Assessment of propulsive pin force and oar angle time‐series using functional data analysis in on‐water rowing

Abstract

The graphical presentation of the propulsive force applied at the pin plotted relative to the horizontal angle of the oar has been used practically in on-water rowing for the qualitative assessment of skill. How the pattern is related to performance variables has not been well identified, particularly for highly trained sculling athletes. Bivariate functional principal components analysis (bfPCA) was used on force-angle data to identify the main modes of variance in curves representing twenty-seven female rowers of different competition levels (national level and international level), rowing at 32 strokes per minute in a single scull boat. Discriminant function analysis showed moderate classification of rowers using force-angle graphs across both sides of the boat, with rate of force development identified as a potentially important characteristic for international rowers. Additionally for the bow-side, spending less time in the first half of the drive phase was also identified as an important feature for international rowers. Multiple linear regression of scores from the bfPCAs showed that a more pronounced front-peaked profile was associated with a higher average boat velocity. The results of this demonstrate that different characteristics of the force-angle graph may be associated with different metrics of performance.

Force coordination strategies in on‐water single sculling: Are asymmetries related to better rowing performance?

“…18 Various methods for analyzing complex time-series data such as functional data analysis (FDA) techniques have been used in conjunction with biomechanical data in on-water rowing to explore patterns of variability in force-angle profiles across the rowing stroke cycle. 19,20 In this study, the FDA techniques, such as functional principal components analysis (fPCA) and analysis of characterizing phases (ACP), were applied in conjunction with established approaches for measuring asymmetries (ie, the symmetry index used by Fohanno, Nordez, Smith, and Colloud 15 ), for a more holistic evaluation of asymmetries during on-water sculling. This mixed analytical approach was used to capture information related to changes in asymmetry across the entire movement cycle.…”

Technical Determinants of On-Water Rowing Performance

“…Strong positive relationships also exist between power and stroke rate (Hofmijster et al, 2007;Held et al, 2019). The rate of force development and the occurrence of peak force at more negative oar angles are associated with more successful scullers (Warmenhoven et al, 2017). Larger mean-to-peak force ratios (representing more consistent force application) exist in elite men's pairs compared to sub-elite pairs (Smith and Draper, 2006).…”

Rowing Biomechanics, Physiology and Hydrodynamic: A Systematic Review

“…For the monitoring purposes on the ergometer, the load cell or strain gauge is mounted directly to the handle cord. Whereas for the oar, the strain gauge is mounted directly on an inboard shaft or ringer and the associated bending is corresponding to the force applied is captured [43][44][45][46]. The rower has a rapid increase in force during the stroke and moves the handle faster in the first half of the drive.…”

“…Meanwhile, 4-6 % shorter of leg drive on-water boat compared to ergometer machine. Spending less time to reach the peak during the first half of the drive, reserves more time for the second half to contribute to enhancing the performance [45].…”