Can the 20 and 60 s All-Out Test Predict the 2000 m Indoor Rowing Performance in Athletes?

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to look for a new, simple, and fast method of assessing and monitoring indoor race performance and to assess the relationship between 20 s, 60 s, and 2000 m indoor rowing performances of youth rowers to evaluate their anaerobic profile. Methods: For three consecutive days, 17 young able-bodied male rowers (15.8 ± 2.0 years), performed three tests (20 s, 60 s, and 2000 m) on a rowing ergometer. Mean power (W(20), W(60), and W(2000)) and 2000 m time (t(2000)) were considered for the analysis. In addition, 14 athletes (15–18 years) performed a 20 s, 60 s, and 2000 m tests and used this as a control group. To define the anaerobic profile of the athletes, W(20) and W(60) were normalized as percentages of W(2000). Associations between variables were determined by means of the Pearson correlation coefficient (r). Results: Mean power decreased with increasing test duration (W(20) = 525.1 ± 113.7 W; W(60) = 476.1 ± 91.0 W; W(2000=)312.9 ± 56.0 W) and negative correlations emerged between t(2000) (418.5 ± 23.1 s) and W(20) (r = −0.952, p < 0.0001) and W(60) (r = −0.930, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: These findings indicate that W(20) and W(60) are significant predictors of 2000 m rowing ergometer performances. Furthermore, normalized W(20) and W(60) can be used to evaluate athletes and as a reference for planning anaerobic training sessions, on a rowing ergometer.