Abstract

The purposes of this study were to: a) determine the potential of rowers’ strength and the degree of its utilization during rowing, b) provide a quantitative description of the rowing technique. The crews of two quadruple sculls took part in the study. First, the torque of the main muscle groups was measured in statics. Then, participants performed 3 series of strokes at rates: 32, 36 and 40 c/min. Subsequently, the inverse dynamics problem was solved. Torso as well as hip extensors are the strongest muscle groups of rower. The hip extensors indicated the highest degree of utilization. It seems that rowing results could be particularly improved by increasing the strength of the hip extensors. Using the muscle torques, generated by large muscle groups during rowing, as guiding parameters will allow for an optimal selection of a high class crew. Verf.-Referat