BODY ACCELERATIONS AS PREDICTORS OF POWER OUTPUT ON A ROWPERFECT BOAT SIMULATOR

Abstract

The training and competition regimen of athletes at the elite level is highly intensive and demands rapid feedback regarding their performance. The aim of this study was to determine the kinematic parameters which correlate with power output per stroke on a RowPerfect boat simulator. Optimal movement patterns for each kinematic parameter were determined for ten elite lightweight rowers. A measure of time/area away from this optimal movement pattern was used to show consistency of movement. A stepwise regression indicated that shoulder and hip acceleration were correlated with power output per stroke (R=0.7, p<0.01). These results illustrate the viability of a training regimen utilising accelerometry based real-time biofeedback.