Development of an upwind sailing ergometer
Callewaert, M.; Geerts, S.; Lataire, E.; Boone, J.; Vantorre, M.; Bourgois, J. (2013). Development of an upwind sailing ergometer. IJSPP 8(6): 663-670 In: International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance. Human Kinetics: Champaign, Ill.. ISSN 1555-0265; e-ISSN 1555-0273, more |  |
| Keyword | | | Author keywords | hiking moment, physiology, quasi-isometric, dinghy sailing |
| Abstract | Purpose: To develop a sailing ergometer that accurately simulates upwind sailing exercise. Methods: A sailing ergometer that measures roll moment accompanied by biofeedback-system which allows to impose a certain quasi-isometric upwind sailing protocol (i.e. 18 bouts of 90-s hiking at constantly varying hiking intensity interspersed with 10s to tack) was developed. Ten male high-level Laser sailors performed an incremental cycling test (ICT) (i.e. step protocol at 80W + 40W/3min) and an upwind sailing test (UST). During both, heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake (VO2), ventilation (VE), respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured. During UST, also the difference between the required and produced hiking moment (HM) was calculated as error score (ES). HR, VO2 and VE were calculated relative to their peak values determined during ICT. After UST, the subjects were questioned about their opinion on the resemblance between this UST and real-time upwind sailing. Results: An average HM of 89.0 ± 2.2 % HMmax and an average ES of 4.1 ± 1.8 % HMmax were found. Mean HR, VO2 and VE were respectively 80 ± 4 % HRpeak, 39.5 ± 4.5 % VO2peak and 30.3 ± 3.7 % VEpeak. Both HM and cardiorespiratory values appear to be largely comparable to literature reports during on-water upwind sailing. Moreover, the subjects gave the upwind sailing ergometer a positive resemblance-score. Conclusions: Results suggest that this ergometer accurately simulates on-water upwind sailing exercise. As such, this ergometer could be a great help in performance diagnostics and training process follow-up. |
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