Biomechanical Evaluation of Two Rowing Training Methods

摘要

This study is trying to find kinematics differences between on-water rowing and its simulation on Concept2 ergometer, and explain biomechanical differences between on-water rowing and its simulation on Concept2 ergometer, which can affect the rowers motor control pattern and their on-water rowing technique. SIM1 analysis system of Germany was used to capture the subjects' movements throughout number of rowing strokes. The system was set to record movement at 25 frames per second. After the tests the saved file was processed using SIMI motion program, thus enabling each frame to be viewed and analyzed individually. Positions of the handle, seat and trunk, shell acceleration were measured in single scull on both machines and on-water in four female rowers. It was found there is about 60-80% similarity between on-ergo and on-water rowing, the drive length on Concept2 ergometer is 10%-12% shorter than onwater, the stroke rate on-water is 10-15% higher than on Concept2 ergometer, legs drive was 4-6% longer on Concept2 ergometer than on-water. Significant differences were found in the handle velocity and shell acceleration profiles. The pattern of handle acceleration at catch is quite similar on-ergometer and on-water, because it depends more on the acceleration of the masses of the rower and boat, than on the acceleration of the oar only. Machines should be considered as a cross-training for rowers and can't replace on-water rowing.