Mechanical efficiency of rowing a single scull

To determine the mechanical of rowing, oxygen uptake and mechanical work rate were measured during rowing a single scull under windless conditions. Steady‐state pulmonary oxygen uptake was determined as a function of boat velocity (v (m‐s⁻¹)) in 5 subjects. Oxygen uptake (1‐min⁻¹) increased as 0.065 v^2.99. Workrate in two subjects was determined as a function of v by measuring the force applied to the oar and its angular velocity. Work rate (w) was expressed as 3.85 v^3.25. From these equations, mechanical efficiency (%) was expressed as 17 v^0.262. Thus, mechanical efficiency increased from 20% at 2 m‐s⁻¹ to 24% at a boat velocity of 4 m‐s⁻¹.