CONTINUOUS REGISTRATION OF THE HAND-CURVE IN ROWING: DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SCULL AND SWEEP ROWERS

Abstract

The aims of this study were to examine the shape of the rowing hand-curves, in addition to, assessing the repeatability of hand-curves, between sweep and scull rowers. Data from 10 scullers and 8 sweep State to National level rowers were collected at increasing ratings. As there were no significant differences apparent between ratings, data were pooled. The repeatability of the sculling hand-curve was higher than the sweep rowers. Scullers exhibited a significantly longer stroke arc than sweep rowers and the degree of hand drop into the catch exhibited by scullers was greater for the left hand than the right. The catch height and finish height in scullers was significantly higher in the left hand than the right hand. The normal hand-curve demonstrated by athletes of this level approached, but did not mimic the "ideal" hand path presented in the literature.