Determining the effect of selected anthropometric parameters on
the time needed to cover 1000~m on a rowing ergometer by physically inactive young women
Affiliations: [a] Study Centre for Physical Education and Sport,
University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland | [b] Chair of Machines and Separation Processes, University
of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland | [c] Chair of Foundations of Safety, Faculty of Technical
Science, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
Note: [] Corresponding author: R. Podstawski, Study Centre for Physical
Education and Sport, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn,
Prawocheñskiego 7, 10-720 Olsztyn, Poland. Tel.: +48 89 523 33 08, mobile:
+48 601652527; E-mail: podstawskirobert@gmail.com
Abstract: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of selected
individual factors (independent variables) on the dependent variable of a
simulated rowing distance in a group of physically inactive females. The
independent variables were the women's age, body mass (kg) and height (cm), and
the BMI index. The time required to cover the simulated distance of 1000 m was
adopted as the dependent variable. The study involved 258 female students who
participated only in the obligatory physical education classes. Research
revealed that the relationships between anthropometric parameters and the time
required to complete 1000 m on a rowing ergometer differ among physically
inactive women and elite rowers. In both physically inactive women as well as
elite rowers an increase in body height had a positive influence on the time
(shorter time). In the case of body mass, its increase in our study subjects
resulted in poorer times, which is contrary to the results of studies conducted
on elite rowers. This is most likely due to the fact that the body mass of
athletes consists mainly of lean body mass, whereas physically inactive females
are characterized by a higher percentage of body fat. Moreover, the time taken
to complete the rowing trial was shortest for students with BMI values ranging
from 17 to 21. The conducted research led to the conclusion that the analyzed
anthropometric parameters affect the time needed by women to cover a distance
of 1000 m on a rowing ergometer. Further studies should be conducted to include
additional anthropometric and physiological parameters.
Keywords: Motor fitness, somatic traits, young women, rowing ergometer
