The integration of training and off-training activities substantially alters training volume and load analysis in elite rowers

Training studies in elite athletes traditionally focus on the relationship between scheduled training (TRAIN) and performance. Here, we added activities outside of scheduled training i.e., off-training (OFF) contributing to total training (TOTAL) to evaluate the contribution of OFF on performance. Eight elite rowers recorded OFF and TRAIN during waking hours for one season (30–45 weeks) with multisensory smartwatches. Changes in performance were assessed via rowing ergometer testing and maximum oxygen uptake ( V̇ O 2max ). Based on 1-Hz-sampling of heart rate data during TRAIN and OFF (> 60