Measurement of oxygen consumption, heart rate, and work output during rowing

Exercise metabolism, heart rate, and work output were measured for seven competitive oarsmen. Oxygen consumption was assessed by open-circuit method and heart rate telemetered during progressive strenuous exertion in a rowing training tank. Work output was determined by a strain gauge-recorder arrangement. Heart rate was also telemetered periodically during a strenuous training session of 2000 m on the river so that a comparison of the relative contribution of aerobic work could be made between tank and river work. Oxygen consumptions for the tank test ranged from 4100–5344 ml/min and heart rates from 176–192 beats/min. Work output, which was supposed to be standard, ranged from .530–.715 · h.p. Heart rates for river work ranged from 164–178 beats/min. Work output in the tank was successfully measured by the strain gaugerecorder instrumentation and for most subjects standardization was attained. Tank oxygen consumptions and heart rates for most oarsmen approached maximal levels. Comparative heart rates showed that the river work, on the average, required less energy expenditure.