title: Differences in spinopelvic kinematics in sweep and scull ergometer rowing.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The spinopelvic kinematics of sweep and scull have yet to be investigated, despite evidence suggesting that sweep rowing may be provocative for low back pain (LBP). The aim of this study was to determine whether differences existed in spinopelvic kinematics in high-level rowers without LBP in sweep and scull ergometer rowing.
  
  
  METHODS
  Repeated measures study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Institute of Sport Laboratory.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten high-level rowers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Kinematics of the pelvis, lower lumbar, upper lumbar, and lower thoracic regions during the drive phase of the rowing stroke were measured while rowing on an interchangeable sweep/scull ergometer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Total and segmental spinopelvic kinematics.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sweep rowing showed greater lateral bend (P < 0.05) throughout the stroke, which was predominately due to movement of the upper lumbar and lower thoracic regions. Furthermore, sweep rowing displayed a greater magnitude (P < 0.05) of axial rotation at the catch (created at the pelvis). Both sweep and scull rowing showed values close to end range flexion for the lower lumbar spine at the catch and early drive phases. No difference (P > 0.05) was evident in lateral bend or axial rotation values for the lower lumbar region.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Some differences exist in spinopelvic kinematics between sweep and scull ergometer rowing. However, it may be speculated that the lack of differences in lateral bend and axial rotation at the lower lumbar spine in sweep rowing may represent an adaptive and protective approach of experienced rowers. This may be the focus of future research studies.
authors.affiliation: Sportsmed Subiaco, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Alexander D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Strahan
authors.forename: Angus F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Burnett
authors.forename: Joao Paulo
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Caneiro
authors.forename: Matthew M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Doyle
authors.forename: Peter B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: O'Sullivan
authors.forename: Carmel
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Goodman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D056352:Athletes; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D016552:Ergometry; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010388:Pelvis / Q000502:physiology*; D012399:Rotation; D013131:Spine / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult