Fitness Testing

500m Rowing Ergo Test

The 500m Rowing Ergo Test is part of the eTID Talent Identification Testing Program for rowing, and their protocol is listed here.

purpose: the aim of this test is to measure total body anaerobic power. The test is designed to completely exhaust all anaerobic energy production pathways
equipment required: Concept IID rowing ergometer (or equivalent). A specific drag factor needs to be set (see comments below).
description / procedure: Ensure the correct drag factor is set correctly with the preferred display option selected on screen (see comments below). Sit ready to start the 500m test. The aim of the test is to cover the 500m in the shortest possible time, and you should be exhausted at the completion of the 500m trial. Experience has shown that better scores are achieved with an even split (same time for first 250 as for the second 250m) rather than starting conservatively and then coming home strong, or going out too fast and not being able to complete the distance.

scoring: Record the time taken to complete the 500m in minutes and seconds and the
average stroke rate.
target population: rowing
comments:
- Drag factors should be set at 90 for females and 100 for males. Drag factors can be
  checked on the Concept IID rowing ergometer by following the menu prompts on the
  PM3/4 interface. The drag factor display will appear in the lower right display window.
  When the drag factor display is present, subjects are to row lightly and adjust the
  damper setting to select the correct drag factor. Check with local staff to ensure the
  drag factor is set for the particular ergometer you are using.
- Strong verbal encouragement will help the subject achieve their maximal score.