Rowing performance, a mathematical model based on analysis of body dimensions as exemplified by body weight.

The theory of body dimensional influence on muscular work is employed for calculating the racing time of heavy- and lightweight male, and female rowers. The developed equation predicts racing results with an accuracy of 1 s +/- 1.7 (SE). The prediction of a 2.6% advantage of the heavyweights (average bodyweight) 93 kg over the lightweights (70 kg) is in excellent agreement with observations (2.5%). Significant implications of the equation would be to row without a coxswain, to reduce boat weight to a minimum, and to increase racing distance e.g., for females to the racing distance rowed by the males (2,000 m) in order to reduce the influence of body dimensions on rowing performance.