Rowing ergometer with the slide is more specific to rowers' physiological evaluation.

This study investigated maximal and submaximal performance (power output) and physiological responses (oxygen uptake, heart rate and blood lactate concentration) of eight male rowers to two different incremental tests to exhaustion performed either in a rowing ergometer without (regular) or with the slide, as well as to a 2000 m race simulation, conducted in a randomized order. Peak oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]O2peak) was statistically higher (3.4%) in the regular test (5.18 ± 0.44 L.min(-1)) compared with the slide condition (5.01 ± 0.37 L.min(-1); P = 0.005). Time for the on-water race simulation was significantly correlated with the slope of the [Formula: see text]O2-power relationship in the slide condition (r = -0.73, P = 0.043) and [Formula: see text]O2peak during the test in the slide condition was correlated to mean [Formula: see text]O2 at the on-water race simulation (r = 0.78; P = 0.024). Thus, the use of the slide is more beneficial than the regular test when evaluating rowers.