Diagnostics of (ν)(La.max) and Glycolytic Energy Contribution Indicate Individual Characteristics of Anaerobic Glycolytic Energy Metabolism Contributing to Rowing Performance

The diagnostics of anaerobic glycolytic metabolism which play a subordinate role in elite rowing and parameters such as maximum lactate accumulation rate ((ν)(La.max)) have thus far not been associated with ergometer rowing performance. The aim of the study was to quantify the glycolytic energy metabolism (W(Gly)) during a 2000 m ergometer rowing time trial (RTT) and (ν)(La.max) during a 10 s maximum ergometer rowing sprint test (RST) and to unravel associations between those variables and RTT performance. Combined post-exercise lactate measurements and oxygen uptake after RST and RTT were used to determine (ν)(La.max) and glycolytic energy contribution (W(Gly)) in seven male and three female German U 23 national rowers (N = 10, 19.8 ± 0.9 years, 183.2 ± 7.0 cm height, 79.9 ± 13.3 kg body mass, 16.4 ± 5.1 % body fat). W(Gly) during RTT ranged from 7 to 15.5% and (ν)(La.max) between 0.25 and 0.66 mmol∙L(−1)∙s(−1). (ν)(La.max) correlated with W(Gly) (p < 0.05, r = 0.74) and the mechanical power output (W) for the first 300 m (300(first)) during RTT (p < 0.05, r = 0.67). (ν)(La.max) further correlated with ∆300(first−last) (W) for the first and last 300 m (300(last)) during RTT (p < 0.01, r = 0.87) and also within the subgroup of male rowers. (ν)(La.max) displays a wide spectrum of individual differences in rowers. Due to this and its correlation to specific phases of RTT, it contributes to an individual energetic performance profile in rowing. Future studies must undermine the role of (ν)(La.max) for exercise performance and whether it serves as a marker that can be specifically targeted for a training-induced increase or decrease.