Abstract

The main objective of this study was to build an improved model of the rower and boat as a coupled biomechanical system which dynamics is also significantly influenced by environment-water. This model was formulated in order to: 1) simulate some real rowing techniques of given athletes, 2) optimize the position of the athlete in the boat i.e. geometry of foot stretchers, oar-locks, range of seat slide etc., 3) optimize the parameters of individual rowing performance i.e. control action of athletes main muscular groups. As a main performance index the mean velocity of the boat was considered while index including minimization of athletes energetic expanditure should also be satisfied. The interactive user-oriented software ROWSYM was developed on IBM PC/XT personal computer which allows for investigation of the influence of 4 factors describing the athletes kinematic (position), 6 factors describing the muscular activity and influence of selected (4) factors of boat and oars hydrodynamics. The preliminary simulation has shown that model satisfies high level of homology in respect to the real rowing motion and can be useful in individual rowing performance improvement. Verf.-Referat