EFFECTS OF NON-INSTRUCTED PRACTICE ON A NOVEL ROWING TASK

Abstract

Information feedback has been shown to be an important part of the learning process, yet changes have not been assessed within sporting applications. Non-rowers (n=7) performed a 10-minute novel rowing task, and joint and rowing ergometer kinematics recorded. Following four non-instructed practice rowing sessions, their techniques were reassessed. Results showed that the ergometer handle trajectory became more elliptical throughout the stroke and that the knees were more flexed at catch (11°) and more extended at the finish (13°). Changes in the shape of the handle trajectory caused changes in the lengths of the pull and recovery phases and implied changes in the timing of joint motions. This study is a step towards understanding the motor learning of novices.