Purpose: This study evaluated the effectiveness of the 3-minute all-out test (3MT) in rowing for determining critical power (CP) and work capacity above CP (W') to prescribe high-intensity interval training. Methods: Thirteen physically active adults (7 female) participated. They completed a graded exercise test to determine maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and heart rate (HR) and a 3MT to estimate CP and W'. Two high-intensity interval-training sessions were prescribed based on CP and W' values: 4 × 3-minute intervals at 60% W' depletion and 3 × 5-minute intervals at 80% W' depletion. Repeated-measures analysis of variance assessed differences in end-exercise VO2 and HR across intervals. Results: Participants` mean age, height, and body mass were 32.5 (7) years, 172.9 (5.5) cm, and 83.0 (19.2) kg. Peak VO2 and HR values from the graded exercise test were 47.9 (12.2) mL·kg-1·min-1 and 181.7 (8.2) beats·min-1. CP and W' values from the 3MT were 166.2 (35.16) W and 16.3 (8.4) kJ. Significant differences between males and females were found in fat-free mass, estimated 1-repetition-maximum leg press, and W'. No significant main effects were observed for end-interval values for VO2 and HR between both intervals, except for HR in the 4 × 3-minute interval. Significant interval effects on completed power were found in both sessions. Significant correlations were observed between estimated 1-repetition-maximum leg press, CP, W', fat-free mass, and graded-exercise-test peak power. Conclusions: The 3MT effectively determined CP and W', supporting the utility of the CP model for high-intensity interval training in rowing and highlighting the need for individual training strategies.
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