THE EFFECTS OF RESTRICTING THORAX MOTION DURING FIXED-SEAT ERGOMETER ROWING

Authors

Cecilia Severin, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, TrondheimFollow
Danise Bentivoglio, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino,Torino, ItalyFollow
Laura Gastaldi, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino,Torino, ItalyFollow
Gertjan Ettema, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, NorwayFollow
Jørgen Danielsen, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, NorwayFollow

Category

Paralympics

Document Type

Paper

Abstract

This study assessed the biomechanical effects of restricted thorax motion during fixed-seat ergometer rowing. Eleven able-bodied participants performed 2 bouts of 4 minutes of submaximal rowing on a custom-made fixed seat. First, the participants were strapped at the waist, allowing thorax motion (“Free thorax”), then strapped around the chest, preventing thorax motion (“Fixed thorax”). Kinematic analysis and force exerted on the ergometer chain were recorded. The “Fixed thorax” setup had lower total power output (p=0.011, Cohen’s d=1.61), total average joint power (p=0.006, Cohen’s D d=1.32) and VO₂ (p=0.005, Cohen’s d=2.00). No differences existed in the elbow and shoulder power between the setups. The results suggest that restricting the thorax has a negative effect on submaximal effort rowing performance, which could have implications for competitions.

Recommended Citation

Severin, Cecilia; Bentivoglio, Danise; Gastaldi, Laura; Ettema, Gertjan; and Danielsen, Jørgen (2024) "THE EFFECTS OF RESTRICTING THORAX MOTION DURING FIXED-SEAT ERGOMETER ROWING," ISBS Proceedings Archive: Vol. 42: Iss. 1, Article 108.
Available at: https://commons.nmu.edu/isbs/vol42/iss1/108