Streght abilities of the Czech national team female rowers

Rowing is a fitness-determined sport. Strength skills are an important factor in rowing performance. The aim of this study was to determine the level of maximal strength skills of Czech national team female rowers in the three most used exercises (squat, deadlift and bench-pull) and in the same time to compare female rowers included in the national team A and team B. We also found out the reliability of these test exercises. High squat (r = 0,841; p < 0,005), deadlift (r = 0,849; p < 0,005) and bench-pull (r = 0,987; p < 0,005) reliability were found. Compared to the published standards, the Czech national team shows a lower level of relative strength in squat (1.23 vs. 1.6 kg.kg-1 body weight) and especially in bench-pull (0.86 vs. 1.2). The rowers of national team A showed higher degree of relative strength than the rowers of the national team B. However, the differences were not evaluated as practically or statistically significant. The compared subpopulations did not acquire sufficient scope for adequate statistical analysis. To female rowers we could recommend focusing on developing maximum strength skill with a special focus on the strength of upper limbs and torso. We would also recommend to coaches a regular diagnostic through these basic exercises.