THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SEAT MOVEMENT AND BOAT ACCELERATION DURING SCULLING

Abstract

Fluctuations in boat velocity during rowing should be minimised in achieving the shortest possible time for the 2000m race. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the movement of the major body segments of a rower and the acceleration of the boat. Seat position, seat velocity, boat acceleration, and oar angle were measured for one rower for three stroke rates for at least ten consecutive strokes. Seat position was used to approximate the position of the centre of mass of the trunk and thighs. Maximum seat velocity increased with stroke rate. Differences in acceleration of the boat could be related to changes in the slope of the seat velocity curve.