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JOURNAL
OF
SPORTS SCIENCE &
MEDICINE
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Research
article
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CHANGES IN ROWING TECHNIQUE OVER A ROUTINE ONE HOUR LOW INTENSITY HIGH VOLUME TRAINING SESSION |
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Hugh A.M. Mackenzie, Anthony M.J. Bull and Alison H. McGregor  |
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Biodynamics Group, Imperial College London, UK |
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© Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2008) 7, 486 - 491 Search Google Scholar for Citing Articles |
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| ABSTRACT | |||
| High volume low intensity training sessions such as one hour rowing
ergometer sessions are frequently used to improve the fitness of elite rowers.
Early work has suggested that technique may decline over this time period.
This study sought to test the hypothesis that "elite rowers can maintain
technique over a one hour rowing ergometer session". An electromagnetic
device, in conjunction with a load cell, was used to assess rowing technique
in terms of force generation and spinal kinematics in six male elite sweep
oarsmen (two competed internationally and the remainder at a club senior
level). All subjects performed one hour of rowing on a Concept II indoor
rowing ergometer using a stroke rate of 18-20 strokes per minute and a heart
rate ranging between 130-150 beats per minute, following a brief 5 minute
warm- up. Recordings of rowing technique and force were made every 10 minutes.
The elite group of rowers were able to sustain their rowing technique and
force parameters over the hour session. Subtle changes in certain parameters
were observed including a fall in force output of approximately 10N after
the first seven minutes of rowing, and a change in leg compression of three
degrees at the end of the one hour rowing piece which corresponded with
a small increase in anterior rotation of the pelvis. However, it is unclear
if such changes reflect a "warm-up" effect or if they are indicative
of early signs of fatigue. These findings suggest that low intensity high
volume ergometer rowing sessions do not have a detrimental effect on the
technique of a group of experienced and highly trained rowers.
Key words: Kinematics, fatigue, force curve profiles, competition level. |
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