Neurophysiological examination of elite oarsmen

The purpose of our study was to examine the conduction velocity of the peri pheral nervous system of elite oarsmen. Their sensory and motor conduction velocity was measured and compared to that of a control group composed of u ntrained subjects. The oarsmen showed significantly lower motor and sensory conduction velocity. This type of alteration could be attributed, in the c ase of motor conduction, to the adaptations that occur on the motoneuron be cause of the long-term rowing training. In the case of sensory conduction, it could be due to damage to the distal sensory endings because of the appl ied external pressure on the palm and digits. However, the relationship of our findings to rowing training is not certain. Only a longitudinal study c an show whether the observed reduction in nerve conduction velocity is a re sult of rowing training or is determined genetically. Med Sci Res 27:241-24 3 (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.