58 - Comparing Muscle Activation on the Ergometer versus on the Water
Description/Abstract/Artist Statement
Rowing is a power endurance sport that utilizes approximately 70% of muscle mass to propel a boat through the water. The race distance is typically 2000m and lasts 6-7 minutes, stressing anaerobic and aerobic capacities. Although most training is performed on the water, the rowing ergometer (erg) is also used significantly to improve fitness, assess individual performance, and when the weather does not allow for training outdoors. When compared to on the water rowing, however, rates of injury have been shown to be greater on erg. The appreciable usage of the erg for training, along with the increased rates of injury on the erg, prompt further study of the biomechanical differences between these two training modalities. Thus, the goal of the proposed study is to compare trunk orientation and muscle activation of erging and rowing on the water. This will be accomplished via analysing electromyographic data of female collegiate rowers during a 1000m time trial at race pace on the erg and on the water in fours. The findings from this study will not only add to the relatively small body of knowledge on rowing biomechanics, but also provide insight for rowing coaches when utilizing the erg for training – for example, including strength training for muscles only used on the water when in an erg-only training phase to prevent injuries when transitioning to the water.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Dr. Hunter Bennett, Kayla Culbertson
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Department
Exercise Science/Biology
Presentation Type
Poster
Disciplines
Biomechanics
58 - Comparing Muscle Activation on the Ergometer versus on the Water
Rowing is a power endurance sport that utilizes approximately 70% of muscle mass to propel a boat through the water. The race distance is typically 2000m and lasts 6-7 minutes, stressing anaerobic and aerobic capacities. Although most training is performed on the water, the rowing ergometer (erg) is also used significantly to improve fitness, assess individual performance, and when the weather does not allow for training outdoors. When compared to on the water rowing, however, rates of injury have been shown to be greater on erg. The appreciable usage of the erg for training, along with the increased rates of injury on the erg, prompt further study of the biomechanical differences between these two training modalities. Thus, the goal of the proposed study is to compare trunk orientation and muscle activation of erging and rowing on the water. This will be accomplished via analysing electromyographic data of female collegiate rowers during a 1000m time trial at race pace on the erg and on the water in fours. The findings from this study will not only add to the relatively small body of knowledge on rowing biomechanics, but also provide insight for rowing coaches when utilizing the erg for training – for example, including strength training for muscles only used on the water when in an erg-only training phase to prevent injuries when transitioning to the water.