EFFECT OF STROKE RATE ON KINEMATIC CHARACTERISTICS OF SIMULATED ON-WATER DRAGON BOAT PADDLING

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of stroke rate on the 3D kinematics of simulated on-water dragon boat paddling. Twenty dragon boat paddlers (female=12, male=8) ranging in experience level, paddled in a simulated on-water dragon boat condition in a motion laboratory at stroke rates of 40, 50 and 60 strokes·min-1. With an increase in stroke rate, there was a significant decrease in stroke length and increase in drive time to total stroke time ratio (p<0.05). Increases in stroke rate also resulted in changes in lumbar, hip, shoulder and elbow joint angles at paddle entry, exit and joint range of motion from paddle entry to exit (p<0.05). These changes in kinematics should be considered by coaches when selecting the optimal stroke rate for a crew.