All exogenous influences designed to enhance athletic performance are collectively called ergogenic aids. These aids may be psychological in nature, such as music therapy, or physiological, including supplementation with caffeine, sodium bicarbonate and amino acids. Consult with a health professional before supplementing to enhance athletic performance.
Caffeine
An article published in the March 2010 issue of "Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise" investigated the effects of caffeine on rowing. The researchers recruited 10 male competitive rowers and divided them into two groups: the first was supplemented with 2 g of caffeine for each kilogram of body weight, where the second was given a placebo. The study found that there were no significant differences in time performance for a 2,000-meter rowing test. The researchers concluded, however, that the metabolism of caffeine varies significantly between individual rowers and other physiological characteristics need to be considered.
Sodium Bicarbonate
A study appearing in the February 1991 issue of the "Australian Journal of Science and Medicine in Sports" examined the influence on sodium bicarbonate (HCO3-) on rowing performance. The participants of the study were supplemented with 0.3 g of HCO3- for each kilogram of body weight and were subjected to blood tests before and after the experiment to monitor pH, lactate and HCO3- levels. The study found that all three physiological parameters and rowing performance were increased in the supplemented group compared to a placebo group.
Alanine
Ingestion of the amino acid alanine increases the concentration of carnosine, a molecule highly concentrated in muscle tissue and associated with improved exercise performance, according to a study in the July 2010 issue of the "Journal of Applied Physiology." The researchers recruited 18 elite rowers and supplemented each with a placebo or alanine at a dosage of 5 g each day for seven weeks. Muscle carnosine levels were monitored before and after the experiment. The study found that carnosine increased by 45.3 percent in the supplemented group, who improved rowing times by 4.3 seconds in a 2,000-meter test.
Music Therapy
Rowing athletes can enhance their performance using music during pre-event routines. A study performed in September 2007 at the University of Southern Queensland, Australia, investigated the effects of music on athletic performance. The authors stated that music therapy is an effective method to enhance psychological and physical performance in competitive sporting events, including rowing. The study explores the physiological principles underlying the effects of music on synchronous activities and provides examples to intensify and maximize techniques.
References
- "Journal of Applied Physiology"; Important role of muscle carnosine in rowing performance; A. Baguet, et al.; July 2010
- "Australian Journal of Science and Medicine in Sports"; The effect of sodium bicarbonate on rowing ergometer performance in elite rowers; L. McNaughton, et al.; February 1991
- "Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise"; Dose Response of Caffeine on 2000-m Rowing Performance; T. Skinner, et al.; March 2010
- "University of Southern Queensland -- ePrints"; Use of Music Interventions with Elite Athletes; T. Peter, et al.; September 2007
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