Load-Velocity Profiling in Female Traditional Rowers: Cross-Sectional Associations Between Prone Bench Pull and Half Squat with Rowing Performance

This study aimed to develop load–velocity (L-V) profiles for prone bench pulls and half squats in elite female traditional rowers, and to assess their association with rowing performance. Eight highly trained female rowers, members of the team that won the Spanish Traditional Rowing Championship, completed a graded exercise test (GXT) on a rowing ergometer, followed by one-repetition maximum (1RM) and incremental loading tests. L-V profiles were established using mean velocity (MV) data collected with a linear velocity transducer. Correlation analyses were conducted to examine the associations between movement velocities at specific relative loads and GXT performance. The slope of the linear regression was slightly higher for the prone bench pull (MV = −0.0127 m·s−1) than for the half squat (MV = −0.0104 m·s−1). A similar correlation could be observed, although slightly higher, for the half squat (r = 0.929; p < 0.001) exercise compared to the bench pull (r = 0.922; p < 0.001). In this exploratory analysis, a statistically significant correlation was observed between rowing performance and MV at 30% 1RM for both exercises (r = 0.856 and r = 0.866, respectively; p < 0.05). No other load intensities demonstrated statistically significant correlations with performance. The findings highlight the utility of L-V profiling at lower relative loads in traditional rowing performance among elite female athletes. The results support the application of velocity-based training (VBT) in rowing-specific strength programs and suggest that performance optimization may be achieved through high-velocity movements performed with submaximal loads. Furthermore, this study reinforces the value of individualized L-V profiles and real-time velocity monitoring for tailoring resistance training interventions.