Physical fitness and anthropometric correlates of 500 m rowing performance in Indonesian athletes
Keywords:
physical ability, body anatomy, strength, rowingAbstract
Background: Rowing performance is shaped by athletes’ physical fitness and anthropometric characteristics, yet evidence from Indonesian rowing populations remains scarce. This gap is critical as declining performance in Kendari highlights the need to identify key predictors of 500 m rowing performance to inform more targeted, evidence-based training programs. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the relationship between physical ability, anthropometric characteristics, and 500 m rowing performance among male national rowing athletes at PPLP Kendari. Methods: A correlational quantitative design with a cross-sectional approach was employed. Thirty-nine male athletes aged 15-25 years were purposively selected from a total population of 60 based on inclusion criteria, including active participation in centralized training for at least six months, injury-free status, and official registration during the 2024 training season. Data were collected using standardized anthropometric and physical ability tests. Statistical analyses were conducted using descriptive statistics and multiple regression, with model assumptions confirmed (Kolmogorov-Smirnov, p > 0.05; VIF = 1.12; condition index = 8.5). Findings/Results: The regression analysis revealed a significant model (F(2,36) = 6.619, p = 0.004), explaining 51.9% of the variance in 500 m rowing performance (R2 = 0.519, SEE = 4.4 s). Anthropometric variables contributed 17.7% (R2 = 0.177) and physical ability variables 16.2% (R2 = 0.162), indicating that the combined model provided stronger explanatory power. Conclusion: Both anthropometric and physical ability factors demonstrated a moderate positive correlation with rowing performance. The findings emphasize the combined influence of physique and conditioning in achieving optimal rowing outcomes. This study contributes empirical evidence on the determinants of rowing success among Indonesian athletes and offers practical insights for designing targeted and evidence-based training programs.
Downloads
Author Biographies
Asmuddin, Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Halu Oleo, Kendari, Indonesia
La Ode Maklum Sabrin, Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Sembilanbelas November Kolaka, Kolaka, Indonesia
Bogy Restu Ilahi, Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Bengkulu, Bengkulu, Indonesia
Doni Pranata, Department of Physical Education, Health and Recreation, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Tanjungpura, Pontianak, Indonesia
Amran, Department of Sports Science, Faculty of Sports Science, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
References
Agius, T. P., Cerasola, D., Gauci, M., Sciriha, A., Sillato, D., Formosa, C., Gatt, A., Xerri de Caro, J., Needham, R., Chockalingam, N., & Grima, J. N. (2023). The Kinematics of Fixed-Seat Rowing: A Structured Synthesis. Bioengineering, 10(7), 774-781. https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10070774
Agustan, B., Muhtarom, D., Hadiana, O., Nurdiansyah, D., & Fauzan, E. (2022). Coaching Clinic Basic Movements and Dominant Physical Conditions for Athletes at Gemilang Raya FC. ABDIMAS: Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat, 4(2), 1059–1063. https://doi.org/10.35568/abdimas.v4i2.1301
Alfőldi, Z., Borysławski, K., Ihasz, F., Soós, I., & Podstawski, R. (2021). Differences in the Anthropometric and Physiological Profiles of Hungarian Male Rowers of Various Age Categories, Rankings and Career Lengths: Selection Problems. Frontiers in Physiology, 12(October), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.747781
Asmuddin, Rusli, M., Saman, A., Suhartiwi, & Salwiah. (2020). The Effect of Physical Training on Rowing Sport Achievement. 3rd International Conference on Education, Science, and Technology (ICEST 2019) 481(Icest 2019), 259–262. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.201027.054
Bourgois, J., Claessens, A. L., Vrijens, J., Philippaerts, R., Van Renterghem, B., Thomis, M., Janssens, M., Loos, R., & Lefevre, J. (2000). Anthropometric Characteristics of Elite Male Junior Rowers. British journal of sports medicine, 34(3), 213–217. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.34.3.213
Busta, J., Hellebrand, J., Kinkorová, I., & Macas, T. (2023). Morphological and Hand Grip Strength Characteristics and Differences Between Participants of the 2022 World Rowing Championship. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 5(March), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2023.1115336
Campa, F., Matias, C. N., Moro, T., Cerullo, G., Casolo, A., Teixeira, F. J., & Paoli, A. (2023). Methods Over Materials: The Need for Sport-Specific Equations to Accurately Predict Fat Mass using Bioimpedance Analysis or Anthropometry. Nutrients, 15(2), 278-284. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15020278
Chen, Y., Lan, Y., Zhao, A. H., Wang, Z. C., & Yang, L. J. (2024). High-Intensity Interval Swimming Improves Cardiovascular Endurance, While Aquatic Resistance Training Enhances Muscular Strength in Older Adults. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 25241. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-75894-0
Daley, M. M., Shoop, J., & Christino, M. A. (2023). Mental Health in the Specialized Athlete. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, 16(9), 410–418. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-023-09851-1
De Larochelambert, Q., Del Vecchio, S., Leroy, A., Duncombe, S., Toussaint, J.-F., & Sedeaud, A. (2020). Body and Boat: Significance of Morphology on Elite Rowing Performance. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 2, 597676. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2020.597676
Engstrom, I., Anderson, K., Bez, E., Agresta, C., & Telfer, S. (2023). The Effect of Foot-Stretcher Position and Stroke Rate on Ergometer Rowing Kinematics. PLoS ONE, 18(5 May), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0285676
Grima, J. N., Cerasola, D., Sciriha, A., Sillato, D., Formosa, C., Gatt, A., Gauci, M., Xerri de Caro, J., Needham, R., Chockalingam, N., & Agius, T. P. (2023). On the Kinematics of the Forward-Facing Venetian-Style Rowing Technique. Bioengineering, 10(3), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10030310
Harun, M. N., Nasruddin, F. A., & Syahrom, A. (2022). Rowing Biomechanics, Physiology and Hydrodynamic: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 43(07), 577–585. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1231-5268
Hohmuth, R., Schwensow, D., Malberg, H., & Schmidt, M. (2023). A Wireless Rowing Measurement System for Improving the Rowing Performance of Athletes. Sensors, 23(3), 1060-1071. https://doi.org/10.3390/s23031060
Hamano, S., Ochi, E., Tsuchiya, Y., Muramatsu, E., Suzukawa, K., & Igawa, S. (2015). Relationship between Performance Test and Body Composition/Physical Strength Characteristic in Sprint Canoe And Kayak Paddlers. Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine, 6, 191–199. https://doi.org/10.2147/OAJSM.S82295
Lawton, T. W., Cronin, J. B., & McGuigan, M. R. (2011). Strength Testing and Training of Rowers: A Review. Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 41(5), 413–432. https://doi.org/10.2165/11588540-000000000-00000
López-Plaza, D., Alacid, F., Muyor, J. M., & López-Miñarro, P. Á. (2017). Sprint Kayaking and Canoeing Performance Prediction Based on the Relationship Between Maturity Status, Anthropometry and Physical Fitness in Young Elite Paddlers. Journal of sports sciences, 35(11), 1083–1090. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2016.1210817
Mpimis, T., Gikas, V., & Gourgoulis, V. (2023). A Rigorous and Integrated On-Water Monitoring System for Performance and Technique Improvement in Rowing. Sensors, 23(13), 6150. https://doi.org/10.3390/s23136150
Nimon K. F. (2012). Statistical Assumptions of Substantive Analyses Across the General Linear Model: A Mini-Review. Frontiers in psychology, 3, 322. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00322
Nurjaya, D. R., Ma’mun, A., & Rusdiana, A. (2020). Indonesian Women’s Rowing from 1986 to 2018: A historical, Social, and Cultural Perspective. Jurnal Pendidikan Jasmani dan Olahraga, 5(2), 218–232. https://doi.org/10.17509/jpjo.v5i2.27256
Penichet-Tomás, A., Pueo, B., & Jiménez-Olmedo, J. M. (2019). Physical Performance Indicators in Traditional Rowing Championships. The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness, 59(5), 767–773. https://doi.org/10.23736/S0022-4707.18.08524-9
Penichet-Tomas, A., Pueo, B., Selles-Perez, S., & Jimenez-Olmedo, J. M. (2021). Analysis of anthropometric and body composition profile in male and female traditional rowers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(15), 7826. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18157826
Piqueras, P., Ballester, A., Durá-Gil, J. V, Martinez-Hervas, S., Redón, J., & Real, J. T. (2021). Anthropometric Indicators as a Tool for Diagnosis of Obesity and Other Health Risk Factors: A Literature Review. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 631179. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.631179
Penichet-Tomas, A., Jimenez-Olmedo, J. M., Pueo, B., & Olaya-Cuartero, J. (2023). Physiological and Mechanical Responses to a Graded Exercise Test in Traditional Rowing. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(4), 3644. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043664
Podstawski, R., Borysławski, K., Alföldi, Z., Ferenc, I., & Wąsik, J. (2023). The Effect of Confounding Variables on the Relationship between Anthropometric and Physiological Features in 2000-M Rowing Ergometer Performance. Frontiers in Physiology, 14(May), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2023.1195641
Rodríguez González, L., Melguizo-Ibáñez, E., Martín-Moya, R., & González-Valero, G. (2023). Study of Strength Training on Swimming Performance. A Systematic Review. Science and Sports, 38(3), 217–231. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scispo.2022.09.002
Schweinbenz, A. N. (2007). Paddling Against the Current: A History of Women’s Competitive International Rowing between 1954 And 2003. University of British Columbia.
Sebastia-Amat, S., Penichet-Tomas, A., Jimenez-Olmedo, J. M., & Pueo, B. (2020). Contributions of Anthropometric and Strength Determinants to Estimate 2000 M Ergometer Performance in Traditional Rowing. Applied Sciences, 10(18), 6562. https://doi.org/10.3390/app10186562
Stadler, A. T., Schönauer, M., Aslani, R., Baumgartner, W., & Philippi, T. (2020). The Impact of a Flexible Stern on Canoe Boat Maneuverability and Speed. Biomimetics, 5(1), 7. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics5010007
Wychowański, M., & Baca, A. (2018). Rowing. In Modelling and Simulation in Sport and Exercise (pp. 50–69). Routledge.
Yang, L., Gao, B., Chen, Y., Xu, Q., Zhou, J., & Tang, Q. (2025). Comparing The Effects of Maximal Strength Training, Plyometric Training, and Muscular Endurance Training on Swimming-Specific Performance Measures: A Randomized Parallel Controlled Study in Young Swimmers. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 24(1), 128–141. https://doi.org/10.52082/jssm.2025.128
Yuliawati, D., Achmad, I. Z., & Sumarsono, R. N. (2022). Pengaruh Model Latihan Ergometer Terhadap Hasil Mendayung Perahu Rowing. Jurnal Porkes, 5(2), 416–427. https://doi.org/10.29408/porkes.v5i2.6198
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
Copyright (c) 2025 Asmuddin, La Ode Maklum Sabrin, Bogy Restu Ilahi, Doni Pranata, Amran
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium. Copyrights of all materials published in Journal Sport Area are freely available without charge to users or / institution. Users are allowed to read, download, copy, distribute, search, or link to full-text articles in this journal without asking by giving appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. All of the remix, transform, or build upon the material must distribute the contributions under the same license as the original.
Accepted 2025-12-09
Published 2025-12-14
