Comparison of the Effects of Long-Term Rowing Training in Professional Rowers

This randomized controlled study is designed to investigate the effects of long‐termrowing training on aerobic capacity, physical fitness, cardiovascular autonomic function,and psychological performance in individuals with different levels of rowing experience.Approximately 60 healthy adults aged 18‐65 years will be recruited and allocated intothree groups: novice rowers, professional rowers, and a healthy control group.Participants in the novice and professional rowing groups will complete an 8‐weeksupervised rowing ergometer training program performed twice weekly, while the controlgroup will continue their usual daily activities without participating in a structuredexercise program.Outcome assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention period. Aerobiccapacity will be evaluated using the Shuttle Walk Test together with 500‐m and 2000‐mrowing ergometer performance tests. Physical fitness assessments will include musclestrength (back‐leg dynamometer), muscle power (Countermovement Jump), muscular endurance(30‐second push‐up and sit‐up tests), core stability (plank test), flexibility(Sit‐and‐Reach Test), agility (T‐Test), and postural alignment (PostureScreen®).Cardiovascular autonomic function will be assessed through resting heart rate variabilityusing a validated chest‐strap heart rate monitor. Psychological performance will beevaluated using the Alpak Flow Scale and the Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ).Demographic and clinical characteristics will also be recorded.The primary objective of the study is to compare multidimensional physiological andpsychological adaptations between novice and professional rowers following an 8‐weekrowing training program and to determine how these adaptations differ from those observedin healthy controls. The findings are expected to improve understanding oftraining‐induced adaptations in rowing and provide evidence to support the development ofmore effective, evidence‐based training strategies aimed at optimizing athleticperformance and promoting athlete health.