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Faculty of Medical Sciences

Force Development of Competition Rowers in a Single and Crew Setting: An Exploratory Study

Boeree, M. (Martijn) (2016) Force Development of Competition Rowers in a Single and Crew Setting: An Exploratory Study. thesis, Human Movement Sciences.

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Abstract

Introduction: In rowing, the force profile of the force exerted on the handle reflects the way a rower transfers force to the oar, to provide water-borne propulsion. There is discussion in both rowing practice and scientific literature as to how the ‘ideal’ shape of a force profile should look like. As an attempt to address this issue, an exploratory approach was taken to gain insight in the force profiles rowers produce. Therefore the main aim of this study is to create an overview of the generated force profiles, and explore on which areas they differ. The second aim of the current study is to investigate whether these force profile differ between a single rowing and a crew rowing setting. Methods: Sixteen dyads of (former) competition rowers executed ten conditions on (coupled) ergometers on slides. The conditions varied in tempo, single/crew and uncoupled/coupled setting. Force sensors were attached between the handle and the chain of the two ergometers. Kinematics of the rowers and ergometers were recorded. From the force data it was possible to derive different levels of rate of force development (RFD), timing of generated force levels and the impulse from the mean force data of the rowers. Results: The produced force profiles could be divided into three groups. The first group generally showed a steep increase in force till peak force, the second group a steep force that halfway gradually flattened till peak force and the third group a steep force that merges into a relatively stable force production around peak force. The three groups could be distinguished by initial and late slope rate of force development, time of reaching 70% of maximum force and total impulse. Rather surprisingly, no noteworthy differences were found between the profiles in a single and a crew rowing setting. Conclusion: The current study suggests that, rowers show signature individual force profiles, which could be assigned to three different groups. The profiles seem to be relatively stable over single and crew rowing settings. Future research in an on-water setting could for instance determine, based on the distinguishable characteristics of the groups, which profile is ideal for which type of boat or rower.

Item Type: Thesis (UNSPECIFIED)
Supervisor name: Poel, H.J. de (Harjo)
Faculty: Medical Sciences
Date Deposited: 20 Apr 2022 10:09
Last Modified: 20 Apr 2022 10:09
URI: https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3124

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