Effects of training and of protein diet on physical capacity and performance of young male rowers

The effects of specific rowing training and of protein content in the diet (1.5 or 2.5 g per kg of body mass per day, Groups S and R, respectively) on physical capacity and performance were studied in 16 young male rowers aged 17 - 21 years. After 4 weeks of training, no significant between-group differences in the variables studied were found. When the data from both groups were combined, no changes in work duration or in mean power output in a laboratory exercise on rowing ergometer simulating a 2000 m race were noted. Maximal heart rate and blood lactate concentration significantly decreased (P<0.05). At the anaerobic threshold (4 mmol . l(-1) of lactate), the power output was increased (P<0.01) and the heart rate decreased (P<0.05). When subjected to an arm exercise (Wingate test), a significant decrease of anaerobic capacity (P<0.05) and no change in the peak anaerobic power output were revealed. The endurance training improved the circulatory and aerobic adaptation and decreased the anaerobic capacity. The magnitude of daily protein intake had no significant effect on training-related physical capacity or performance. Our results confirm the view that protein intake, exceeding 1.5 g . kg(-1), is useless in endurance-trained young rowers.