HRTP, prolonged ergometer exercise, and single sculling

The use of the heart rate turn point (HRTP) to set target heart rate (THR) for prolonged rowing ergometer (E) and single scull rowing (R) was evaluated. Ten trained subjects (age 21.3 +/- 4.0 yrs: VO2max 4.77 +/- 0.621 center dot min(-1)) performed incremental exercise tests and 30-min prolonged E and R. Expired air and heart rate (HR) were measured continuously. During E and R, blood lactate concentration (La) was measured at rest and after 5,10,20, and 30 min. HRTP and VETP2 were determined as the deflection point of the heart rate performance curve and the second TP in minute ventilation (VE). No significant differences were found for work rate (W), HR, and VO2 between HRTP and VETP2 and they were significantly related (r = 0.94, p < 0.001; r = 0.96, p < 0.001). Mean HR, VO2, VCO2, and V-E were not significantly different between E and R. La remained at a steady state in both E and R but was slightly higher in E. Tidal volume (V-T) was found to be lower and breathing rate (BR) was significantly higher in R. HIZ at HRTP from an incremental rowing ergometer exercise test is valid to establish a THR consistent with constant metabolic training intensity in prolonged ergometer and single scull rowing.