PROPULSIVE EFFICIENCY OF ROWING

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine propulsive efficiency in competitive rowing. Oar angle, handle force, boat velocity and acceleration were measured in 21 crews using telemetry. Energy waste and efficiencies of blade propulsion and boat velocity fluduations were calculated. Stroke rate and average boat velocity had a positive effect on the blade propulsion but they decrease boat efficiency. Higher ratio of average handle force to the maximal one increases blade efficiency (r = 0.48). Shorter drive time increases boat efficiency (r = -0.69). Improvement of blade efficiency could affect rowing performance (3- 5%) more than improvement of boat velocity efficiency (0.5-0.8%).