Science of Rowing

Alice, Alex, and Joe discuss 3 articles on: [0:34] Alice Tourell North Introduction [7:35] The relationship between rowing stroke mechanics and respiratory muscle function: Does the athletes postural control affect performance? [49:05 ] Static vs Dynamic Ergometers: What Coaches Should Know About Coordination and Technique [1:05:27] The Impact of Atrial Fibrillation in Retired World-Class Rowers

Coral, Alex, and Joe discuss 3 articles on: [2:12] Coxswains Are Performers Too: Considerations for Coxswain Mental Skills Training [16:52] You Can’t Use Fitness You Can’t Deliver: Neuromuscular Fatigue in Rowing [33:45] Predicting 2k Performance and Profiling Athletes Using The Anaerobic Power Reserve Framework

In this episode we welcome brand new guest author Sera Busse. Sera, Alex, and Joe discuss 3 articles on HIIT, the contribution of the hip, and high-altitude (hypoxia) training. [0:00] Welcome to Sera Busse [3:24] The Impact of Using Sprint Interval Training and the Anaerobic Power/Speed Reserve in Rowers [26:10] Rethinking Hip Contribution in Rowing: Insights from Fixed-Seat Mechanics [43:45] Four...

Dr. Frank Nugent, Alex, and Joe discuss 3 articles on: [1:20] The Effects of Four-week Plyometric Training On Delaying Muscle Fatigue In Youth Rowers [27:03] Using Wearable Sensors to Measure Rowing Technique and Performance [45:11] Exploring Concurrent Aerobic and Resistance Training in Rowers

Lisa, Alex, and Joe review 3 articles on: [2:55] Trunk Contribution and Performance Differences in Fixed-Seat Para Rowing [24:05] Optimizing Rowing Performance: A Comprehensive Network Meta-Analysis of Nutritional and Training Interventions [38:50] Does HIIRT Improve 2,000-meter Rowing Ergometer Performance?

Dr. Rod Siegel, Alex, and Joe discuss 3 articles focused on: [7:00] Response to Long vs Short-Interval Training in Rowing: Effects of Aerobic Contribution [22:55] How Shoulder Muscle Use Affects Rowing Technique and Performance [38:50] The Role of the Adductor Magnus in Hip Extension

Mark, Alex , and Joe discuss 3 articles on: [1:30] Critical Power Is More Strongly Associated With Rowing Performance Than the Second Lactate Threshold [26:00] Do Stronger Rowers Row Faster? Exploring Force Metrics in Junior Athletes [43:45] The Relationship Between Rowing Kinematics and Force Production

Coral, Alex, and Joe review 3 articles: [0:00] Introduce Coral Kasden [4:59] What Do Elite Coxswains Say During Races? [21:25] What Makes the Boat Go Fast: The Role of Technique and Muscle Activation in Sculling Performance [34:20] The Relationship Between Rowing Kinematics and Force Production

Alex, James, and Joe discuss 3 articles on: [2:30] Same Power, Different Speed: What Elite Rowers Teach Us About Efficiency on the Water [21:05] Diagnosing and Managing Rib Stress Injuries [40:55] Accuracy of RP3 Rowing Ergometer Science of Rowing is the resource for coaches and rowers of all levels. Each month, we read across dozens of academic journals for rowing-relevant research, deliver summa...

[2:18] Speed-Strength Characteristics of the Rowing Ergometer and Clean Pull Exercise [21:03] Understanding the Rowing Spine: Biomechanics, Injury Patterns, and Treatment Strategies [37:20] Physiological and Kinematic Differences Between the BioRower and Concept2 Ergometer

Volume 6, Issue 9 Podcast (September, 2025) [0:00] Joe introduces new guest author Natalie Legge [3:30] Review of On-Water Biomechanical Variables [24:00] Monitoring Training Loads and Performance Adaptations in Elite Rowers: A Six-Month Longitudinal Study [38:18] Assessing the Glycolytic Energy System via the Maximal Lactate Accumulation Rate (VLa.max )

Mark, Alex, and Joe discuss three articles on: [3:00] The Longitudinal Development of Sub-maximal Aerobic Capacity of Elite Rowers [28:05] A Statistical Approach to Establishing Fair and Objective Time Standards in Competitive Rowing [44:00] Does Cognitive Load Change Rowing Technique?

Ishan, Alex, and Joe discuss three articles focused on: [0:00] Ishan personal and professional update [2:25] Physical and technical attributes associated with on-water rowing performance in junior and elite rowers [14:25] Prediction of 2000-m on-water rowing performance with measures derived from instrumented boats [27:20] Mental Effort in Elite and Non-elite Rowers

Joe, Alex, and Rachel discuss three articles on the menstrual cycle and blood lactate thresholds, rowing biomechanics with a focus on kinetics, kinematics, and muscle activation patterns, and evaluating the transfer of rowing performance from the erg to the boat. [0:00] Introduce Rachel Grainger [1:55] Does the Lactate Threshold Vary Across the Menstrual Cycle? [31:25] Comprehensive Analysis of Ro...

Joe, Alex, and Frank discuss three articles on championship pacing, muscle dynamics and inflammatory responses, and Velocity Based Training. [1:20] Elite Rowers' Pacing Strategies [15:57] Muscle Dynamics and Inflammatory Responses [36:55] High Velocity Loss Thresholds Affect 2k Erg Performance

Joe, Alex, and Mark discuss three articles on blood flow restriction training, the adductor magnus, and upper respiratory illness. [5:05] BFR Improves VO2max, not 2k erg performance [23:00] Exploring the Role of Adductor Magnus in Muscle Recruitment Patterns Among Rowers Using MRI [ 39:05] Respiratory Problems in Rowers: Outcomes from a Systematic Assessment of an Elite Squad

Joe and Alex discuss three articles on maximal lactate accumulation, the accuracy of the Concept2 RowErg, and quantifying on-water rowing performance. [2:18] Maximal Lactate Accumulation [17:30] The Accuracy of the Concept2 RowErg [36:25] Quantifying On-water Rowing Performance

Joe, Alex, and Gaz discuss 3 articles focused on the isometric bench row, high-intensity interval training, and Science of Rowing's guidelines for nutrition for openweight rowing. [3:05] Isometric Bench Row vs. Dynamic Bench Row - What's Better? [19:50] Evaluating the Impact of High-Intensity Interval and Sprint-Interval Training on Rowing Performance [33:10] Science of Rowing's Guidelines on Nutr...

Joe, Alex, and Lisa discuss three articles focused on the physiological differences between the rowing ergometer and indoor cycling ergometer, the impact of stroke rate and intensity on technique, and injury awareness in Beach Sprints Rowers. [0:05] Physiological Differences between rowing ergometer and cycle ergometers [15:46] The Impact of Stroke Rate and Intensity on Rowing Technique [33:05] In...

Joe, Nicole, and Lisa discuss 3 articles on predicting functional threshold power, training intensity distribution in elite chinese rowers, and risk factors associated with rib stress injuries. [4:23] Maximum Power During a Graded Exercise Test Predicts Functional Threshold Power [20:30 ] Training Characteristics of Chinese Rowers [37:21] What aspects of nutrition play a role in the development of...

Joe and Alex lead this podcast on the following three articles: [1:35] Spine and Pelvis Movement Variability of Rowers With and Without Low Back Pain. [23:30] The Impact of Rowing on Post-Menopausal Women [35:42] What is The Most Effective Post Activation Potentiation Protocol to Improve Ergometer Rowing Performance?

Joe, Alex, and James discuss 3 articles on para rowing, VO2max predictions, and achievement motivation patterns in rowers. [2:56] Para Rowers Scoping Review [20:05] Motivation and Achievement Patterns in Rowers [36:55] Predicting VO2max in Female Rowers

Joe, Alex, and Michael discuss three articles related to muscle morphology of the vastus lateralis, training considerations for the LA 2028 Olympics, and identifying if your athletes are more suited to training the morning or evenings.

Audio Summary of Michael Naperalsky's article for Volume 5, Issue 8 "The Potential for Heat Training to Improve Rowing Performance" Researchers studied eleven rowers using two different training environments over a period of twelve days: cross-training in a hot environment (34ºC/93ºF) or moderate (14ºC/57ºF) condition. Assessments for physiological adaptation, perceived effort, and time trial perf...

Audio Summary for Alex Wolf's Volume 5, Issue 8 Article "Power Output Changes With Varying Stroke Rates And Gearing" This research aimed to explore the effects of varying stroke rates, gearings, and drag factors on mechanical power output in rowing, employing a cohort of experienced sub-elite young athletes in both ergometer and on-water conditions. The study meticulously measured rowing power (Pr...