Concept 2 Rowing Step Test

Testing and measurement are the means of collecting information upon which subsequent performance evaluations and decisions are made but in the analysis we need to bear in mind the factors that may influence the results.

Objective

To monitor the development of the athlete's anaerobic threshold.

Required Resources

To undertake this test you will require:

  • Concept 2 Rowing Machine
  • Heart rate monitor
  • An assistant

How to conduct the test

The test consists of five four minute rows, each rowed at a constant 500 metre pace. The pace is increased for each step and you have a 30 second recovery between each row. Use the calculator below to determine the pace for each step. The 5th step is at 100% (maximum) effort.

For each step, you need to record the set 500 metre/pace, distance rowed in 4 minutes, the stroke rate, the actual 500 metre pace and steady state heart rate. Heart rate reaches its steady state after approximately 3 minutes of rowing.

Analysis

Analysis of the results is by comparing it with the results of previous tests. Improvement in endurance is indicated when you find that the steady state heart rate is lower for any given 500 metre pace when compared to a previous test. It is expected that, with appropriate training between each test, the analysis would indicate an improvement in the athlete's anaerobic threshold.

Example

The following is an example of a test for an athlete whose best time for the 2000 metres is 6 minutes and 32 seconds, which is an average 500 metres split of 1 minute 38 seconds.

  • Step 1 - 4 minutes at 1 minute 59 seconds/500 metres
  • 30 seconds recovery - record distance, stroke rate, set & actual 500 metres pace and steady pace heart rate
  • Step 2 - 4 minutes at 1 minute 54 seconds/500 metres
  • 30 seconds recovery - record distance, stroke rate, set & actual 500 metres pace and steady pace heart rate
  • Step 3 - 4 minutes at 1 minute 50 seconds/500 metres
  • 30 seconds recovery - record distance, stroke rate, set & actual 500 metres pace and steady pace heart rate
  • Step 4 - 4 minutes at 1 minute 47 seconds/500 metres
  • 30 seconds recovery - record distance, stroke rate, set & actual 500 metres pace and steady pace heart rate
  • Step 5 - 4 minutes at Maximum effort
  • Record distance, stroke rate, actual 500 metres pace and steady pace heart rate

500 metres pace for each step

To determine the pace for each of the 4 minute rows please enter your current 2000 metre time and then select the Calculate button:

2000 metre time minutes seconds
 
 
Step 1: 4 minutes at minutes seconds/500 metres
Step 2: 4 minutes at minutes seconds/500 metres
Step 3: 4 minutes at minutes seconds/500 metres
Step 4: 4 minutes at minutes seconds/500 metres
Step 5: 4 minutes at

Target Group

This test is only suitable for competitive rowers whose time for the 2000 metres is less than 8 minutes and 30 seconds but not for individuals where the test would be contraindicated.

Reliability

Test reliability refers to the degree to which a test is consistent and stable in measuring what it is intended to measure. Reliability will depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test.

Validity

Test validity refers to the degree to which the test actually measures what it claims to measure and the extent to which inferences, conclusions, and decisions made on the basis of test scores are appropriate and meaningful. This test provides a means to monitor the effect of training on the athlete's physical development.

101 Performance Evaluation Tests

101 Performance Evaluation Tests

Periodic testing and measuring is the only way to get the up-to-date, accurate and objective information you need to assess current performance, then make informed decisions about future training and competition goals.

This brand new workbook, 101 Performance Evaluation Tests, is the largest, most complete and authoritative collection of sports performance evaluation tests there is. And it is an essential tool for anyone wanting to predict athletic performance or evaluate an athlete`s current level of fitness.

Select this link for more information on "101 Performance Evaluation Tests".

Associated Pages

The following Sports Coach pages should be read in conjunction with this page:

Associated Books

The following books provide more information related to this topic:

  • Advanced Studies in Physical Education and Sport, P Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 4482345
  • Physical Education and the Study of Sport, B. Davis et al., ISBN 0 7234 31752
  • Essentials of Exercise Physiology, W.D. McArdle et al., ISBN 0 683 30507 7
  • Physical Education and Sport Studies, D. Roscoe et al., ISBN 1 901424 20 0
  • The World of Sport Examined, P. Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 438719 9
  • Advanced PE for Edexcel, F. Galligan et al., ISBN 0 435 50643 9
  • Examining Physical Education, K. Bizley, ISBN 0 435 50660 9
  • Sport and PE, K Wesson et al., ISBN 0 340 683821
  • PE for you, J. Honeybourne, ISBN 0 7487 3277 2

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