How Rowers Measure Their Effort: A Closer Look
The Subjective Scale: A Quick and Easy Tool
Athletes often rely on their own feelings to measure how hard they train. This is known as a subjective scale. It's easy to use and can complement more scientific methods. But just how reliable is it?
The Study: Rowers and Their Training
A recent study focused on professional rowers and their training sessions. It compared their ratings of perceived exertion (sRPE) with both internal and external measures of training load.
- Internal measures: Heart rate
- External measures: Amount of work done
The study also examined if these ratings were consistent and accurate across different types of training. The hypothesis was that sRPE would be most reliable in ergometer training, where heart rate responses are more stable.
The Findings: Reliable, But Not Perfect
The study suggests that subjective scales can be reliable, especially in certain types of training. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Rowing: A Tough Sport
Rowing is a demanding sport that requires strength and endurance. Training is intense, and athletes need to monitor their effort carefully. This is where subjective scales come in handy—they provide a quick and easy way to assess training load.
Subjective vs. Objective Methods
But how do these scales compare to more objective methods? The study found that sRPE can be a useful tool, but it is not perfect. It's important to consider the type of training and the individual athlete.
The Bottom Line
In the end, the study highlights the importance of using multiple methods to monitor training. Subjective scales can be a valuable addition, but they should not be relied upon alone.
