Equation for analyzing the peak power in aquatic environment: An alternative for olympic rowing athletes

PURPOSE: To develop an equation to provide the peak power (PP) through a specific stimulus performed in an aquatic environment, as well as to correlate morphological, anthropometric and strength variables with rowing performance. METHODS: The sample consisted of 16 elite young rowing athletes of both sexes (15.7 ± 1.21 years). The strength of upper limbs and lower limbs was verified. To analyze the PP, a 100-m Sprint test was performed on an indoor rowing type ergometer, and after a 72-hour wash-out, the test was repeated in an aquatic environment on a vessel equipped with a global position system. Body composition was analyzed by examining bone densitometry with an X-ray source and maturation was verified by anthropometry. RESULTS: The tests for water sprint and indoor rowing showed significant reliability (ICC = 0.695; p = 0.0007). The PP aquatic showed reliability with that acquired in indoor rowing (ICC = 0.897; p<0.0001) and was related to maturation (p<0.05). The morphology, anthropometry and strength of the upper limbs were related to the sprint and peak strength in both tests (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The equation for the PP in aquatic environment presented by the present study is highly reliable with an indoor ergometer digital ergometer.