Physique traits of lightweight rowers and their relationship to competitive success

Abstract

Objectives: Physique traits and their relationship to competitive success were assessed amongst lightweight rowers competing at the 2003 Australian Rowing Championships. Methods: Full anthropometric profiles were collected from 107 lightweight rowers (n = 65 males, n = 45 females) competing in the Under 23 and Open age categories. Performance assessments were obtained for 66 of these rowers based on results in the single sculls events. The relationship between physique traits and competitive success was then determined. Results: Lower body fat (heat time estimate -8.4 s kg-1, p<0.01), greater total body mass (heat time estimate -4.4 s kg-1, p = 0.03), and muscle mass (heat time estimate -10.2 s kg-1, p<0.01) were associated with faster 2000 m heat times. Conclusions: The more successful lightweight rowers were those who had lower body fat and greater total muscle mass.