Author(s): BALASEKARAN, G., LOONG, C.H., YUE, W., NG, Y.C., Institution: NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY, Country: SINGAPORE, Abstract-ID: 597

INTRODUCTION:
A high level of cardiovascular fitness (CVF) is often associated with longevity and health. Interval training is used to boost CVF levels, however, the effect of different exercise modalities interval training on running outcomes are unknown. 2.4 km run is a common valid field test used to assess an individual’s CVF. This study investigated the effect of rowing ergometer interval training on 2.4km running performance among male and female participants.
METHODS:
A total of 19 healthy male and female participants (height: 167.94 ± 6.97 cm; weight: 67.21 ± 12.57 kg; fat: 15471.68 ± 5778.59 g; fat free mass (FFM): 51757.84 ± 12429.33 g)) volunteered for this study. Their anthropometric measurements were recorded, and pre- and post-body composition measured via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) machine. Participants underwent a pre- and post-2.4km run test on the track. They also participated in 10 sessions of 45-60 minutes rowing on an ergometer per session over 5 weeks and 8 interval training sessions. Participants wore a heart rate (HR) monitor each and completed a standardized warm up protocol that consisted of 3 minutes rowing on the ergometer at their own pace, followed by stretching of their lower back, hamstrings, quadriceps using 3 dynamic stretches. Rowing interval training (RIT) followed a decreasing Work (W):Rest (R) ratio starting with short bouts of exercise in week 1 with longer rest before progressing to longer bouts of exercise with lesser repetitions. HR and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded during each session.
RESULTS:
Significant differences were found between pre- and post-2.4km run test (pre-2.4km: 806.21 ± 160.02 s vs. post-2.4km: 758.95 ± 160.49 s, p = 0.000); pre- and post-fat (pre-fat: 15471.68 ± 5778.59 g vs. post-fat: 15125.58 ± 5829.33 g, p = 0.022); males pre- and post-FFM (males pre-FFM: 61961.80 ± 6464.90 g vs. males post-FFM: 62894.50 ± 6326.74 g, p = 0.002). pre-2.4km timings between genders (males: 685.00 ± 82.91 s vs. females: 940.89 ± 105.39 s, p = 0.000); post-2.4km timings between genders (males: 627.90 ± 48.58 s vs. females: 904.56 ± 99.90 s, p = 0.000). There were also significant positive correlation between pre-fat and pre-2.4km run test (pre-fat: 1547.68 ± 5778.59 g vs. pre-2.4km: 806.21 ± 160.02 s, p = 0.020, r = 0.530); post-fat and post-2.4km run test (post-fat: 15125.58 ± 5829.33 g vs. post-2.4km: 758.95 ± 160.49 s, p = 0.028, r = 0.503); significant negative correlation between pre-FFM and pre-2.4km run test (pre-FFM: 51757.84 ± 12429.33 g vs. pre-2.4km: 806.21 ± 160.02 s, p = 0.000, r = -0.762).
CONCLUSION:
Results indicated that 8 sessions of rowing ergometer interval training are significantly effective in improving 2.4km running performance and reducing body fat for the total cohort. Males FFM increased significantly. Sports enthusiasts, athletes, physical education teachers and coaches may consider cross-training methods, such as rowing ergometer, to improve CVF. Varied training may help exercise adherence.