Changes in mechanical power output in rowing by varying stroke rate and gearing

Each stretch‐shortening‐cycle (SSC) in elite sports (e.g. jumping, cycling), is characterised by utilising optimal movement‐parameters (e.g. muscle shortening velocity), for maximum power (jump height, cycle velocity). It is however unclear if relevant SSC movement‐parameters in rowing, such as stroke rate and gearing, have to be maximised to obtain maximum power output or if an optimum relation emerges. Thus, we measured rowing‐power (P row ), leg‐power (P leg ) and work‐per‐stroke (WPS) at of varying stroke rates (20–45 spm), gearings (lever‐changes 0.87–0.90 m) and drag factors (100–180 Ws 3 /m 3 ) during rowing. Experienced sub‐elite young athletes performed sprint‐series on ( single scull , n = 69, 20 ± 2 years, 186 ± 7 cm, 84 ± 9 kg) and off the water (rowing‐ergometer, n = 30, 19 ± 3 years, 185 ± 11 cm, 77 ± 19 kg). P row increased with stroke rate for ergometer‐test ( r = 0.97, p < 0.001) and boat measurement ( r = 0.98, p < 0.001) by 2.7%/stroke and 4.4%/stroke, respectively. Interestingly, stroke rate had a high impact on WPS ( r = 0.79, p < 0.001) during boat measurement, compared to no (or specifically no high) impact on WPS ( r = −0.10, p = 0.166) during ergometer‐measurements. Drag factor (ergometer: r = 0.83, p < 0.001) and gearing (boat: r = 0.60, p < 0.001) yielded moderate to high correlations to P row . These results indicate that no optimum stroke rate, gearing and drag factor exist for maximum power in rowing (sprint‐measurement‐range). Accordingly, the measurements yielded maximum power for maximum stroke rate, gearing, and drag factor.