Analysis of the Physiological Characteristics of Elite Male and Female Junior Rowers During Extreme Exercise

Background: Rowing is a highly demanding endurance sport, requiring simultaneous work of approximately 70% of the body’s muscle mass and the combined contribution of aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the cardiorespiratory responses and performance characteristics of elite junior male and female rowers during maximal effort over 2000 m on a rowing ergometer. Methods: Fifteen junior rowers (six males aged 15–17 and nine females aged 15–18) participated in the study. Anthropometric data (body height, weight, and body surface area) were recorded. All participants performed a maximal 2000 m test on a Concept2 D-model ergometer. Throughout the test, oxygen uptake (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), heart rate, and ventilation parameters were continuously measured. Performance and physiological data were analyzed in three intensity zones, defined by ventilatory thresholds (VT1–VT3), as well as at peak exercise. Results: Significant anthropometric differences were observed between genders. In terms of performance, males completed the 2000 m test significantly faster than females (208.83 ± 87.66 s vs. 333.78 ± 97.51 s, p = 0.0253). Relative VO2 at peak exercise was higher in males (58.73 ± 5.25 mL·kg−1·min−1) than females (48.32 ± 6.09 mL·kg−1·min−1, p = 0.0046). In most cardiorespiratory parameters, males outperformed females significantly, except for heart rate and ventilatory equivalents. Ranking analysis revealed that higher VO2max values were generally associated with a better placement in both genders, though this relationship was not perfectly linear. Performance time was negatively correlated with VO2Peak (r = −0.8286; p < 0.001), rVO2Peak (r = −0.6781; p < 0.01), and O2PPeak (r = −0.7729; p < 0.01). Conclusions: The findings confirm significant gender differences in anthropometric and cardiorespiratory characteristics of elite junior rowers and reinforce VO2max as a key determinant of performance. Yet, deviations from a direct VO2max–rank correlation highlight the influence of tactical, psychological, and biomechanical factors. Future research should provide practical recommendations for monitoring performance and tailoring training to optimize adaptation and long-term athlete development.