Improving performance in elite rowing can not be achieved by simply more training. Training loads are already extreme. Measuring the technical aspects of rowing performance by multi-dimensional on-water systems is seen as an area of opportunity to contribute to greater rowing superiority. In a single scull, the propulsive net applied boat force (Fboat) curve was found to correspond mainly to the boat acceleration (aboat) curve throughout the rowing stroke (minus the drag force and the assumed constant free body mass of the boat). Fboat is the resultant of the two major opposite-acting propulsive pin and footstretcher forces that a) features the qualitative differences between rowers` technique, and b) is a deciding factor for aboat (Smith RM & Loschner C, 2002). Methods Twelve elite heavyweight single scullers (21.5±3.09years) were directed to row at five stroke rates (SR) (20, 24, 28, 32 strokes per minutes (Str/min) and a race-simulated stroke rate (SRRP)) over 250m. All female athletes had international experience. Tests were conducted in an instrumented biomechanical testing single scull. The boat was adjusted to suit the athletes` requirements. Data were sampled at 100Hz and telemetered to the shore. The transducers were calibrated before each test. Boat velocity (vboat), boat acceleration (aboat), propulsive and transverse pin force (Fppin, Ftpin;), propulsive footstretcher force (Fpstretcher) separately on stroke (ST) and bow (B) side and oar angle (a) were directly measured, propulsive net applied boat force (Fboat) was a derived variable. Graphical displays and statistical analysis were performed for the variables: Fppin, Fpstretcher, Fboat, aboat. Results The coefficients of determination (r2) between aboat and Fboat revealed a highly significant positive relationship during the drive phase (r2=0.904, p<0.000). It was supported by all intra-individual results throughout all five SR. The graphical curve characteristics and the mean scores revealed higher variations between the two Fpstretcher (FpstretcherST-FpstretcherB)=0.7±3.5% ) in comparison to the two Fppin (FppinST-FppinB)=1.4±0.8%). The individual results confirmed that the same effect was found intra-individually and throughout all five SR. These individual differences of the interaction of Fppin and Fpstretcher influenced Fboat. Discussion/Conclusion The Fboat curve confirmed to be a reliable predictor for the aboat curve. Fboat represented the effect of the relationship between Fppin and Fpstretcher and featured qualitative differences between athletes. Finding the force loss and so the boat deceleration, should start with the measured variables on the pin and/ or the footstretcher on B and ST side. The information is crucial
© Copyright 2007 12th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science, Jyväskylä, Finland - July 11-14th 2007. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.