| Earlier
studies have investigated the biomechanics of rowing during step testing
with a focus on lumbo-pelvic kinematics and force output and noted
that these parameters change with work intensity. The aim of this
study was to investigate how the biomechanics of the rowing stroke
changes over time as a result of coaching and training and to see
if these change were related to a change in physiological performance.
An electromagnetic motion measuring device in conjunction with a load
cell was used to determine the ergometer rowing kinematics of 7 elite
international oarswomen during routine step tests over a two year
period. Force output was observed to improve over the two year time
period, with peak force significantly rising by 40-80 N. This was
associated with significant increases in stroke length of between
15 and 19 cm. Both of these are indicative of improvement in performance.
Kinematic variables were also observed to change, with greater pelvic
rotation and associated lumbar spine motion at the later time point.
The findings of this study demonstrate that rowing technique changes
with time, and suggest that kinematics measures of rowing technique
may be important tools to monitor athletes.
KEY
WORDS: Stroke length, performance, lumbo-pelvic motion force
output.
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