Determining the effect of selected anthropometric parameters on the time needed to cover 1000∼m on a rowing ergometer by physically inactive young women

• Published in: Isokinetics and exercise science 2012-01, Vol.20 (3), p.197-204
• Main Authors: Podstawski, Robert, Choszcz, Dariusz, Siemianowska, Ewa, Skibniewska, Krystyna A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Vertebrates: body movement. Posture. Locomotion. Flight. Swimming. Physical exercise. Rest. Sports
• ISSN: 0959-3020; 1878-5913
• DOI: 10.3233/IES-2012-0459

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of selected individual factors (independent variables) on the dependent variable of a simulated rowing distance in a group of physically inactive females. The independent variables were the women's age, body mass (kg) and height (cm), and the BMI index. The time required to cover the simulated distance of 1000 m was adopted as the dependent variable. The study involved 258 female students who participated only in the obligatory physical education classes. Research revealed that the relationships between anthropometric parameters and the time required to complete 1000 m on a rowing ergometer differ among physically inactive women and elite rowers. In both physically inactive women as well as elite rowers an increase in body height had a positive influence on the time(shorter time). In the case of body mass, its increase in our study subjects resulted in poorer times, which is contrary to the results of studies conducted on elite rowers. This is most likely due to the fact that the body mass of athletes consists mainly of lean body mass, whereas physically inactive females are characterized by a higher percentage of body fat. Moreover, the time taken to complete the rowing trial was shortest for students with BMI values ranging from 17 to 21. The conducted research led to the conclusion that the analyzed anthropometric parameters affect the time needed by women to cover a distance of 1000 m on a rowing ergometer. Further studies should be conducted to include additional anthropometric and physiological parameters.