Concept 2 Rowing Step Test

Testing and measurement are the means of collecting information upon which subsequent performance evaluations and decisions are made. In the analysis, we need to consider factors influencing the results.

Objective

To monitor the development of the athlete's anaerobic threshold.

Required Resources

To conduct this test, you will require:

Concept 2 Rowing Machine.
Heart rate monitor.
Stopwatch.
Assistant.

How to conduct the test

This test requires the athlete to complete 5 x 4-minute rows at different efforts.

The athlete warms up for 10 minutes.
The assistant uses the Test Pace Calculator below to determine the required 500m pace for each of the 5 steps in the test.
The assistant gives the command “GO” and starts the stopwatch.
The athlete rows as fast as possible for 4 minutes at the required 500m pace for step 1.
The assistant stops the test after 4 minutes and records the set 500m pace. The distance rowed in 4 minutes, the stroke rate, the actual 500-metre pace and the athlete's heart rate.
The athlete rests for 30 seconds.
The assistant gives the command “GO” and starts the stopwatch.
The athlete rows as fast as possible for 4 minutes at the required 500m pace for step 2.
The assistant stops the test after 4 minutes and records the set 500m pace. The distance rowed in 4 minutes, the stroke rate, the actual 500m pace and the athlete's heart rate.
The athlete rests for 30 seconds.
The assistant gives the command “GO” and starts the stopwatch.
The athlete rows as fast as possible for 4 minutes at the required 500m pace for step 3.
The assistant stops the test after 4 minutes and records the set 500m pace. The distance rowed in 4 minutes, the stroke rate, the actual 500m pace and the athlete's heart rate.
The athlete rests for 30 seconds.
The assistant gives the command “GO” and starts the stopwatch.
The athlete rows as fast as possible for 4 minutes at the required 500m pace for step 4.
The assistant stops the test after 4 minutes and records the set 500m pace. The distance rowed in 4 minutes, the stroke rate, the actual 500m pace and the athlete's heart rate.
The athlete rests for 30 seconds.
The assistant gives the command “GO” and starts the stopwatch.
The athlete rows as fast as possible for 4 minutes at the required 500m pace for step 5.
The assistant stops the test after 4 minutes and records the set 500m pace. The distance rowed in 4 minutes the stroke rate, the actual 500m pace and the athlete's heart rate.

Test Pace Calculator

To determine the pace for each of the 4-minute rows, please enter your current 2000 metre time and then select the "Calculate" button:

2000 metre time	minutes seconds

Step 1: 4 minutes at	minutes seconds/500 metres
Step 2: 4 minutes at	minutes seconds/500 metres
Step 3: 4 minutes at	minutes seconds/500 metres
Step 4: 4 minutes at	minutes seconds/500 metres
Step 5: 4 minutes at

Analysis

The results are analysed by comparing them with previous tests' results. It is expected that the analysis would indicate an improvement in the athlete's anaerobic threshold with appropriate training between each test. Improvement in endurance is suggested when you find that the heart rate is lower for any given 500-metre pace than in an earlier test.

Target Group

This test is only suitable for competitive rowers whose time for the 2000 metres is less than 8 minutes and 30 seconds but not for individuals where the test would be contraindicated.

Reliability

Test reliability refers to how a test is consistent and stable in measuring its intended measure. Reliability will depend upon how strictly the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test. The following link provides various factors influencing the results and test reliability.

Validity

Test validity refers to the degree to which the test measures what it claims to measure and the extent to which inferences, conclusions, and decisions based on test scores are appropriate and meaningful. This test provides a means to monitor training on the athlete's physical development.

Advantages

Minimal equipment is required.
Simple to set up and conduct.

Disadvantages

Specialist equipment is required.
An assistant is required to administer the test.

Page Reference

If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is:

MACKENZIE, B. (2003) Concept 2 Rowing Step Test [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/rowsteptest.htm [Accessed