| Rowing
injuries have been attributed to poor technique, suggesting a need
to understand the mechanics of rowing and the influence on technique
of different training regimes and ergometers. The aims of this study
were to investigate the repeatability of the kinematics of the lumbopelvic
region during rowing and to compare these kinematics between rowing
on two different ergometers. An electromagnetic motion measuring device
in conjunction with a load cell was used to determine the ergometer
rowing kinematics of 12 rowers. Subjects were tested on three occasions
at two different stroke rates, with an interval of one week between
testing. Two datasets were obtained for the Concept II, to establish
the repeatability of the kinematics, and one for the WaterRower. Bland
and Altman's mean difference technique was used to test for consistency
of technique, and the difference between ergometers was assessed using
Students' paired T-tests. The kinematic measures of the lumbo pelvic
region during rowing demonstrated high repeatability. The two ergometers
showed a similarity in force profiles but some significant differences
in rowing kinematics. There was greater rotation of the thigh segment
in the sagittal plane throughout the stroke on the WaterRower (p <
0.01). There were also trends indicating that rotation of the pelvis
in the sagittal plane was different between the two ergometers, for
example on the Concept the mean angle of the pelvis at the catch was
5.4° and on the WaterRower it was 2.4° (p < 0.05). Measurement
of lumbopelvic kinematics during rowing on a Concept II ergometer
is repeatable. However, rowing kinematics varies between ergometers.
Because a full analysis comparing rowing kinematics on water with
rowing ergometers has not been made in this study, no conclusions
regarding which ergometer simulates rowing on water can be made. The
implications of the effect of these differences in technique requires
further investigation.
KEY
WORDS: Lumbo-pelvic rhythm, spinal biomechanics.
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