ERGOMETER ROWING 'PERFORMANCE IMPROVES OVER 2000 M WHEN USING A STEEPER FOOT·STRETCHER ANGLE

Abstract

The effect of changing foot-stretcher angle on a rowers' mechanics, power output and 2000 m race ergometer performance time were examined. Eight male and seven female national rowers completed a 2000 m rowing race on three consecutive days with the footstretcher angle set to 36°, 41° (currently used angle) or 46°. The Concept 11' ergometer was instrumented to measure normal force under the feet, handle force and seat position. Concept 11 ergometer power output improved when the foot-stretcher angle was increased from 36° to 46°. The magnitude of the effect was related to gender as at 46° the mean improvement for experienced males was 2.4% and for experienced females was 0.8%.