Tier-specific physiological profiling in male rowers: insights from an integrated three-phase performance diagnostic framework

This study aimed to characterize the tier-specific physiological signatures of male rowers using an integrated three-phase performance diagnostic protocol, delineating differences in anaerobic power, aerobic characteristics, and power maintenance capacity across competitive levels. Fifty-one male single scull rowers were assigned to three tiers (Elite, Sub-elite, and Developmental) according to China’s official athlete classification standards. All participants completed a standardized testing protocol on a rowing ergometer, which included a 30-second all-out anaerobic test, an incremental aerobic test, and a 120-second all-out test to assess the capacity to sustain power under fatigue. MANCOVA revealed a significant multivariate effect of competitive tier on anaerobic performance (F = 3.03, p = 0.002, η²=0.32), aerobic performance (F = 8.53, p < 0.001, η²=0.72), and performance in the 120-second test (F = 5.53, p < 0.001, η²=0.39). Elite rowers exhibited superior anaerobic power, with significantly higher peak and mean power, lower fatigue index, and elevated peak blood lactate in the 30-second test (all p < 0.05). During incremental testing, they demonstrated greater exhaustive load, Power output at V̇O2max (W), and GET/V̇O2max ratio (all p < 0.001), collectively pointing to a superior integrated aerobic profile, characterized by higher maximal output and threshold. In the 120-second test, Elite athletes maintained higher power output and stroke rate despite similar peak blood lactate levels, highlighting superior short-term power maintenance and metabolic regulation. The findings establish a discriminative, tier-specific physiological profile in rowing performance. Elite athletes are distinguished by an integrated superiority in anaerobic power, aerobic capacity, and short-term power maintenance under fatigue. The three-phase diagnostic framework provides a practical and discriminative tool for moving beyond result-based classification, enabling targeted, physiology-guided training interventions.