Rowing Biomechanics Publications in 2024

Here is our yearly brief overview of articles published in rowing biomechanics during the last 2024 year.

Baumann and Schmid from the Institute of Sport Science, University of Bern, Switzerland interviewed four coaches from the Swiss National Team to explore their subjective criteria for assessing on-water rowing technique. Each aspect was assigned to one of three categories subjectively determined by the authors: 1) Perceived movement precision; 2) Perceived force application; 3) Perceived rhythm and timing. The general statement was: “The coaches’ subjective technique criteria gave an insight into the broadness of coaching styles in rowing”, which is plausible and offers little new insight. From a biomechanics perspective, this “coaching broadness” appears to mix valid aspects with outdated rowing myths. This pilot study should be redone with a more rigorous methodology.

A group of academics from Porto, Portugal, and Spain published two multidisciplinary studies on rowing machines. The first study compared a “linear” ergometer Concept2 D with an “angular” machine Biorower and concluded that Biorower led to a slightly higher stroke rate and a lower thorax angle at the finish (less trunk lean). Additionally, “perceived exertion was higher for the Concept2”. A key question “What were the efficiencies of these rowing machines?” was not addressed by the authors and their apparent bias toward the Biorower detracts from the study’s scientific neutrality.

The same authors published a case study involving two elite adult rowers on a Concept2 machine. They stated that “Biophysical data provide valuable referential information for guiding rowers to improve performance”, and it was really a useful benchmark for practitioners.

An academic group from Coimbra, Portugal, selected 11 articles from 1203 to “review sensor technologies in rowing and canoeing biomechanics”. The authors listed output variables, data transmission, storage, analysis, and visualization technologies, but without clear criteria or objectives.

Scientists from Nancy, France examined “how stroke rate influences performance, technique, and core stability during ergometer (RP3) rowing”, using BioRow technology. Remarkably, this study confirmed my 30-year-old finding that leg contribution to total rowing power is about 43%, trunk 34%, and arms 22%. Another notable finding was that “stroke rate influences core stability, as illustrated by delayed trunk extension”, making this study valuable for both scientists and coaches.

The second study of French scientists was done in singles on-water using three synchronized systems: rowing telemetry, IMUs (body segment angles), and EMG (muscle activity). Sophisticated statistical analysis revealed that “front-loaded drive, larger effective angles, greater negative boat accelerations, increased pelvis range of motion, a straighter and stiffer arm at the catch” were associated with better performance.

A young team from Harvard University, USA, compared a static Concept2 and a dynamic RP3 erg with on-water rowing using IMU sensors. The main finding was: “The RP3 erg acceleration more closely matches that of on-water rowing.”

An Australian research group led by Natalie Legge published an exploratory study based on on-water assessment in singles, along with physical, strength, and power tests. While the study had potential value, most conclusions were predictable, and it lacked key details and practical applicability.

The second article of this group was one more “systematic scoping review of on-water rowing biomechanics technologies”. While attempts to “provide practitioners and researchers with a structured approach for navigating the on-water rowing context”, it doesn’t looks very practical in this field.

The study conducted by Czech and Polish researchers found that stroke-side rowers exhibited greater rotational deviation of the trunk and scoliosis compared to scullers and non-rowers, and once again highlights the potential risks of sweep rowing for young athletes and underscores the importance of posture correction exercises in rowing.