title: Comparing para-rowing set-ups on an ergometer using kinematic movement patterns of able-bodied rowers.
abstract: While numerous studies have investigated the biomechanics of able-bodied rowing, few studies have been completed with para-rowing set-ups. The purpose of this research was to provide benchmark data for handle kinetics and joint kinematics for able-bodied athletes rowing in para- rowing set-ups on an indoor ergometer. Able-bodied varsity rowers performed maximal trials in three para-rowing set-ups; Legs, Trunk and Arms (LTA), Trunk and Arms (TA) and Arms and Shoulders (AS) rowing. The handle force kinetics of the LTA stroke were comparable to the values for able-bodied literature. Lumbar flexion at the catch, extension at the finish and total range of motion were, however, greater than values in the literature for able-bodied athletes in the LTA set-up. Additionally, rowers in TA and AS set-ups utilised more extreme ranges of motion for lumbar flexion, elbow flexion and shoulder abduction than the LTA set-up. This study provides the first biomechanical values of the para-rowing strokes for researchers, coaches and athletes to use while promoting the safest training programmes possible for para-rowing.
authors.affiliation: a School of Human Kinetics , Laurentian University , Sudbury , Canada.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Cutler
authors.affiliation: a School of Human Kinetics , Laurentian University , Sudbury , Canada.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Eger
authors.affiliation: b Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , Laurentian University , Sudbury , Canada.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Merritt
authors.affiliation: a School of Human Kinetics , Laurentian University , Sudbury , Canada.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Godwin
mesh_terms: D001132:Arm / Q000502:physiology; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000502:physiology; D016552:Ergometry; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008161:Lumbosacral Region / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012782:Shoulder / Q000502:physiology; D013177:Sports / Q000502:physiology*; D060726:Torso / Q000502:physiology
keywords: Joint kinematics; injury risk; para-athlete; pull force; stroke length