Abstract
This study aimed to compare the effect of a 40-min submaximal rowing exercise performed
on ergometers with fixed and free-floating designs. Heart rate, blood lactate concentration,
force and rate of force development (RFD) at the handle, stroke rate, duty factor,
movement kinematics of upper and lower limbs, and muscle activity of lumbar spine
muscles iliocostalis and erector spinae (IC and ESL) were measured at the beginning and at the end of a 40-min rowing exercise
at ~60% of peak power output, in eleven competitive rowers. Force of lumbar extension
decreased, and blood lactate increased following submaximal exercise on both ergometers.
No changes in RFD, duty factor, and muscle activity of IC occurred in response to
submaximal exercise. Rowing on DYN elicited higher heart rate and modified rowing
kinematics (stroke rate, acceleration of the lower limbs) without changes in temporal
or force application patterns compared to rowing on STAT at the same power output.
Rowing on DYN was also associated with increased activity of the lumbar spine muscle
ESL, which could originate from a greater range of motion, or from an increased lumbar
spine muscle activity, at the same overall power.
Key words
injury prevention - muscle activity - range of motion - dynamic ergometer - exercise
prescription - strength and conditioning