência (r=0,99; p<0,01), o índice técnico e a velocidade (r=0,99; p<0,01). No modelo
competitivo, a relação entre a velocidade nos 2000 metros com o tempo (r=-0,96; p<0,01), a velocidade (r=0,94; p<0,01)
e a potência (r=0,96; p<0,01) apresentou forte correlação com a velocidade na parcial dos terceiros 500 metros da
prova. Já na quantidade (r=-0,56; p<0,01) e amplitude de remadas (r=0,54; p<0,01), a maior correlação apresenta-se
na partida, nos primeiros 100 metros de competição. Conclusão: Feitas essas análises, pode-se assegurar a necessi-
dade de investigar a atividade competitiva com o objetivo de complementar o sistema de preparação da condição
física do remador. Nível de evidência I; Estudos diagnósticos–Investigação de um exame para diagnóstico.
Descritores: Remo; Desempenho; Atividades esportivas.
RESUMEN
Introducción: El entrenamiento en el alto rendimiento debe enfocar la capacidad motora determinante en la com-
petición, así la preparación física se vuelve eficaz. Objetivo: Analizar y elaborar un modelo de élite, a partir de la actividad
competitiva, para orientar la teoría y la práctica deportiva de las remadoras, a partir de los datos de las 42 finalistas de
los mundiales de 2010 a 2018. Métodos: Participaron en el estudio 42 remadoras de mundiales entre 2010 a 2018, final A,
barco individual femenino sin restricción de peso. Se realizó la comparación estadística y fueron discutidas las diferencias
entre las parciales de cada 500 metros analizadas para cada variable. Resultados: Se observó lo siguiente: fuerte correlación
entre el tiempo (r=-0,99, p<0,01), la potencia (r=0,99, p<0,01), el índice técnico y la velocidad (r=0,99, p<0,01). En el modelo
competitivo, la relación entre la velocidad en los 2000 metros con el tiempo (r=-0,96, p<0,01), la velocidad (r=0,94, p<0,01)
y la potencia (r=0,96, p<0,01) presentó fuerte correlación con la velocidad en la parcial de los terceros 500 metros de la
prueba. Ya en la cantidad (r=-0,56, p<0,01) y amplitud de remadas (r=0,54, p<0,01) la mayor correlación se presenta en
la partida, en los primeros 100 metros de competición. Conclusión: Hechos estos análisis, se puede asegurar la necesidad
de investigar la actividad competitiva con el objetivo de complementar el sistema de preparación de la condición física
del remador. Nivel de evidencia I; Estudios de diagnósticos-Investigación de un examen para diagnóstico.
Descriptores: Remo; Rendimiento; Actividades deportivas.
Article received on 01/07/2019 accepted on 06/26/2019
Rev Bras Med Esporte – Vol. 26, No 2 – Mar/Abr, 2020
INTRODUCTION body mass index (weight/height^2), time of first 100 meters and last
The stroke action in Olympic rowing is defined as a cyclic move- 250 meters (distance/speed), number of strokes (stroke rate*time in
ment.1 In the force application phase, the lower and upper limbs act seconds/60 seconds), stroke cycle time (60 seconds/stroke rate), stroke
simultaneously while rowing to propel the scull2 and achieve competitive length (speed*time of each stroke cycle), power of each stroke (2.8/
speed. In competitions, the rowers or scullers present reaction velocity pace^3) and technical level (100*(record in seconds/race time)^3).
after the visual signal at the start and consequent acceleration to 500 Statistical analysis
meters reaching maximum speed, while between 500 and 1000 meters
Statistical procedures were used to characterize the values of the
there is a speed reduction and from 1000 meters velocity resistance up
different variables in terms of central tendency and dispersion. In the
to 2000 meters. Accordingly, high-performance training should focus inferential analysis, the normality of variables was tested using the
on the motor capability determinants in competition, with preparation Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Pearson’s correlation was used to determine
being the determining factor in the athlete’s result.3 Therefore, knowing the relationship between performance and all the parameters. The
the characteristics related to time and strength interaction4 is of consi- significance level was set at p <0.01. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16
derable benefit in improving rowing comprehension2 and scull speed. statistical software (Chicago, IL, USA). To construct the competitive and
In high performance sport, some advances are indicated in the trai- elite models, line and radar charts were used, respectively. The compe-
ning methodology and theory that are based on information from and titive model was the basis for the construction of the elite model, since
statistical analyses of the competitions that add significant value to the the results of the world championships were established as a reference.
sport.5,6 Thus, the act of analyzing the competitive data of athletes is an
effective tool for developing the training plan that produces adequate RESULTS
and specific performance. Moreover, it directs the process of constructing Data on physical characteristics and competitive activity and their
the competitive activity model proposed by Platonov.7 This model not correlation with speed in the 2000 meter race are presented in Table 1.
only reflects the structure and composition of the preparation process, The variables: time, power, stroke length and technical level alone had
but also the concrete set of athletes for a particular sport as a standard significant influence on scull speed. Power and technical level were (r
sample. Therefore, it is advisable not only to know the competitive pro- = 0.99; p <0.01), time (r = -0.99; p <0.01), number of strokes (r = -0.54; p
perties to identify the difference between an average athlete and a world <0.01) and stroke length (r = 0.53; p <0.01). The other variables presen-
elite athlete, based on the dynamics and percentage of performance of ted correlations below (r = 0.14), but still had no statistical significance.
both, but also to improve each stage of improvement and monitoring. In the formation of the competitive activity model, the variables
Despite the importance of high-level performance monitoring, there were shown in splits: start initial 100 meters and finish line the last
is still no definite tool or precise variable for predicting performance.8 250 meters; the first, second, third and fourth 500 meters. Time, speed,
Some training strategies are implemented to promote favorable per- number of strokes, length of strokes and power presented medium and
formance by reducing poorly adapted training responses.9 To achieve strong positive and negative correlation, and also statistical significance
these goals, training should be periodized from the training plan to in all splits. Conversely, stroke rate and cycle presented weak positive
coincide with competitions.10 Thus, the preparation of the elite model can and negative correlation, and still had no statistical significance in the
minimize errors in the rower’s fitness preparation, define a competitive splits. All variables displayed in splits were correlated with speed over
split or variable as the most important, and also provide a comparative the 2000 meters of the race. Moreover, in the third 500 meter split,
database with competitive differences, according to category, type of time (r = -0.96; p <0.01), speed (r = 0.94; p <0.01) and power (r = 0.96;
vessel and type of individual world championship. Thus, the variables or p <0.01) indicated a strong correlation and statistical significance with
splits that influence high-level sport performance should attract more scull speed over 2000 meters. However, in terms of the number (r = -0.56;
attention from the coaching staff, as this will enable them to know p <0.01) and length of strokes (r = 0.54; p <0.01), there was a higher
patterns, athlete characteristics and individual comparisons.11 correlation and statistical significance at the start and initial 100 meters.
The specialized bibliography highlights the biological aspects and In addition, the first and second 500 meters revealed the shortest time
performance of Olympic and world champions.12,13 It also points out (110.91; 114.86s), respectively. Thus, the first 500 meters and the fastest
some performance prediction models between categories and types (4.38 m/s) and most powerful (240.57W), consequently has the highest
of vessel.14,15 This article aims to analyze and prepare the elite model of stroke rate in the race (40.85; 35.90 spm), while the highest number
competitive activity to guide the theory and practice of female rowers,
based on data from 42 world finalists between 2010 and 2018, the Table 1. Physical characteristics and competitive activity of the 42 finalists of the
world rowing elite. 2010-2018 world 2000-meter rowing championships.
Standard
Variables Mean Minimum Maximum r(2000m) p-value
MATERIALS AND METHODS deviation
Age (year) 29.28 4.60 23.00 41.00 -0.03 0.83**
We used the results of 42 female rowers, in the adult single scull
Weight (kg) 74.26 5.01 69.00 86.00 -0.11 0.45**
category, without weight restrictions. Data refer to final A of the 2010,
Height (cm) 181.00 5.40 171.00 193.00 -0.13 0.39**
2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2018 world rowing championships.
BMI (kg/m2) 16.88 1.95 14.53 20.93 -0.07 0.65**
However, in Olympic Games such as those held in 2012 and 2016, the
Time 2000m (s) 456.24 11.65 434.95 484.60 -0.99 <0.01**
single scull category is not included in the world championship. Thus, Average speed (m/s) 4.38 0.11 4.13 4.60 1.00 <0.01**
the Olympic years were excluded, as they do not present the results Stroke rate (spm) 34.03 1.75 31.20 40.50 -0.14 0.35**
in the International Rowing Federation (FISA). All the data used in this Power (W) 236.75 17.75 196.83 272.23 0.99 <0.01**
research project are available to the public, exhibited on the FISA website Number (nos) 258.86 16.06 230.87 322.27 -0.54 <0.01**
http://www.worldrowing.com. Length (m) 7.75 0.44 6.21 8.66 0.53 <0.01**
Data collected from the worldrowing website: date of birth, weight, Cycle time (s) 1.76 0.08 1.48 1.92 0.13 0.40**
height, split, speed, 500 meter stroke rate and total race time for the Technical level (%) 82.69 6.20 68.75 95.09 0.99 <0.01**
2000 meters. Calculated data: age (event date-date of birth/365.25), **p<0.01; BMI (body mass index), spm (strokes per minute), nos (number of strokes), m (meters).

Rev Bras Med Esporte – Vol. 26, No 2 – Mar/Abr, 2020 163

of strokes was in the first and fourth 500 meters (66.37; 65.48 number
of strokes), the greatest length of strokes in the second and third 500
meters (7.99; 7.95 m), and the shortest stroke time at the start and in
the first 500 meters (1.47 s; 1.67 s), respectively (Table 2). Figure 1 show
competitive activity in chart form with the dynamics of the variables in
each 500 meter split of the race.
The competitive activity of the rowers was used as a basis to create a
model designed to compare athletes with international elite rowers. For
this comparison the authors generated fictitious data on an imaginary
rower for demonstrative purposes. The data created were: age 31 years,
weight 61 kg, height 173 cm, splits of 183, 185, 186 and 188 seconds,
and partial paces of 29, 26, 26 and 28 strokes per minute in every 500
meters, respectively. Soon after this, the radar chart served to visualize
comparisons with the global mean. The black chart contains the model
data and the gray graph the researchers’ data (Figure 2).
DISCUSSION
The results showed a strong correlation between time and power
over 2000 meters with the average speed over 2000 meters, confirming
that the force applied in each stroke has an influence on performance
in international rowing competitions. According to Warmenhoven et
al.,2 the greater the efficiency in the application of force in each stroke
cycle phase, in which the oar is in the water, the greater the propulsion
of the scull, and consequently the shorter the race time. It is suggested,
according to the data submitted, that an emphasis on special strength
training in competitive exercise may help improve performance.
A classical experimental research project16 evaluated the stroke
force of 71 athletes on 21 vessels in each phase of the stroke during a
competition, and found that power is the main factor affecting boat
speed. The authors continue by stating that power was significantly
higher in the smaller boats, with the female single scull reaching 247
watts,16 close to the average presented by the world elite, 236.75 watts
in the 2000 meter race. The number and length of strokes achieved a
mean correlation and statistical significance with speed in the 2000-me-
ter race, indicating that the greater the force applied in each stroke,
the greater the boat displacement and stroke length, and the lower
the number of strokes in the 2000-meter race in world championships.
Verkhoshansky17 supports the idea that the main biomotor ability res-
ponsible for performance in sports is speed, which should be decisively
recognized when focusing on the training of the various other abilities,
depending on the sport to be trained. Gomes et al.18 claim that speed
capacity development is essential for competitive success. The classic
study by Steinacker19 maintains that power is greater in the initial phase
in order to reach high speed in a shorter time. In view of the above, we
recommend paying attention to the development of power, alactic
and lactic capacity, as the stimuli reach up to 120 seconds7,18,20 through

Table 2. Competitive activity in the 2000 meter race in splits, average speed, stroke rate, power, number and length of strokes at the start, 500m split and finish line, of the 42
finalists of the 2010-2018 world rowing championships.
Variables Mean Standard Deviation Minimum Maximum r(2000m) p-value
Start time 100m (s) 22.96 1.90 19.61 27.78 -0.58 <0.01**
Time 500m_1 (s) 110.91 2.83 107.64 117.52 -0.73 <0.01**
Time 500m_2 (s) 114.86 3.06 108.15 119.74 -0.85 <0.01**
Time 500m_3 (s) 115.38 3.65 108.60 124.53 -0.96 <0.01**
Time 500m_4 (s) 115.08 3.90 108.76 123.89 -0.87 <0.01**
Finish time 250m (s) 58.01 2.11 54.35 62.50 -0.75 <0.01**
Average start speed 100m (m/s) 4.38 0.36 3.60 5.10 0.56 <0.01**
Average speed 500m_1 (m/s) 4.51 0.10 4.30 4.60 0.67 <0.01**
Average speed 500m_2 (m/s) 4.35 0.11 4.20 4.60 0.84 <0.01**
Average speed 500m_3 (m/s) 4.32 0.13 4.00 4.60 0.94 <0.01**
Average speed 500m_4 (m/s) 4.34 0.15 4.00 4.60 0.85 <0.01**
Average speed finish line 250(m/s) 4.31 0.15 4.00 4.60 0.75 <0.01**
Stroke rate start _100m (spm) 40.85 2.72 35.70 48.80 0.12 0.44**
Stroke rate 500m_1 (spm) 35.90 1.82 31.50 39.40 -0.20 0.18**
Stroke rate 500m_2 (spm) 32.84 2.21 29.80 41.20 0.25 0.10**
Stroke rate 500m_3 (spm) 32.83 2.18 29.30 41.00 -0.17 0.26**
Stroke rate 500m_4 (spm) 34.15 1.87 30.90 40.50 0.26 0.08**
Stroke rate finish line_250m (spm) 34.17 1.91 31.20 41.80 -0.06 0.69**
Power 100m (W) 240.57 60.00 130.64 371.42 0.53 <0.01**
Power 500m_1 (W) 257.47 18.83 215.64 280.64 0.73 <0.01**
Power 500m_2 (W) 231.96 19.09 203.87 276.69 0.84 <0.01**
Power 500m_3 (W) 229.14 21.15 181.24 273.26 0.96 <0.01**
Power 500m_4 (W) 231.16 23.32 184.06 272.06 0.86 <0.01**
Power finish line_250m (W) 225.82 24.27 179.20 272.54 0.75 <0.01**
Number of strokes start 100m (nos) 15.59 1.15 13.22 19.17 -0.56 <0.01**
Number of strokes 500m_1 (nos) 66.37 4.03 57.07 76.56 -0.48 <0.01**
Number of strokes 500m_2 (nos) 62.87 4.71 54.08 81.05 -0.54 <0.01**
Number of strokes 500m_3 (nos) 63.16 5.07 55.96 82.84 -0.54 <0.01**
Number of strokes 500m_4 (nos) 65.48 3.79 57.74 82.07 -0.45 <0.01**
Number of strokes finish_250m (nos) 33.03 2.09 29.64 40.50 -0.49 <0.01**
Stroke length start 100m (m) 6.44 0.46 5.22 7.56 0.54 <0.01**
Stroke length 500m_1 (m) 7.55 0.45 6.53 8.76 0.47 <0.01**
Stroke length 500m_2 (m) 7.99 0.54 6.17 9.25 0.52 <0.01**
Stroke length 500m_3 (m) 7.95 0.56 6.04 8.93 0.52 <0.01**
Stroke length 500m_4 (m) 7.65 0.41 6.09 8.66 0.45 <0.01**
Stroke length finish line_250m (m) 7.59 0.45 6.17 8.43 0.48 <0.01**
Cycle time start 100m (s) 1.47 0.09 1.23 1.68 -0.09 0.54**
Cycle time 500m_1 (s) 1.67 0.08 1.52 1.90 0.21 0.17**
Cycle time 500m_2 (s) 1.83 0.11 1.46 2.01 0.22 0.15**
Cycle time 500m_3 (s) 1.83 0.11 1.46 2.05 0.14 0.37**
Cycle time 500m_4 (s) 1.76 0.09 1.48 1.94 -0.07 0.63**
Cycle time finish line_250m (s) 1.75 0.09 1.44 1.92 0.03 0.84**
**p<0.01. spm (strokes per minute), nos (number of strokes), m (meters), r(2000m) correlation with average speed.

164 Rev Bras Med Esporte – Vol. 26, No 2 – Mar/Abr, 2020

 64,00 500m_1 500m_2 62,88500m_3 500m_4 64,00 106,00 500m_1 500m_2 500m_3 500m_4

Rem
Rema
63,00
63,00 500m_1 500m_2 500m_3 500m_4
62,00 Metros Metros
62,00
61,00   Metros  
61,00
60,00  
60,00
59,00
C EC Quantidade
A A
C59,00 500m_1 500m_2 Time500m_3
Potência
Tempo 500m_4 B B Averagemédia
Velocidade Speed PotênciaPower
500m_1 500m_2 500m_3 500m_4
68,00
270,00
118.00
270,00
118,00 Metros 115.38 4.60
4,60 270.00
114,86 Metros115,38
114.86 4.55 67,00
4,55 260,00
260.00 66,38
260,00
116.00
116,00 257.47
257,47
257,47 4.50
4,50 4.51
4,51 66,00
250,00 115.08
115,08 250,00
250.00
65,00
FF
114.00
114,00
110,91 Amplitute
4.45
4,45
Seconds

110,91 Amplitute 63,16

Segundos

Meters

Remadas
4,34
4.34

Watts
240,00
240.00 229,15
229.15

Metros
240,00 229,15 4.40
4,40 64,00 62,88 64,00

Watts
4,36
4.36 231,96
231.96
Watts

112.00
112,00 231,96 115.08
8,20
8,20 231,17 4.35
4,35 4.35
4,35 63,00
230.00
230,00 231,17
231.17
230,00 7,99
110,00
110.00 7,99 4.30
4,30 62,00
8,00 7,96 220.00
220,00
8,00
220,00 7,96 4.25
4,25
108,00
108.00 7,56 61,00
7,80 7,56 4.20
4,20 210.00
210,00
210,00
7,80 60,00
106,00
106.00
7,60 4.15
4,15 200.00
Metros

200,00
7,60 500m_1
500m_1 500m_2 500m_3 500m_4 200,00
59,00
Metros

500m_2 500m_3 500m_4 500m_1

500m_1 500m_2
500m_2 500m_3
500m_3 500m_4
500m_4
7,40 500m_1 500m_2 500m_3 500m_47,47 7,47
500m_1
500m_1
500m_1 500m_2
500m_2
500m_2 500m_3
500m_3
500m_3 500m_4
500m_4
500m_4
7,40
7,20 Meters
Metros Meters
Metros Meters
Metros
7,20 Metros Metros
 
7,00      
7,00
B Velocidade média
D 6,80 D6,80 500m_1 Stroke rate
Frequencia E E Number of strokes
Quantidade F FD Frequencia
Length
Amplitute
4,60 500m_1
500m_2
500m_2
500m_3
500m_3
500m_4
500m_4
C Potência
37.00
37,00 68,00
68.00 37,00
8.20
8,20
4,55 270,00
Metros 67,00 7,99
7.99
36.00
4,50
36,00 4,51 Metros 67.00 36,00 35,90
4,45
35,90
35.90     260,00
66,00
66.00
66,38
66.38
257,47
8.00
8,00
35,00
7,96
7.96
35.00
35,00
4,34 7.80
7,80 7,56
7.56
250,00 32,83
Metros

4,40 4,36 32,83

32.83 34,16 65,00
65.00 34,00 34,16
Figure 1.
34.00
34,00 Competitive model of the 500 meter 34.16
splits of female rowers. Time in seconds (A), average
63,16
63.16

Reamdas
Strokes
Strokes

Remadas
Figure
4,35 1. Competitive model of the 500 meter 4,35 splits of female240,00 rowers. Time in62.88 seconds (A), average 32,84
Reamdas

Meters
32,84
32.84 64.00
64,00 62,88 229,15 64,00 7.60
7,60

Metros
64.00 33,00

Watts
speed in in
33.00
33,00
4,30
speed meters
meters per second
per second (B),
(B),power
power ofof strokes
strokes in in
watts (C),
watts (C),
63.00
63,00 stroke
stroke rate
ratein in
strokes
231,96 per minute (D),
strokes per minute (D), 7.40 7,47
7.47
230,00 231,17 7,40
32,00
quantity
32.00of strokes in number of strokes (E) and length of strokes
32,00
4,25
quantity of strokes in number of strokes (E) and length of62,00 strokes
62.00 in meters (F).
in meters (F).
4,20 220,00 7.20
7,20
31,00
Time
Time–31,00
Seconds
31.00
– Seconds
4,15
– Meters
– Meters – Average
– Average Speed
Speed – Power
– Power – Watts
– Watts – Meters
61.00
61,00
– Meters – Stroke
– Stroke rate
rate– Strokes
– Strokes - Meters
- Meters
210,00 7.00
30,00
7,00
Number
Number ofof
30.00
30,00 strokes
strokes
500m_1 – Strokes
– 500m_2
Strokes - Meters
- 500m_3
Meters – Length
500m_4 – Meters
– Length – Meters - - 60,00
60.00
29,00
29.00 200,00
59.00
59,00 29,00
6.80
6,80
500m_1
500m_1 500m_2
500m_2 500m_3
Metros 500m_3 500m_4
500m_4 500m_1
500m_1
500m_1 500m_2
500m_2
500m_2 500m_3
500m_3 500m_4
500m_4
500m_4 500m_1
500m_1
500m_1 500m_2
500m_2
500m_2 500m_3
500m_3
500m_3 500m_4
500m_4
500m_4
 
Meters Metros
Meters
Metros
Metros Meters
Metros
      
Abaixo: C First 500
First meters
500 meters– – Second
Potência
Second500 500meters
meters– – Technical
TechnicalLevel – Time – –Average Speed – –Stroke
Abaixo: FDLevel – TimeAmplituteAverage
Frequencia Speed Stroke
Figure 1. (B),
Competitive model in
of watts
the 500
Figure
Pace
Pace 1.- Stroke
-270,00
Stroke Length
Competitive
Length – Number
model of the
– Number ofof
Strokes
500 meter– splits
Strokes World
– WorldofAverage
female – Your
rowers.
Average Athlete
Time
– Your – Third
in seconds
Athlete 500
(A),
– Third meters
average
500 meters – Fourth
speed in meters per
– Fourth second power of strokes (C),meter
stroke splits
rate inof female r
500 meters
strokes – Age
per minute – Weight
(D),–quantity– BMI
of – Height
strokes 37,00
in number of strokes (E) and length of strokes7,99in meters (F).
8,20 speed in meters per second (B), power of strokes in watts (C),
500 260,00
meters – Age Weight – BMI – Height
257,47 36,00
8,00 35,90 quantity of strokes in number of strokes (E) and length of stroke
250,00 7,96
35,00
7,80 7,56 Time – Seconds – Meters – Average Speed – Power – Watts – M
229,15
240,00 32,83 34,16 Number of strokes – Strokes - Meters – Length – Meters -
Watts

231,96 34,00
Reamdas

7,60 32,84
Metros

231,17
A 230,00 First 500 meters
Primeiro 500
Primeiro metros
500 metros B 33,00
7,40
Segundo
Second 500
Segundo500 metros
500meters7,47
metros C Third 500500
Terceiro meters
metros
A A220,00 B B 32,00 Terceiro 500 metros
Tempo (s) Time
Tempo (s) Quarto 500
Time
Tempo (s) 7,20 Time (s)
120,00 Tempo Tempo (s) C Tempo (s) D
210,00 Tempo (s)
120.00
120,00
120,00
100.00
100,00
31,00
7,00
C 120,00
120.00
100,00
100,00
100.00
120,00
120,00
D
120.00
100,00
100.00 120,00
30,00Técnico
200,00
Technical Level 80.00
Indice 500m_1
Técnico
100,00
80,00 Voga
Voga 500m_4
Indice
Technical Level 80,00
Indice Técnico 80,00
80.00 Voga100,00
Voga
Voga Technical Level 80.00
Indice Técnico 80,00
First 500 meters Voga
– Second
Voga 100,00 Indice Técn
Abaixo: Técnico 500 80,00
meters – Technical
Voga Lev
500m_2
80,00
Indice Técnico 60.00 500m_3 Voga 6,80 60,00Indice Técnico 80,00 Voga 60,00
60,00 29,00 60,00
60.00 60.00 Indice
60,00 40,00
40.00
40,00
40,00
500m_1
500m_1 40,00
40.00
20,00 500m_2
500m_2 500m_3 60,00 500m_4
500m_3 500m_4 Pace - Stroke Length – Number of Strokes
40,00
40.00 – World Average – Yo
60,00
20.00 Metros 20,00
20.00 40,00 20,00
20,00
20,00
0.00
0,00   Amplitude de
0,00
0,00
0.00 Metros 20,00
500 meters – Age –20.00Weight – BMI – Height
0,00
0.00
40,00
0,00 Metros 20,00
Stroke Length
Amplitude de Stroke Length
Amplitude de Velocidade Média
Average
0,00 Speed Stroke Length
Amplitude de Average
VelocidadeSpeed Amplitude de
Amplitude de
Remadas
Average
VelocidadeSpeed
Média
Velocidade Média
Remadas
Remadas
Amplitude de
Velocidade Média    Remadas
Velocidade Média 0,00 Remadas
D Remadas Frequencia Amplitude de Velocid
Remadas Média Remadas Média
37,00 Figure 1.Quantidade
Competitive
Stroke
de model
Wattof the 500 meter splits of female rowers. Time in seconds (A), average
RemadasPace
Quantidade de Stroke Pace
Quantidade de
per second Watt
Quantidade
Stroke de
Pace Watt Watt
36,00
Quantidade
Remadas
de Watt
Watt
Watt speed in meters
Remadas (B), power of strokes in watts (C), stroke rate in strokes
Remadas
Wattper minute (D),
Primeiro 500 metros
Quan
35,90
Remadas Re
35,00 World
Média Average
Mundial Your
SeuAthlete
Seu Atleta quantity of strokes in
Média Mundial Quantidade
number of Seu de
strokes
Atleta (E) andWatt
length of A
strokes in meters (F). Quantidade de B
Média Mundial Atleta WorldMundial
Média Average RemadasYour Athlete
Seu Atleta World Average
Média MundialTempo (s) Your Athlete
Seu Atleta Watt
34,00
32,83 34,16 Time – Seconds – Meters – Average Speed – Power – Watts – Meters – Stroke rate – Strokes - Meters
120,00 Remadas
Reamdas

32,84 100,00
33,00 Number of strokes – Strokes - Meters – Length – Meters
Média Mundial Seu- Atleta Indice Técnico 80,00 Média Mundial
Voga
Indice T
Seu Atleta
60,00 Idade
TerceiroD500 metros
32,00
E 40,00 E 150,00
31,00 Fourth
Quarto500
500 meters
metros 20,00 120,00
empo (s) Time
Tempo (s) Age 0,00
0 30,00 D 120,00
120.00 E Idade
Amplitude
150.00 de
150,00
90,00 Amplitud
Remad
0 100,00
100.00 Velocidade
60,00Média
29,00 Remadas
0 120,00
120.00
500m_4Voga
30,00
500m_1 Technical Level 500m_3
Voga Voga Abaixo: First 500 meters – Second 500 meters – Technical Level
0
Indice Técnico
500m_2 80.00
80,00 – Time – Average
90.00
Speed – Stroke
60.00
60,00 90,00 IMC 0,00 Peso
0 40.00
40,00 Pace - Stroke Length – Number of Strokes – World Average – Your Athlete
60.00
60,00 Quantidade–deThird 500 meters – Fourth
Q
0 Metros 20.00 Watt
  500 meters – Age – Weight – BMI – Height
20,00 30.00 Remadas
0 0.00
0,00 30,00
Velocidade Stroke Length
Amplitude de Average Speed
Velocidade BMI
IMC 0.00
0,00 Média Mundial Weight
Peso Seu Atleta
Média Remadas Média
Estatura

Watt Quantidade
Stroke Pacede Segundo 500 metros
Remadas
Watt
Watt Primeiro 500 metros Mundial
Seu atleta
A B Height
Tempo (s)
ndial Seu Atleta WorldMundial
Média Average Your Athlete
Seu Atleta Tempo (s)
120,00 Figure 2. Elite Estatura 120,00comparing the world average with a fictitiou
model,
100,00
100,00
Indice Técnico 80,00 Voga
activity of female
Indice Técnico rowers
80,00 in international
Voga rowing competitions. First
Mundial 60,00 Seu atleta
E Figure150,00
2. Elite
Idademodel, comparing the world average with a fictitious athlete, based on
60,00
40,00
the competitive activity of meters
female of race
rowers (B),
in third
40,00 500 metros
international rowing of race (C), last
competitions. 500
First 500meters of r
20,00
meters120,00
of race (A), second 500 meters of race (B), third 500 metros of race (C), last 500
20,00 meters of race and physical characteristics (E).
Figure 2. Elite model, comparing the world average with a fictitious athlete, based on the co 0,00
90,00 0,00 Amplitude de
Amplitude de Velocidade Média
60,00 activity of female rowers in international rowing competitions. First 500 meters of race (A), se
Remadas
Velocidade Média Remadas

the interval workoutPeso

IMC
method, with special and competitive
30,00
0,00
exercises
meters always
of race (B), within
third the percentage
500 metros calculations
of race (C), of competitive
last 500 meters speed,
of race and sincecharacter
physical
Quantidade de
distributed in the training plan. Quantidade de the highest correlation occurs inRemadas
Watt the third split.Watt
Remadas
The technical level indicates how far the athlete is from the world
Média Mundial In terms
Seu Atleta of the number and Média
length of strokes, average
Mundial Seu Atleta correlation
record, and in this particular research project has strong correlation and significance is shown in all splits. There is also the higher correlation
Estatura
and statistical significance, indicating that the average speed of world at the start, suggesting that the lower the number and the greater the
Mundial
championships isSeu17.31%
atleta
away from the world record. length of strokes, the higher the speed of the scull. Corroborating the
omparing the world average with a fictitious athlete,
Regarding the competitive model,based on theshowed
the study competitive
that time, speed assumption that continuously applying force improves scull propulsion2
in international rowing competitions. First 500 meters of race (A), second 500
and power had strong correlation and statistical significance with speed in the acceleration, speed, velocity resistance, and finish line phases, as
500 metros of race (C), last 500 meters of race and physical characteristics (E).
in all splits. Some authors explain that effective strength coordination the greater the power the greater the scull’s displacement.
throughout the stroke cycle is a significant aspect of performance.21-23 The model allows the comparison of any athlete with the world elite,
Not only does the current study demonstrate that the highest correlation due to the analysis of competitive variables. It also drills deeply into the
is found in the third 500 meter split, but also proposes that the greater theory and practice of the sport.7 Based on the analysis of this model, it
the power over the 1500 meters of the race, the better the result. Also, is evident that higher power in each stroke phase could improve per-
particular attention should be focused on speed resistance stimuli, formance in the 2000-meter single women’s scull race. Zamotin et al.23

Rev Bras Med Esporte – Vol. 26, No 2 – Mar/Abr, 2020 165

claim that competitive activity is the culmination of a long training
process and deserves an objective, systematic and thorough analysis.
Thus, knowing the competitive activity model of high performance
scullers gives us the exact notion that applied training beliefs need to
be reviewed. In other words, the current main guiding principle of the
training system is undoubtedly the competition system. We need to
train as close as possible to the competitive model. Training volumes,
which used to take up significant time in preparation programs, have
decreased in this new stage while speed/muscle power is taking on
greater importance, thus presenting new dynamics in terms of training
intensity. Parameters such as average competition speed, number of
strokes (stroke rate) and stroke execution power, as well as lactate con-
centration, made the elements most valuable to the coach.
It is now understood that despite being a sport that requires high
maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), the winner is the athlete who has the
ability to produce fast strength most of the time, and this is acquired by
training at and above competitive speeds. Special strength becomes the
key element of the preparation of today’s rowers, which general theory
still resists, because the high volume and consequently low muscle power
of training has always been the coach’s strategy of choice.
AUTHORS’ CONTRIBUTIONS: Each author made significant individual contributions to this manuscript. FBMS: writing, statistical analysis, intellectual concept and creation of the
entire research project; JPRGMB: data collection, review and typing of data; ACG preparation of the graphs, writing, review and intellectual concept of the study. All authors reviewed
and approved the final version of the manuscript.
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CONCLUSIONS
The elite model of competitive activity in this study demonstrates
the behavior of variables and power as a key factor in female rowers
in world championships. Therefore, the model presented in this study
can be seen as an important complement in female rowers’ fitness
preparation, and may also serve as a guide for the percentages and
characteristics of training loads.
Future studies should both verify which of these variables or splits are
predictors of performance, and analyze the competitive activity of each
category and gender, as the dynamics may differ from the model presented.
All authors declare no potential conflict of interest related to this article
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Rev Bras Med Esporte – Vol. 26, No 2 – Mar/Abr, 2020