Metabolic Responses to Prolonged Open Water Rowing: A Case Study

The present study examined the metabolic and physiological responses to a period of prolonged open water rowing during a 4950 km rowing race across the Atlantic Ocean. A single male participant underwent laboratory-based assessments of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and lactate turnpoint on a slide mounted Concept II rowing ergometer. During this trial heart rate (HR) and Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) were recorded. Testing was undertaken 2 weeks prior to commencing the race. During the race, HR telemetry data was collected along with RPE. Results indicated that VO2max was 5.361 min-1 and lactate turnpoint (LaT) occurred at 84% VO2max. Mean, standard deviation (SD) exercising HR during the race was 109.2 (14.7). Using linear regression equations between exercise, HR, and laboratory data the metabolic responses were determined. Power output during the race was 164.5 (48.2) Watts (W), corresponding to a sub-maximal VO2 of 2.31 min-1 (0.6). Respiratory Exchange Ration (RER) was 0.87 (0.03). Calorific cost of exercise and rest were estimated to be 46.8 (3.4) and 13.0 (1.69) Kilojoules (kJ) min-1 respectively. Findings show there was an energy deficit of ~18,133 kJ day-1, with the major fuel source based on RER data being fats. Overall the data provides an initial insight into the metabolic responses to this extreme endurance exercise.