Biomechanical determinants of elite rowing technique and performance

Area of Science:

• Sports Biomechanics
• Rowing Performance Analysis

Background:

• Rowing performance relies on the interplay between injury, technique, and physical output.
• Effective power transfer in rowing demands high skill and technique.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify specific rowing technique elements influencing foot force production.
• To investigate biomechanical factors related to foot-stretcher force output and asymmetries.
• To understand the link between technique, performance, and injury risk in elite rowers.

Main Methods:

• Twenty elite female rowers participated in an incremental rowing test.
• Force output at the handle and foot-stretchers was measured using an instrumented ergometer.
• Three-dimensional kinematic data of key joints (ankle, knee, hip, lumbar-pelvic) were recorded.

Main Results:

• Hip kinematics significantly predicted overall foot force output (R²=0.48).
• Knee and lumbar-pelvic kinematics were primary determinants of horizontal foot force optimization (R²=0.41).
• Foot-stretcher asymmetries influenced lumbar-pelvic kinematics (R²=0.43) and pelvic twisting (R²=0.32).

Conclusions:

• Specific kinematic aspects of rowing technique are crucial for optimizing force production.
• Modifying technique, particularly hip, knee, and lumbar-pelvic movements, can enhance performance.
• Addressing asymmetries in foot-stretcher force can improve biomechanics and potentially reduce injury risk.