Intracycle Velocity Variation During a Single-Sculling 2000 m Rowing Competition

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Human Movement Analysis

Background:

• Rowing performance depends on the interplay between propulsive and resistive forces during cyclic movements.
• Understanding intracycle velocity variation (IVV) and its relationship with biomechanical factors is crucial for optimizing rowing technique.
• Previous research has explored various biomechanical aspects of rowing, but a detailed analysis of IVV in relation to performance in single scullers is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the associations between intracycle velocity variation (IVV) and key biomechanical and performance variables in male and female single scullers.
• To compare these variables between male and female rowers.
• To analyze pacing strategies and the influence of fatigue on velocity variation.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-three experienced single scullers (10 females) participated in a 2000 m race.
• Boat velocity and position were recorded using GPS (15 Hz).
• Rowing cycle rate was measured using a triaxial accelerometer (100 Hz), enabling calculation of distance per cycle, IVV, coefficient of velocity variation (CVV), and technical index.

Main Results:

• Male rowers exhibited significantly higher mean velocity, maximum velocity, minimum velocity, distance per cycle, CVV, and technical index compared to female rowers.
• In males, mean velocity correlated with IVV, CVV, and cycle rate; in females, mean velocity correlated with distance per cycle and technical index (significant in both sexes).
• Both male and female rowers employed similar pacing strategies, and CVV remained consistent, suggesting it is not significantly affected by fatigue.

Conclusions:

• Significant differences exist in biomechanical and performance variables between male and female single scullers, with males demonstrating superior metrics.
• The relationship between velocity and IVV/CVV differs between sexes, potentially due to anthropometric factors.
• Distance per cycle is a key determinant of performance, particularly in relation to the technical index, highlighting its importance for both male and female rowers.