Associations between ergometer performance, postural stability, cognitive function, and physical performance in adolescent rowers

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BACKGROUND: Rowing is an Olympic sport that simultaneously encompasses multiple components of physical performance, including anaerobic endurance, strength endurance, and maximal strength. AIM: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between rowing-specific performance, as assessed by ergometer testing, and physical performance, cognitive function, and reaction time in elite adolescent rowers. METHODS: A total of 28 adolescent rowing athletes were included in this study. The assessments were conducted at Hereke Nuh Çimento Rowing Club and Beşiktaş Rowing Club. Static balance was evaluated using the GYKO inertial sensor system, while dynamic balance was assessed with the Y Balance Test. Reaction time was measured using the BlazePod light-based sensor system, and muscle strength was assessed with the Meloq EasyForce dynamometer. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Stroop test. RESULTS: A negative relationship was observed between ergometer performance time and muscle strength (r = − 0.875 to − 0.591, p < 0.01) reaction time repetition count (r = -0.657 to -0.574, p = 0.01). A positive relationship was observed between ergometer performance time and static postural stability sway area (r = 0.474, 0.447, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that ergometer performance in adolescent rowers is associated with muscle strength, reaction time, and static postural stability, whereas dynamic balance and cognitive performance show no significant relationship with ergometer outcomes.