Performance model in fixed bench rowing to predict the outcome in competition

Abstract

Fixed-bench rowing presents technical and tactical particularities that could influence the pacing strategy in a different way. This study aims to analyse the average pace of fixed-bench rowing boats and establish a predictive model to estimate the regatta outcome. A methodology was employed for the purpose of collecting and analyzing data obtained from official competitions to discern the optimal pacing strategies and their correlation to overall performance. A total of 662 boats were analysed in 58 regattas held during the 2020, 2021 and 2022 seasons of the Eusko Label Liga. The variables were the final ranking, the average pacing in each regatta section, the total time, the round and the street. The Spearman´s Rho correlation was used to confirm the relationship between the average pacing in each section and the total time of the regatta. In round 3, there is a higher correlation between the average pace and the outcome in section 1 (r = 0.641) and in section 3 (r = 0.620). A model prediction was developed using multiple linear regression to predict the outcome of the regatta (p < 0.01). The round and the average pace performed in section 3 (2778-4167 m) were the two variables predicting the outcome. Statistical power analysis using G*Power 3.1 showed a medium effect size (f² < 0.35). The results confirm that in the first part of the regatta (0-1389 m), the average boat paces are faster than in the other three sections. The findings can help fixed-bench rowing teams to establish pre-competition strategies to improve the performance of their teams.