The aim of this study was to assess trunk extensor and limb muscular performance of rowers. Methods: 12 rowers involved in national or international competitions (male, mean age 22.8 ± 8.5 years, weight 74.0 ± 7.6 kg, height 181.4 ± 6.0 cm), 12 non-rowing athletes (male, mean age 21.4 ± 2.6 years, weight 70.7 ± 6.7 kg, height 179.8 ± 6.4 cm) and 12 healthy sedentary males (mean age 22.6 ± 1.9 years, weight 71.6 ± 7.7 kg, height 177.8 ± 6.0 cm) were included in the study. Trunk extensor performances were assessed by means of a maximum static strength test [consisting in maximal voluntary contractions (MVC)] and a dynamic endurance test [consisting in performing as much flexion-extension movements as possible using a load corresponding to 40 percent of MVC test] performed with a specific trunk dynamometer (David International Ltd., Vantaa, Finland). Moreover, a static endurance test [modified Sorensen test] was also performed. Knee flexors and extensors strength peak torques (PT) of the dominant leg were assessed, using a Cybex Norm dynamometer (Henley Healthcare, Sugar Land,Texas), at 60°/s and 240°/s in concentric and 30°/s in eccentric exertions. Muscle fatigue resistance was also measured (30 maximal concentric contractions at 180°/s). Results: Regarding trunk muscle performance, rowers had significant higher PT than sedentary males (P<.01) and non-rowing athletes (P<.05). By contrast, static and dynamic endurance did not differ between groups. However, during the dynamic endurance test, rowers moved a total load (number of repetitions accomplished x load) significantly higher than control subjects (P<.05). Regarding knee muscles, rowers had higher extensors concentric PT at 60°/s (P<.05) and flexors total work at 180°/s (P<.05) than sedentary males. In contrast, no difference was shown between groups regarding flexors strength and agonists/antagonists ratios. Conclusion: This study showed some difference in trunk and knee extensors strength between rowers and control subjects as well as between rowers and non-rowing athletes. The increased performances of extensor muscles in elite rowers appear to be probably related to the specificity of this sport. In the drive phase of rowing, rowers sequentially push with the legs and then pull with the arms and lower back, requiring both muscular strength and endurance. However, no difference was shown between groups regarding dynamic and static trunk extensor endurance. Further study is required to clarify if trunk and knee muscle strength and/or endurance are related to rowing performance.
© Copyright 2012 17th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS), Bruges, 4. -7. July 2012. Veröffentlicht von Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.