Mechanical efficiency of the elbow flexors in rowing

Biomechanical and especially kinesiological investigations of the mechanical efficiency of rowers are rarely found in today's literature. The coach frequently relates to skills or technical movements in terms of their aesthetic appearance rather than their mechanical effectiveness. The force output of the elbow flexors appears to be a function of the forearm position. The literature referring to the mechanical efficiency of the elbow flexors seems to favor both semiprone and supine positions, whereas the prone position appears to be discredited. It is the latter grip position that is actually employed and traditionally accepted in the sport of rowing. In fact, this technique was never challenged or scientifically researched to see whether a modified one might lead to better efficiency. Consequently, the purpose of this investigation was to analyze whether athletes' force output differed if the gripping technique was changed from pronation to a semiprone grip (one arm prone, the other semiprone). Under the specific conditions of this investigation, it was demonstrated that the semiprone position was generating greater force output and higher electrical activity, thus being superior to the classical prone grip.