Acute Effect of Different Velocity-Based Training Protocols on 2000-meter Rowing Ergometer Performance

Abstract Leandro Quidel-Catrilelbún, ME, Ruiz-Alias, SA, García-Pinillos, F, Ramirez-Campillo, R, and Pérez-Castilla, A. Acute effect of different velocity-based training protocols on 2000-m rowing ergometer performance. J Strength Cond Res 38(1): e8–e15, 2024—This study aimed to explore the acute effect of 4 velocity-based resistance training (VBT) protocols on 2000-m rowing ergometer (RE 2000 ) time trial, as well as the behavior of the maximal neuromuscular capacities when RE 2000 is performed alone or preceded by VBT protocols in the same session. Fifteen male competitive rowers (15–22 years) undertook 5 randomized protocols in separate occasions: (a) RE 2000 alone (control condition); (b) VBT against 60% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) with a velocity loss in the set of 10% followed by RE 2000 (VBT 60-10 + RE 2000 ); (c) VBT against 60% 1RM with a velocity loss in the set of 30% followed by RE 2000 (VBT 60-30 + RE 2000 ); (d) VBT against 80% 1RM with a velocity loss in the set of 10% followed by RE 2000 (VBT 80-10 + RE 2000 ); (e) VBT against 80% 1RM with a velocity loss in the set of 30% followed by RE 2000 (VBT 80-30 + RE 2000 ). The load-velocity relationship (load-axis intercept [ L 0 ], velocity-axis intercept [ v 0 ], and area under the load-velocity relationship line [ A line ]) was used to evaluate the maximal neuromuscular capacities during the prone bench pull exercise before and after each protocol. The time trial was significantly longer for VBT 60-30 + RE 2000 and VBT 80-30 + RE 2000 than for RE 2000 , VBT 60-10 + RE 2000 and VBT 80-10 + RE 2000 (all p < 0.001; ES = 0.10–0.15). L 0 and A line were significantly reduced after all protocols ( p < 0.001; ES = 0.10–0.13), with A line reduction more accentuated for VBT 60-10 + RE 2000 , VBT 60-30 + RE 2000 , VBT 80-30 + RE 2000 , and RE 2000 (all p = 0.001; ES = 0.11–0.18) than for VBT 80-10 + RE 2000 ( p = 0.065; ES = 0.05). Therefore, VBT protocols with greater velocity loss in the set (30% vs. 10%) negatively affected subsequent rowing ergometer performance, in line with impairment in A line pulling performance.