Treff, G., Kahnert, A., Prommer, N., Voelzke, C., Wachsmuth, N., & Steinacker, J. M. (2008). Blood volume and total haemoglobin mass correlate with 2,000 m time in elite rowers. ACSM 55th Annual Meeting Indianapolis, Presentation Number 2183.

This study determined the relationship between 2000m-ergometer-test performance and blood volume components (red cell volume, total hemoglobin, and plasma volume. Elite-rowers (N = 10) performed a 2000m-test on a rowing ergometer. Blood volume was measured by optimized CO rebreathing.

The 2,000 m time was negatively correlated with blood volume and total hemoglobin. There was also a significant correlation with plasma volume but not red cell volume.

Implication. Rowing ergometer performance over 2000m is significantly influenced by total hemoglobin and especially total blood volume in elite rowers.

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