Effects of off-season training on anaerobic power and muscle thickness of varsity male rowers / 体力科学

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of off-season training on the anaerobic power output and muscle thickness of male varsity rowers. 23 rowers participated in this study. Four all-out cycle ergometer work tests lasting 7 and 40 seconds were used to estimate anaerobic alactic power (AAP) and anaerobic lactic power (ALP) with leg (pedaling) and arm (cranking) exercises. AAP was computed as the highest power output during 7 seconds and ALP was obtained as the mean power output during 40 seconds. Muscle thickness was measured by B-mode ultrasonography at 11 sites on the body. There were significant differences between before and after off-season training in AAP (cranking 8.4±1.00 vs 9.2±1.10W /kg, p<0.001, pedaling 14.4± 1.10 vs 15.0±1.00 W/kg, p<0.001) and ALP (cranking 5.2±0.42 vs 5.5±1.20W/kg, p<0.001, pedaling 10.1±0.62 vs 9.5±2.10 W/kg, n, s.) . Muscle thickness increased significantly as a result of off-season training at sites on the biceps, triceps, pectoralis major, subscaplar and hamstrings. Similarly, there were significant differences in estimated muscle cross-sectional area (MCSA) on sites on the elbow flexor (20.6±2.6 vs 22.1±1.8cm<SUP>2</SUP>, p< 0.01), elbow extensor (25.3 ±4.8 vs 28.6±4.2cm<SUP>2</SUP>, p<0.001) and knee flexor (71.1±5.8 vs 74.3±5.2cm<SUP>2</SUP>, p<0.01) . The main training program in the off-season consisted of resistance training of the whole body. The high intensity training, used by male varsity rowers during off-season training, increased arm AAP, leg AAP, arm ALP and muscle thickness of the upper body ; but there was no difference in leg ALP and knee extensor muscle. It was suggested that improvements in leg ALP and knee extensor muscle are necessary to during the off-season training program of male varsity rowers.