Anthropometrical, physiological and psychological characteristics among competitive rowers

Abstract

Introduction Anthropometric characteristics are undoubtedly performance related factors, especially in rowing. Materials and methods Two hundred and forty-five (n= 245), (n= 101); (17.24±1.38), female and (n= 144); (18.22±1.33), male of age were recruited from 16 rowing clubs in 10 Hungarian cities. Anthropometric measurements and body composition estimations Height and weight, arm span and sitting height were measured using an anthropometric kit. Body composition characteristics, such as body fat percentage (BFP) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM), were determined by bioelectrical impedance with an InBody 720 body composition analyzer. Physiological measurements The 2000 m rowing ergometer tests and different distances (3x100m, 60 sec, 500m, 2000m and 6000 m) were performed on certified rowing ergometer (Concept 2 D-model) and the power output in watts (W) was measured. The estimated relative aerobic capacity (ErVO2) was calculated by using the formula of McArdle, (2006). Psychological tests Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT), Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2), Athletic Coping Skills Inventory-28 (ACSI-28), Trait Sport Confidence Inventory (TSCI). Results Anthropometric and physiological characteristics based on age groups and gender The difference in mean height (BH) between age groups BH (group I) =166.87±7.73-TM (group II) =171.27±5.68; (p<0.05) is significant in the female group. There was no real difference between the means of body mass (BM), body mass index (BMI) and body surface area (BSA). Psychological and physiological aspects Only the CSAI-self-confidence showed a statistically significant difference between genders as boys having higher score. Conclusions To sum up, from the investigations included in this dissertation it can be concluded, that anthropometric characteristics should be examined in the early stage of talent identification for rowing, since unlike these attributes, the cardiorespiratory system of a young talented athlete with adequate physiological characteristics can be developed with appropriate training work.