Assessing Symmetry in Sweep Rowers: Comparison of Muscle Activation in Port, Starboard, and Bisweptual Female Collegiate Rowers on the Ergometer
Abstract/Description/Artist Statement
Sweep rowing is an inherently asymmetrical activity. Research on sweep rowers’ (a)symmetry on the ergometer is limited, and symmetry on the ergometer among female collegiate rowers has not been assessed. Thus, the purpose of this preliminary investigation was to compare the muscle activation of port, starboard, and bisweptual female collegiate rowers on the ergometer.
Nine female collegiate rowers participated in this study: three port rowers, three starboard rowers, and three bisweptual rowers. Each subject performed a 1000m-ergometer piece at 30 strokes per minute. Muscle activation was collected bilaterally via electromyographic (EMG) sensors on the rectus abdominis, external obliques, transverse abdominis, erector spinae, latissimus dorsi, and rectus femoris. Bilateral symmetry (right / left EMG) were compared using nonparametric t-tests (alpha< 0.05).
Despite rowing predominately on different sides, groups did not differ on symmetry index (all p>0.05) within this preliminary investigation. However, port rowers displayed greater left-side activation in the eternal obliques, transverse abdominis, erector spinae, and latissimus dorsi. Bisweptual and starboard rowers had a greater mix of asymmetry towards both right and left sides.
This preliminary study did not find statistically significant differences in symmetry indexes in relation to rower’s side. Nevertheless, asymmetry among all groups warrants further research with larger sample sizes, and investigating how to address female collegiate rower’s muscle imbalances. Future studies should also consider repeating the data collection process on the water and analyzing symmetry in regards to a rower’s years of experience.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Dr. Hunter Bennett
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Email
hjbennet@odu.edu
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Department
Exercise Science
College/School Affiliation
Ellmer College of Health Sciences
Student Level Group
Undergraduate
Presentation Type
Poster
Assessing Symmetry in Sweep Rowers: Comparison of Muscle Activation in Port, Starboard, and Bisweptual Female Collegiate Rowers on the Ergometer
Sweep rowing is an inherently asymmetrical activity. Research on sweep rowers’ (a)symmetry on the ergometer is limited, and symmetry on the ergometer among female collegiate rowers has not been assessed. Thus, the purpose of this preliminary investigation was to compare the muscle activation of port, starboard, and bisweptual female collegiate rowers on the ergometer.
Nine female collegiate rowers participated in this study: three port rowers, three starboard rowers, and three bisweptual rowers. Each subject performed a 1000m-ergometer piece at 30 strokes per minute. Muscle activation was collected bilaterally via electromyographic (EMG) sensors on the rectus abdominis, external obliques, transverse abdominis, erector spinae, latissimus dorsi, and rectus femoris. Bilateral symmetry (right / left EMG) were compared using nonparametric t-tests (alpha< 0.05).
Despite rowing predominately on different sides, groups did not differ on symmetry index (all p>0.05) within this preliminary investigation. However, port rowers displayed greater left-side activation in the eternal obliques, transverse abdominis, erector spinae, and latissimus dorsi. Bisweptual and starboard rowers had a greater mix of asymmetry towards both right and left sides.
This preliminary study did not find statistically significant differences in symmetry indexes in relation to rower’s side. Nevertheless, asymmetry among all groups warrants further research with larger sample sizes, and investigating how to address female collegiate rower’s muscle imbalances. Future studies should also consider repeating the data collection process on the water and analyzing symmetry in regards to a rower’s years of experience.