A Comparison of Rowing Technique at Different Stroke Rates: A Description of Sequencing, Force Production and Kinematics

Abstract

Low back pain is the commonest musculoskeletal complaint in rowers. Research into the relationship between rowing technique, the forces generated during the rowing stroke and the kinematics of spinal motion are increasing, but to date none have investigated the impact of different rowing intensities on this relationship. A technique has been developed using an electromagnetic motion system and strain gauge instrumented load cell to measure spinal and pelvic motion and force generated at the handle during rowing on an exercise rowing ergometer. Using this technique ten collegiate male rowers (mean age 22.1+/-2.8 years) from local rowing clubs were investigated. The test protocol consisted of rowing on an ergometer at three different stroke ratings; 17-20 strokes per minute; 24-28 strokes per minute; and 28-36 strokes per minute. Each rating was held for four minutes, with a five-minute rest between each rating. Marked changes in the force output curve and lumbopelvic kinematics were observed at the different rowing intensities. Although there was no change in the magnitude of peak torque generated during the different rating, there was a marked shift in when this occurred during the stroke. In terms of kinematic changes, these centred around changes in pelvic rotation at the catch and finish stages of the stroke with significantly less anterior rotation occurring at the catch position at higher rowing intensities. To conclude, this study suggests that rowing kinematics and force profiles do change at higher rowing intensities. These changes may be an important factor with respect to injury mechanisms, however, further work is required at an elite level.

A Three-Dimensional Study of Body Motion During Ergometer Rowing

“…During the years, different rowing techniques have been developed along with several modifications of the shell and oars [3,6,7]. Anyway, a successful rowing technique requires a maximization of the horizontal direction of rowing (parallel to the water), allowing the largest part of the force to be actually used for propulsion [4,[8][9][10]. Body movements performed in directions different from the anterior-posterior one may increment the energetic cost, and produce balance alterations in both the shell and the body muscles and joints.…”

“…The increased joint loads during the rowing cycle may generate overuse injuries (i.e., shoulder joint) or not-axial degenerative forces in the knee (meniscus overload). Thus, medium-and long-term pain and disability could occur [2,8,[10][11][12][13].…”

“…Rowing movements can also be simulated directly on the ground using specialized ergometers, that are widely used for body training [2,8,10,12,14,15]. Considering the difficulties for a global quantitative assessment of rowing performance directly in the regatta basin, ergometer rowing has become useful also for the assessment of body movements, forces, and energetic cost during simulated performances [2,5,6,[8][9][10][12][13][14][15][16].…”

“…Considering the difficulties for a global quantitative assessment of rowing performance directly in the regatta basin, ergometer rowing has become useful also for the assessment of body movements, forces, and energetic cost during simulated performances [2,5,6,[8][9][10][12][13][14][15][16].…”

“…Among others, the coupling of ergometers, electromagnetic and optoelectronic instruments, force transducers and magnetic resonance imaging have allowed the collection of data about spine movements and relevant forces expressed during simulated rowing, even in subjects with low back pain [2,5,8,9,11,13,14]. Nonetheless, three-dimensional data on body movements are still incomplete.…”