A Self-Regulated Submaximal Ergometer Training Session as a Field Test to Assess Performance, Aerobic Fitness, and Recovery in Elite Rowers

Abstract

Clark, JR, McKune, AJ, and Wood, PS. A self-regulated submaximal ergometer training session as a field test to assess performance, aerobic fitness, and recovery in elite rowers. J Strength Cond Res 40(7): e736–e745, 2026—Regularly assessing the response to training may be burdensome in high-level athletes, especially during intensified preparation periods. This study investigated whether a self-regulated 6-km submaximal rowing ergometer training session could double as a field test (6SRT) to estimate performance, aerobic fitness, and recovery in elite rowers. In a cross-sectional design, 2-km ergometer time trial (TT) time, lactate threshold power output (LT PO), self-reported total recovery (TR), and 6SRT responses were measured in 44 male open and lightweight category rowers from a national training center. Mean PO and exercise heart rate (HR _ex ) were used to derive the PO:HR _ex intensity ratio in the 6SRT, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and HR recovery (HRR) were recorded. In 33 subjects, correlation identified clear predictors of 2-km TT time and LT PO, but not TR. Multiple regression models estimating 2-km TT time ( R ² = 0.80) and LT PO ( R ² = 0.79) were cross-validated in 11 subjects. Measured vs. predicted 2-km TT time (using PO:HR _ex , RPE, and category) and LT PO (using PO:HR _ex and category) showed r : 0.93; standard error of estimation ( SEE ): 5.1 seconds (1.4%); 95% limits of agreement (LOA): −12.4 to 9.6 seconds (−3.3 to 2.6%), and r : 0.85; SEE : 12 W (4.2%); 95% LOA: −22 to 28 W (−5.8 to 7.4%), respectively. Although agreement with measured values is insufficient for detecting small differences, the 6SRT shows potential as a training test set enabling practitioners to reasonably accurately estimate performance and aerobic fitness, but not recovery, in elite rowers.